VALORANT Patch 4.0, also titled Disruption, has brought several massive changes to Riot Games’ tactical FPS. Including a new Duelist Agent in form of Neon, the first update of 2022 made waves. The biggest shakeup from Episode 4 is undoubtedly the weapon changes however, as the Ares have emerged as early trend setters in the meta.
The popular Spectre sustained significant nerfs, the weapon’s run-and-gun style was targeted. The Spectre’s recoil while running and jumping was nerfed, causing more inaccuracy at medium to long ranges. The nerf also includes an earlier firing error which impacts the gun’s ability to spray.
Conversely, the Ares’ ‘spin-up’ time was completely removed and the LMG’s accuracy was buffed. An option for second and third round buys at only 1,550 credits, the Ares has quickly risen in priority as the most cost effective weapon in VALORANT. Now, the weapon boasts a high damage profile, near perfect aim, and a hefty magazine size. With the most recent change, the Ares has one of the fastest time-to-kill ratios out of any weapon in VALORANT.
Episode 4 has undoubtedly changed the meta of VALORANT, breaking the two-horse race between the Vandal and Phantom. While some have rejoiced the Ares’ sudden entrance into the meta, others have taken challenge with the weapon’s substantial buff. Now potentially better than the two mainstay rifles of VALORANT, you can certainly expect to see far more Ares in your next lobby.
Read more:
- VALORANT makes changes to pick order, introduce cascading agent picks
- These are the patch notes for VALORANT Patch 4.0 – Featuring new agent Neon
- These are the abilities of new VALORANT agent Neon
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