Valorant
News, coverage and analysis tracking Valorant across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Former TSM and Moist Moguls Valorant player sym dies in accident
Tyler 'sym' Porter, a 21-year-old professional Valorant player for teams like Team SoloMid and Moist Moguls, has tragically passed away in a car accident. The incident also claimed the life of his friend Austen. Porter was known for his skills in the VCT Challengers circuit and was celebrating his birthday at the time of the accident.
I spent a full week testing different VPNs and I'm changing my no-VPNs-while-gaming advice
A week-long test of various VPNs revealed that they can surprisingly improve online gaming performance by lowering ping and latency in some cases. While some VPNs like Windscribe and ExpressVPN showed direct ping reductions in Counter-Strike 2, others like NordVPN offered a good balance of minimal ping increase and robust features. Compatibility issues with games like Valorant were noted, but split tunneling offered a workaround.
Valorant's latest patch brings heartbreaking Sage lore update, and the rework rumors are looking more likely
Valorant's latest patch, 12.08, introduces new lore detailing Sage's powers slowly crystallizing her body, leading to her being put on mandatory bed rest. This update, coupled with previous hints and her declining pick rate in professional play, fuels speculation about an upcoming rework for the popular healer character.
How Pro Players Predict Match Outcomes in CS2, Valorant, and Dota 2
Professional players in esports titles like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Dota 2 utilize a combination of data analysis, understanding of game meta, team form, and real-time adaptation to predict match outcomes. While factors like drafting, economy management, and map control are crucial, unexpected events and player mistakes mean predictions are based on probability rather than certainty.
If you're asking why everyone's making an extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC according to new report, beating Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and PUBG
A new report from Newzoo indicates that Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC for 2025, surpassing titles like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, PUBG, and Apex Legends in total playtime. While not reaching the heights of Fortnite or Counter-Strike 2, its performance highlights the genre's popularity among dedicated players.
The MOP Up: Subnautica 2 just says no to gen AI
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 will not use generative AI, with all development being handled by traditional methods. The article also rounds up other recent gaming news, including delays for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, updates for Dungeon Fighter Online and SMITE 2, and new content for Hearthstone and PSO2.
Meow-X Gaming PC Review: Performance Meets Personality
The Meow-X Gaming PC offers a unique blend of personality and performance, featuring a custom Bobi cat-inspired design and upper-mid-range hardware. It excels at 1080p and 1440p gaming, providing stable frame rates and effective cooling, though its 8GB VRAM limits true 4K Ultra performance. The integrated iGame Center app offers comprehensive system management and monitoring.
Is League of Legends Toxic? An Honest Answer Backed by Data (2026) | TAG
League of Legends is undeniably toxic, with 70% of matches containing some form of negative behavior, though extreme hate speech is rare. Riot Games has implemented significant moderation tools like GATES and Vanguard, alongside an overhauled Honor system, to combat toxicity. While these measures have improved the player experience, structural issues like team dependency and ranked stakes continue to foster friction, making the game manageable for adult players but requiring defensive strategies.
Insurgency Sandstorm blends Battlefield and Counter-Strike 2, and this underplayed FPS is 72% off right now
Insurgency: Sandstorm, a first-person shooter that blends elements of Battlefield and Counter-Strike 2, is currently available at a 72% discount. The game offers a more accessible yet still challenging experience compared to its predecessor, featuring realistic gunplay and fast-paced combat. It is highlighted as a good option for players seeking a refined tactical shooter experience.
Best Games to Play When You Are Bored (2026 Guide)
This 2026 guide identifies games that effectively combat boredom by offering quick starts, short sessions, and instant engagement. Trends show a rise in mobile and browser games for short breaks, while PC and multiplayer titles cater to longer sessions. Relaxing and offline games are also highlighted for specific moods and connectivity situations.
Is Overwatch 2 Toxic? An Honest Answer Backed by Data (2026) | TAG
Overwatch 2 exhibits a complex relationship with toxicity, showing low rates of identity-based harassment but a high prevalence of performance-shaming due to in-game stat visibility. While Blizzard's Defense Matrix program has implemented sophisticated moderation tools, the game's design, particularly the stat scoreboard and hero-locking culture, fosters blame and frustration. The article suggests that despite these issues, Overwatch 2 remains a safer competitive game than many others regarding direct harassment, with strategies like disabling chat and avoiding the scoreboard recommended for a better player experience.
