Iso is set to receive multiple nerfs in VALORANT Patch 9.0

Valorant

June 21, 2024

Bryan Francis

With VALORANT Patch 8.11, Iso received a ton of buffs. As a result, the agent has become broken in the game. In a post on X, a VALORANT game designer announced that the agent would receive certain nerfs in Patch 9.0. In this article, we take a look at these nerfs and their impact on the VALORANT competitive meta.

What changes will Iso receive in VALORANT Patch 9.0?

Image Credits: Riot Games

It has been quite an interesting two weeks within VALORANT. Patch 8.11 went live on June 10. According to the devs, it was meant to be the final major patch to go live before VALORANT Champions 2024. In this patch, we saw various buffs and nerfs on multiple duelists. One agent who received quite a buff was Iso. In VALORANT Patch 9.0, Iso will officially receive certain nerfs for his ability kit.

We have previously discussed why Iso is currently quite overpowered in the game. This was due to his ability, Double Tap, receiving a significant upgrade. In this, we saw that the agent had multiple shields during a single round of a match. In a Twitter on the platform X, VALORANT game developer by the username @penguinVALORANT announced the following changes to Iso:

Removing the two-kill reset on his ability Double Tap
Reducing the duration of his Double Tap ability from 20s > 12s

Image Credits: Riot Games

In the same post, @penguinVALORANT had this to state concerning the Iso ability nerfs:

“Removing the reset gives Iso just one activation, and reducing the duration should create a clearer window for opponents to deny him fights.”

The VALORANT community’s response to this news has been quite positive. Since Patch 8.11 went live, Iso has had quite a foothold on the VALORANT-ranked ladder. The agent’s pick rate has increased daily.

With the following nerfs in Patch 9.0, players who play Iso cannot be as aggressive as they wish to be. With the agent not receiving the extra shield after two kills, players don’t have the freedom to dry peak as they did in the past. Following VCT Americas’ announcement that the entire tournament would be played on 8.11, only time will tell how Iso will affect the VALORANT Competitive meta in the VCT Leagues.