Valorant Episode 7 Act 3 is slated to launch on October 31st, 2023, following the end of Act 2. Players can expect a new Battle Pass, potential map rotations, and possibly new gameplay tweaks to keep the meta fresh.
Understanding the Episode Structure in Valorant
Valorant operates on a structured seasonal system comprised of Episodes and Acts. Each Episode typically lasts around six months and is divided into three Acts, each lasting roughly two months. This structure provides regular content updates, keeping the game dynamic and engaging for players. Understanding this cycle is crucial to anticipate new content and seasonal resets. The launch of a new Act brings a fresh Battle Pass, competitive rank resets (albeit soft), and the potential for new agents, maps, or gameplay features. Riot Games meticulously plans these updates, carefully considering player feedback and balancing the game to maintain competitive integrity and overall enjoyment.
Anticipating Episode 7 Act 3: What to Expect
While Riot Games often keeps specific details under wraps until closer to launch, we can reliably predict certain additions based on previous Act releases.
New Battle Pass
The cornerstone of each new Act is the Battle Pass. This offers a tiered progression system with cosmetic rewards such as weapon skins, gun buddies, player cards, sprays, and Radianite Points (RP). The Battle Pass is available in both a free and a premium tier. The premium tier, requiring purchase, unlocks access to the best rewards. Battle Pass rewards are often themed, reflecting the overall aesthetic of the Act. Completing daily and weekly challenges is the primary way to earn XP and progress through the tiers.
Competitive Reset
A new Act brings a “soft reset” to your competitive rank. This doesn’t mean a complete wipe; instead, your rank will be slightly lowered, requiring you to play placement matches to re-establish your standing. This encourages active participation and ensures that the competitive ladder remains fluid and accurately reflects player skill levels. The exact amount of rank reduction varies depending on your previous rank. Higher ranks typically experience a greater reduction than lower ranks.
Map Updates & Rotations
While not guaranteed every Act, Riot Games frequently introduces changes to the active map pool. This could involve adding a new map, removing an existing one, or making tweaks and updates to existing maps. These map changes are designed to keep the gameplay experience fresh and prevent stagnation. The community often speculates about potential map rotations in the weeks leading up to a new Act, adding to the excitement and anticipation.
Potential Agent or Weapon Balance Changes
Valorant is constantly evolving, and Riot Games regularly makes balance adjustments to agents and weapons based on player feedback and data analysis. These adjustments can significantly impact the game’s meta, influencing which agents are considered strong and which weapons are most effective. Expect patch notes at the start of Episode 7 Act 3 that detail any balance changes made to ensure a fair and engaging competitive environment.
Preparing for the New Act
To maximize your enjoyment of Episode 7 Act 3, consider the following preparations:
- Complete your current Battle Pass: Ensure you’ve unlocked all desired rewards from the Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass before it expires.
- Practice and refine your gameplay: Use the remaining time in the current Act to hone your skills and experiment with different agents and strategies.
- Stay informed: Follow Valorant news and community discussions to stay up-to-date on potential changes and upcoming content.
- Prepare for the competitive reset: Be ready to grind your way back up the ranks after the soft reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will there be a new agent in Episode 7 Act 3?
New agents are not always released every Act. While possible, there’s no confirmed information about a new agent’s release with Episode 7 Act 3. Riot often teases agent releases beforehand, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Q2: What happens to my current Battle Pass progress when Act 3 starts?
Your current Battle Pass progress will reset when Episode 7 Act 3 begins. Any unclaimed rewards from the Episode 7 Act 2 Battle Pass will be lost. Make sure to claim everything before the deadline.
Q3: How does the competitive rank reset work?
The competitive rank reset is a “soft reset,” meaning your rank will be slightly lowered, and you’ll need to play placement matches to re-establish your rank. The extent of the rank reduction depends on your previous rank.
Q4: Will there be any changes to the available maps in Episode 7 Act 3?
Map rotations are common, but not guaranteed, with each new Act. Check official Valorant announcements closer to the launch date to confirm any map pool changes.
Q5: Where can I find the official patch notes for Episode 7 Act 3?
The official patch notes are typically released on the Valorant website and social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) shortly before the Act’s launch.
Q6: What is the cost of the Episode 7 Act 3 premium Battle Pass?
The premium Battle Pass typically costs 1,000 Valorant Points (VP), which is roughly equivalent to $10 USD. However, prices may vary slightly depending on your region.
Q7: Can I still earn Radianite Points (RP) after completing the Battle Pass?
Yes, you can often earn additional Radianite Points through daily and weekly missions, even after completing the Battle Pass.
Q8: What is the best way to prepare for the competitive rank reset?
Focus on improving your fundamental skills, communication, and teamwork. Review your past games to identify areas for improvement. Warming up before competitive matches can also help.
Q9: Will my MMR (Matchmaking Rating) be affected by the Act reset?
Your MMR is a hidden value used to determine your matchmaking. While the competitive rank resets, your MMR is generally less affected. This means you’ll likely be matched with players of similar skill levels, even after the reset.
Q10: How long will Episode 7 Act 3 last?
Acts typically last for around two months. This means Episode 7 Act 3 will likely run for approximately eight weeks.
Q11: What are some tips for efficiently leveling up the Battle Pass?
Prioritize completing daily and weekly challenges. Play regularly and focus on earning XP through various game modes. Utilizing agent contracts to gain XP can also prove beneficial.
Q12: Will there be any new weapon skins released alongside the Battle Pass?
Yes, new weapon skin lines are frequently released alongside the Battle Pass, often available in the in-game store. These skins can be purchased with Valorant Points (VP). Look for reveals of the skin bundles close to the act’s release.