A new game mode, a new weapon, and more shakeup VALORANT Season 2026.
Riot Games has officially unveiled what’s coming next for VALORANT with the launch of Season 2026 // Act 1. Detailed in a developer update released on 7 January (SGT), the new season brings a mix of fresh gameplay additions, competitive updates and map changes, headlined by a brand-new weapon, a fast-paced limited-time mode, and tweaks aimed at improving ranked match quality. The launch of Season 2026 // Act 1 was first teased with the release of VALORANT's official cinematic and music video:
Season 2026 is positioned as a reset of sorts, touching nearly every part of the game, rom pistol rounds and eco decisions to player behaviour systems and cosmetics.
The Bandit pistol joins the VALORANT arsenal
The biggest gameplay addition is the Bandit, a new sidearm designed to sit between the Ghost and the Sheriff. Riot says the weapon is built specifically to shine during pistol, force-buy, and eco rounds, giving players a new option when credits are tight.
Unlike the Ghost, the Bandit can secure a one-shot headshot kill against enemies wearing Light armour, allowing confident aimers to feel more impactful without committing to a full Sheriff purchase. The introduction of the Bandit is intended to shake up early-round decision-making and give players more room to express mechanical skill on low buys.
Breeze returns as map updates roll out
Breeze is returning to the Competitive map rotation following a substantial rework. Riot has adjusted the map’s layout to better support Controller play, tightened angles, and reduced the scale of several open areas so engagements feel more focused rather than exposed.
To help players adjust, Ranked Rating losses on Breeze will be reduced by 50% for the first two weeks. Alongside the Breeze rework, Riot has also updated select areas on Haven and Corrode, aiming to make wall penetration behaviour more consistent across all three maps.
AR1S (All Random, One Site) turns VALORANT into controlled chaos
Season 2026 also introduces AR1S (All Random, One Site), a new limited-time 5v5 arcade mode. Each round assigns players a random Agent, with combat taking place on a single bomb site within condensed maps. AR1S features tiered buy phases, contested map orbs and TDM-style abilities, with more frequent ultimate usage creating chaotic and unpredictable moments rarely seen in standard matches.
In AR1S, players are assigned a random Agent every round, with no duplicates allowed on a team. There’s no Agent Select phase, sending teams straight into the match after queuing. Each round takes place on a single active bomb site, with physical barriers sealing off the rest of the map and forcing both teams into condensed lanes that heighten pressure and accelerate engagements.
Abilities follow a Team Deathmatch-style system, with players spawning each round with full ability charges at no cost. Abilities also recharge as the round progresses, opening the door to frequent and often unexpected combinations rarely seen in traditional modes, what Riot refers to internally as “Common Unicorn” moments.
Ultimate play is central to AR1S. All players start each round at zero percent ultimate charge, but progress comes quickly. Contested map orbs replace standard ultimate orbs and grant 50% charge, while kills also award 50%. Eliminated players drop ground orbs containing their accumulated charge, turning every fight into a scramble for ultimate control. The result is a mode defined by constant ultimates and dramatic swings in momentum.
Weapons are handled through simplified, TDM-style loadouts rather than traditional purchasing, keeping rounds fast and accessible. Each map features two distinct lane configurations, with the active site revealed during the buy phase to allow for quick planning. At halftime, teams switch sides, with loadout progression and ultimate charge fully reset.
With matches lasting around 10 minutes, AR1S is positioned as a low-pressure, time-friendly option for players looking to experiment with agents they don’t own, learn new kits, or jump into VALORANT without committing to a full competitive session.
Ranked and behaviour systems get updated
On the competitive side, Riot is updating how hidden MMR is calculated in 2026 to better reflect individual skill and improve match-to-match consistency. While most players should see little change to their rank, some shifts are expected as the system recalibrates.
Player behaviour is also a major focus this year. A new annual Community Pact will appear at login, alongside updated systems targeting smurfing, communications abuse and severe offences. Riot is also rolling out Behaviour Standing, allowing players to see how their conduct impacts penalties now and in the future.
Ayakashi Collection arrives with Season 2026
Rounding out the update is the Ayakashi Collection, a new skin line inspired by Japanese folklore. The set introduces VALORANT’s first dual-wield melee weapon, the Kogitsune, featuring twin short katanas with fully custom animations.
The Phantom and Ghost skins include smoke-based equip and reload animations, custom firing audio, and reactive flame effects that shift with player movement. A Kitsune mask motif runs throughout the collection, with glowing eyes and a themed finisher that depicts a clash between two worlds.
Ayakashi is available in multiple colour variants and includes the Kogitsune melee, Phantom, Ghost, plus themed accessories, with the bundle priced at 7,160 VP.
Season 2026 // Act 1 marks a wide-ranging update for VALORANT, with Riot aiming to refresh both how the game plays and how it feels to compete.
