VALORANT Patch 11.04: More shifts before VCT Champions 2025

VALORANT Patch 11.04 is on its way and will introduce a few important changes to agents and map rotations ahead of VCT Champions 2025.

While most teams are still fighting for a spot in VALORANT’s biggest event of the year, Riot Games is almost done with setting up the meta in which Champions will be played. 

Patch 11.04 introduces significant changes to the agent pool and map rotation, teasing a meta refresh just before Champions. Sage and Chamber gain impactful gameplay buffs, Icebox exits competitive play, Abyss returns, and Phoenix has even received some updated voice lines.

Even though teams won’t play regional playoffs on this patch, players know this will be the stage-setting version of VALORANT when Champions kicks off, meaning strategy-crafting starts now.

The standout change in VALORANT Patch 11.04 is Sage’s updated utility.

Her Barrier Orb wall cast range increases from 10 to 15 meters, and her Resurrection ultimate doubles its range to 12 meters, giving her more impact in clutch rounds.

These changes will likely encourage more players to pick Sage, as she now offers safer positioning while controlling space effectively. If used, players will likely explore creative setups with her utility, particularly in high-pressure international matches.

While teams will have to work on surprising new strategies, fans can expect Fnatic to make the most out of Sage in its compositions. The team’s flexible and intelligent playstyle historically thrives with utility-heavy agents, allowing the team to maximise clutch potential after Resurrection.

G2 Esports is also not new to leveraging the full potential of a well-positioned Sage or even a Chamber, though its roster situation might warrant a change in strategy at the last moment. 

Icebox leaves competitive play while Abyss returns, and from the entertainment side of VALORANT competition, it’s a good change.

Abyss’s layered choke points and rotation-heavy design favour disciplined and coordinated strategies, rewarding teams that control mid-round engagements efficiently. But most of all, the map’s verticality and treacherous ledges mean a single misstep off a choke point can cost teams the round.

Teams can learn to use the fall into the Abyss to their advantage — such as G2. Fans can expect the organisation to exploit Abyss with structured control and precise rotations, reflecting its past international performances on the map.

Paper Rex will likely dominate chaotic fights in mid-round scenarios, using an aggressive playstyle to pressure opponents. 

Patch 11.04 may not affect current playoffs directly, but it will definitely shape how teams work towards Champions 2025.