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

Tokoni Uti Published 13/08/2024

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.

• Read More | New Valorant Wonderstallion bundle price and release date

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.

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.

Read Also

Valorant

VCT Masters London Final Swiss Stage Predictions: Who Makes the Playoffs? Owen Harsono There are only two playoff spots remaining at VCT Masters London, and the final day of the Swiss Stage will decide which teams claim them. Every match today is a must-win, with elimination on the line for all four teams involved. Here are our VCT Masters London Swiss Stage predictions for the final day. NRG will take on FUT Esports in a do-or-die match. We have a very experienced team ...

Valorant

Which teams will make it to the VCT Masters London playoffs? Owen Harsono The first round of the VCT Masters London Swiss Stage has come to a close, and we have a pretty good idea of which teams are looking good – and which ones aren’t. Let’s take a look at the frontrunners who will likely survive the first stage with flying colors. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally able to see the EMEA superteam play in their first international ...

Esports Betting

VALORANT Masters London 2026: Teams, format, prize pool and odds Owen Harsono After a long wait, international Valorant action is back. Twelve of the best teams across four major regions have booked their spots at the upcoming VALORANT Masters London 2026 tournament, and we’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about the event. Masters London is the second international VALORANT tournament of the year, following Masters Santiago in February and March. We have several new rookies making their ...

Valorant

NRG vs 100 Thieves betting predictions and best picks: VCT Americas Stage 1 Owen Harsono NRG will take on 100 Thieves in the lower bracket of VCT Americas Stage 1, with the winner booking the final spot at Valorant Masters London 2026. There’s a lot on the line, as this series will determine how the next few months look for both teams. Here is our NRG vs 100 Thieves VCT Americas Stage 1 predictions. Tournament: VCT Americas Stage 1 Stage: Playoffs Game: Valorant Format: Best-of-three ...

Esports Betting

EWC officially heads to Paris for 2026 as early reports confirmed Michael Hassall The Esports World Cup 2026 will take place in Paris, France from July later this year as per an new announcement by the EWC organizers, the Esports Foundation. Revealed in a post on their official social media, and an accompanying release and blog post, the announcement confirmed earlier speculation that the event would move location due to the “regional situation” around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the info: The Esports World ...

Valorant

Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE betting preview, odds, and best picks: VCT Pacific Stage 1 grand final predictions Owen Harsono FULL SENSE will take on Paper Rex for the VCT Pacific crown, as the two teams clash in the Pacific Stage 1 grand finals. The former made a clean run through the upper bracket, while the latter has been ramping up through the lower bracket. Here are our Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE VCT Pacific predictions. Tournament: VCT Pacific Stage 1 Stage: Grand Final Game: Valorant Format: Best of 5 ...

Valorant

Valorant’s TenZ joins T1 as a content creator Hannan Mundia After a long career with Sentinels, the former professional Valorant player TenZ joined T1 as a content creator. Riot Games’ FPS title Valorant has given rise to multiple names. However, few have earned the recognition and respect that Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo has. While he has retired from his career as a professional Valorant player, he continues to create content on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. While he’s most ...