Two OP smokers in Valorant are getting heavy nerfs in patch 9.03

Valorant patch 9.03 brings heaps of changes to the game, but all eyes are on Viper and Brimstone nerfs.

Valorant players know that the game is constantly being updated with new patches. The latest of these is patch 9.03, announced on August 13, 2024. The new Valorant patch 9.03 comes with several updates, including corrections in the Abyss and the Range. But what has gotten fans really excited has been the introduction of Viper and Brimstone molotov nerfs. 

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What are the molotov nerfs in Valorant patch 9.03?

The smoke Nerfs in 9.03 are “ground spreading abilities” for Brimstone and Viper, specifically their Incendiary and Snakebite abilities. With this development, both characters will be more consistent in how their molotovs inflict damage through both the ground and walls. 

Prior to the nerfs, Viper and Brimstone’s molotov could spread damage to the underside of terrains like walls and boxes, injuring enemies on the other side. However, the boundaries of where these attacks would be effective were quite inconsistent. Naturally, players incorporated this into their strategies, using this ability to check for enemies or launch a surprise attack. 

Now, players can’t leverage these abilities as easily because boxes of various sizes are now being used to demarcate where damage can be spread. If a player is off by even a small distance, the attack could be neutralized by the wall, rock, or any other terrain.

This means that if a molotov is tossed near a tall wall, it won’t cross the wall even if it means a spread decrease. This is great news for corner holders and even campers in Valorant.

New Brimstone & Viper Nerf in Patch 9.03 | #VALORANT

V 9.02 // V 9.03 pic.twitter.com/GGo7LACKj9

— Valorant Updates (@ValorantUpdated) August 13, 2024

Since this was announced, the community has had a mixed response. Those who benefited from the terrain attacks have been unhappy about its development. The way they see it, a significant part of their strategy has been affected. Then there are those who are happy to no longer be caught in as many sneak attacks through walls and other solid terrain. 

Finally, we have fans who are happy that there is more consistency overall, regardless of who directly benefits. With these new developments, it’ll be interesting to see what Valorant comes up with next.