The best VPN for gaming in 2026: These privacy-protecting virtual networks keep your games lag-free
This guide reviews the best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for gaming in 2026, focusing on those that offer low latency and a secure online experience. NordVPN is highlighted as the best overall choice, with Windscribe recommended for the lowest ping and Surfshark for affordability. Mullvad is praised for privacy, and Proton VPN for its comprehensive ecosystem.
MAXOUT DEBUTS AS THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE ESPORTS ECOSYSTEM
Cyber Tech Mob, Inc. is launching MaxOut, an all-in-one esports ecosystem designed to support various aspects of competitive gaming. Available on mobile and browser platforms, MaxOut integrates global leaderboards, professional management tools, and features for teams, leagues, casters, coaches, and competitors. The platform aims to address the fragmentation in the industry by providing a unified destination for essential esports tools.
MAXOUT DEBUTS AS THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE ESPORTS ECOSYSTEM
Cyber Tech Mob, Inc. announced the upcoming launch of MaxOut, an all-in-one esports ecosystem designed to support various aspects of competitive gaming. Available on mobile and browser platforms, MaxOut integrates global leaderboards, professional management tools, and features for teams, leagues, casters, coaches, and competitors. The platform aims to address the fragmentation in the esports industry by providing a unified destination for essential tools and services.
Valve's Steam Controller costs $99 and arrives May 4
Valve's Steam Controller will be available for $99 in the United States starting May 4. It connects to PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and the Steam Deck via Steam or the Steam Link app, with future support planned for Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR. The controller is designed to work exclusively with games launched through Steam.
New Valorant update brings ranked to Skirmish, and introduces the Kuronami 2.0 collection for skin aficionados
Riot Games is introducing a ranked queue to Valorant's Skirmish mode, named Skirmish: Ascension, with a limited agent roster and weapon selection. The update also brings the Kuronami 2.0 skin collection, featuring new looks for the Ghost, Guardian, Operator, and Phantom, along with a transforming melee weapon. Additionally, a new battlepass with cosmetic items will be available.
VALORANT Kuronami Collection returns with transforming Kunai/Katana melee, priced at 9,500 VP
Riot Games is re-releasing the Kuronami skin collection for VALORANT on April 29, 2026, coinciding with the launch of Season 2026 Act 3. The collection includes weapon skins for the Phantom, Operator, Ghost, and Guardian, along with a unique transforming Kunai/Katana melee weapon. The full bundle is priced at 9,500 VP and features custom animations and an interactive finisher.
SKIRMISH: ASCENSION ARRIVES IN VALORANT SEASON 2026 // ACT 3
Riot Games has announced Skirmish: Ascension, a new mode for VALORANT launching with Season 2026 // Act 3 on April 29, 2026. This mode features a curated Agent pool with limited abilities, staged weapons, and a competitive ladder with 1v1 and 2v2 queues. The update also includes the new Kuronami Collection and an all-new Battlepass.
I feel like my screenshots are coming to life through the oil paintings created by ArtbyEri
Artist ArtbyEri transforms video game screenshots into detailed oil paintings, often adding unique stylistic elements like brighter colors and decorative charms. The artist recreates scenes from various games including Valorant, Halo 3, and The Sims 4, with a notable piece being a painting based on The Sims 4 depicting a Sim playing Minecraft. ArtbyEri shares their creative process through TikTok videos, showcasing how ordinary screenshots can become displayable art.
Epic's FNCS Ban Reversal Sparks Competitive Integrity Chaos | HappyGamer
Epic Games faced significant backlash for its handling of disqualifications and subsequent reversals during the Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS). The company initially disqualified five teams for using unapproved third-party applications, issued warnings to another five, and then disqualified one more team just before the finals. However, after three games had been played, Epic reversed course and unbanned all teams, leading to widespread criticism regarding inconsistent rule enforcement and damage to competitive integrity.
