Valorant Act 5 2025, releasing on August 20, 2025, brings with it a major competitive refresh alongside new cosmetic collections.
While this act does not introduce a new agent or map, it focuses on significant quality-of-life updates, the return of a fan-favorite map, and a complete overhaul of the ranked protection system.
Ranked system updates and map rotation
The most impactful change in Act V is the introduction of Rank Shields. This system is designed to ease the pressure of demotion by providing players with two shields when they reach 0 RR at the bottom of their current rank.
Additionally, Riot is implementing Ranked Rollbacks, which refunds RR lost in matches where a teammate or opponent was later banned for cheating. The maximum placement rank for the start of the act has also been increased to Ascendant 3.
Current competitive map pool for Valorant Act 5
Meanwhile, The competitive map pool sees a shift as Icebox is rotated out to make room for the return of Abyss. The active map pool for Act V includes:
- Ascent
- Haven
- Bind
- Lotus
- Sunset
- Abyss
- Corrode
Bubblegum Deathwish Collection and store updates
Launching in the store on August 21, the Bubblegum Deathwish Collection offers a high-saturation, punk-inspired aesthetic featuring neon magenta and slime-green accents. The bundle includes skins for the Phantom, Sheriff, Operator, and Stinger.
The centerpiece of the collection is a new melee weapon designed as a neon-pink chainsaw. These skins include custom visual effects, graffiti-style decals, and unique finishers that match the weapon’s color variants.
Valorant Act 5 Battlepass and cosmetic rewards
The Act V Battlepass follows the standard two-track system and includes three distinct skin lines: Interhelm, Belaflaire, and Haloform.
The Interhelm set is the highlight for many, featuring a medieval crystal-forged design and a sword melee weapon.
The Belaflaire line carries an aggressive purple theme, while the Haloform set provides crystalline designs for weapons like the Guardian and Frenzy.
Notable items found within the tiers include:
- Melee: Interhelm Sword
- Gun Buddies: Baker TactiBear, Mosh Vial, and Duck Chillin
- Player Cards: Quack n Loaded, 5 Years: Fire Again, and TB-01 Titan
- Flex Item: Spike Rush Cup, an emote featuring a VCT-themed coffee cup
Valorant Act 5 agent adjustments and technical improvements
Patch 11.04 accompanies the start of the act, bringing balance changes to several agents. Sage receives notable buffs to her utility, with the cast range for both her Barrier Orb and Resurrection being significantly increased to allow for safer playmaking.
Chamber also sees the removal of the range restriction on his Trademark trap, granting him more freedom to flank or hold distant sites.
On the technical side, a new server location has opened in Manila to improve connectivity for players in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Minimap readability has also been improved; ultimate indicators for abilities like Viper’s Pit or Orbital Strike now use consistent colors, with teal representing allies and yellow representing enemies.
