VALORANT Patch 12.03 Changes Gekko and Competitive Play

The VALORANT Patch 12.03 preview is now live. It will bring one Initiator agent and add a new limited-time game mode. Competitive tools and esports elements are included, but the focus is clearly on balance changes within the game. Here's a detailed look at the VALORANT Patch 12.03 preview.

Gekko Changes and Skirmish Mode

Two key features highlighted in the VALORANT Patch 12.03 preview are changes to Gekko’s reclaim times and a new 2v2 mode without abilities removed.

Gekko Gets More Time to Reclaim Utility

Gekko has been seen as less powerful than other Initiators in the recent patches. His reclaim ability controls his skill usage, often giving him less flexibility during mid-round rotations.

Ability Adjustments:

• Globules: Reclaim timer increased from 15 seconds to 20 seconds
• Mosh Pit: Now can be reclaimed after use

The five-second difference in Globules seems insignificant. Gekko now has a little more time to reposition and still get value out of his previous utility use. The ability to reclaim Mosh Pit also makes his playstyle more reliable.

Skirmish Mode: Abilities and Economy Disabled

The second big addition in the VALORANT Patch 12.03 preview is Skirmish, which is a temporary 2v2 queue.

Mode Details:

• 2v2 solo or duo play
• The first team to win 10 rounds wins
• Abilities disabled
• Full weapon set available every round
• No agent lockout phase
• Specific compact maps

Every round starts with all weapons available. There are no smokes, flashes, or recons to use, so all engagements are based solely on positioning and gunplay. This mode will probably be used as a mechanical practice tool. Players who want to improve their aim mechanics can use this mode. Players can also check out the VALORANT X PS Plus Free Bundle for additional in-game rewards alongside this update.

Esports Updates

Security updates are also included in the VALORANT Update 12.03 patch notes. In the APAC region, players ranked Ascendant or higher, and accounts flagged for sharing, must enable multi-factor authentication through Riot Mobile to play Competitive mode. The goal is to reduce account sharing in higher ranks.

Esports integration is also ongoing. Pick’Ems are back for the Masters Santiago, beginning February 19 (PT). Players can forecast Swiss Stage results either in-game or on the web. Player data is now available in the Esports Hub.

Further Changes

• New voice lines for Viper
• Better audio occlusion based on door states
• Replay viewer feature to ignore dead players
• Changes to All Random One Site loadouts
• Fix for infinite Razorvines placement during Buy Phase
• Battlepass navigation bugs recognised
• Background issue in the Accessories store under review
• Event Pass and Battlepass UI updated on PC

Meta Impact

The Gekko reclaim extension might slowly improve his selection rate, especially in team-based gameplay. The meta shift is all about flexible play and lessening the penalty for early utility use. Skirmish is a different story altogether. The distinction between gunplay and tactical layering is a means of conveying the significance of mechanical ability.

The VALORANT Patch 12.03 preview reveals that the team is concentrating on fine-tuning rather than implementing sweeping changes. The net impact on the meta game will depend on how the increased utility cycle is leveraged and whether Gekko’s increased flexibility proves useful in competitive play. Players preparing for competitive map rotations can also explore the VALORANT Best Character Combination for Breeze Rework Map to optimize their team compositions.