Valorant players who main Neon can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The developers have confirmed that an unintentional nerf to Neon’s movement will be fixed in Patch 10.03. This issue was first noticed after Patch 10.01, released on January 21, 2025, and has been a hot topic in the Valorant community ever since.
The problem started when players noticed a significant drop in Neon’s speed after sliding. This change was not mentioned in the patch notes, leading many to believe it was a silent nerf. Content creator temet brought attention to the issue by sharing a before-and-after video on social media. The video clearly showed how Neon’s movement felt slower and less fluid after the patch.
Valorant’s Live Balance Lead, known as penguin, quickly responded to the concerns. On January 24, 2025, penguin confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the change was not intentional. “This wasn’t an intentional balance change. We will be looking into this today,” penguin wrote.
However, fixing the issue isn’t as simple as releasing a quick update. Penguin explained that the problem cannot be resolved with a hotfix. Instead, players will have to wait for Patch 10.03, which is expected to roll out in the coming weeks. The exact release date for the patch has not been announced yet.
This unintentional nerf has been particularly frustrating for Neon mains. Neon, a fast-paced duelist, relies heavily on her speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents. The drop in speed after sliding has made her feel less effective in combat. Some players even speculated that this was another attempt to nerf Neon, who had already received significant changes in Patch 9.11 in December 2024. In that patch, her slides were reduced from two to one, and her ultimate duration was cut in half.
Despite the frustration, the Valorant community has appreciated the developers’ transparency. Penguin’s quick response and promise of a fix have reassured players that the issue is being taken seriously. Many are now eagerly waiting for Patch 10.03 to bring Neon back to her former glory.
In the meantime, players are adapting to the changes. Some have switched to other duelists like Jett or Reyna, while others are experimenting with new strategies to make Neon work in her current state. Competitive players, in particular, have been vocal about the impact of this nerf. Professional players and teams have noted that Neon’s reduced mobility has made her less viable in high-stakes matches.
This incident also highlights the challenges of balancing a game as complex as Valorant. With so many agents, abilities, and mechanics to manage, unintended changes can sometimes slip through. However, the developers’ willingness to listen to the community and address issues quickly shows their commitment to maintaining a fair and enjoyable game.
As the wait for Patch 10.03 continues, players are hopeful that Neon will once again become the speedy and dynamic agent they know and love. Until then, the Valorant community remains vigilant, ready to provide feedback and help shape the future of the game.
For more updates on Valorant patches and agent changes, stay tuned to official Valorant channels and trusted gaming news sources.
