VALORANT Patch 13.05 is live, bringing Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems, stronger enforcement against stream sniping and unauthorized instalock tools, audio spray changes, bug fixes, and an important warning about the upcoming Agent Gear overhaul.
Riot published the official Patch 13.05 notes on September 1, 2026. The patch is intentionally smaller than the next update, with Riot already saying Patch 13.06 will be significantly larger.
Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems Return
Pick’Ems are returning for VALORANT Champions Shanghai. Group Stage predictions become available on September 10, 2026, ahead of the Group Stage beginning on September 24.
Players can make tournament predictions and earn points based on successful picks. It gives esports fans another way to follow Champions throughout the event.
Riot Is Increasing Penalties for Stream Sniping
Patch 13.05 continues Riot’s effort to protect competitive integrity. Stream sniping uses a live broadcast to gain information that a player should not normally have during a match, such as positions, rotations, or strategies.
Riot says players detected using stream-sniping tools can receive temporary bans, with repeat violations potentially escalating to permanent bans.
Unauthorized Instalock Tools Are Also Being Targeted
Riot is also taking action against third-party instalock tools that automate Agent selection.
These tools can interfere with the intended Agent Select experience and provide an unfair automation advantage. Detected use can result in temporary game bans, and repeated violations can lead to stronger penalties.
The safest option is to avoid third-party software that automates interactions with the VALORANT client.
Sound Sprays Are Now Less Disruptive
Patch 13.05 changes how sound sprays behave over distance. Their audio now becomes less noticeable as players move farther away.
This is intended to reduce interference with team communication and important gameplay audio. Riot says this behavior will also become the standard for future audio sprays.
Agent Gear Is Changing
Riot also used Patch 13.05 to warn players about a major Agent Gear progression change coming in Patch 13.06.
Players will keep gear they have already earned, and Kingdom Credits will remain part of the system. However, future Agent Gear progression will be tied more directly to playing the associated Agent.
If you are close to unlocking gear for an Agent you rarely play, it may be worth completing that reward before the new progression system arrives.
Patch 13.06 Is Scheduled for September 22
Riot describes 13.05 as a relatively small patch and says the next update will be much larger. Patch 13.06 is scheduled for September 22, 2026.
The Agent Gear overhaul is already confirmed. Other changes should be treated as unconfirmed until Riot publishes the complete 13.06 patch notes.
Are There Agent Buffs or Nerfs in Patch 13.05?
Patch 13.05 is not primarily an Agent balance update. Its main changes focus on esports features, player behavior enforcement, progression, audio sprays, and bug fixes.
Players waiting for larger gameplay changes should watch for Patch 13.06.
Does Patch 13.05 Change VALORANT Points?
Riot did not announce a major change to the basic VALORANT Points system in Patch 13.05.
If you are preparing for a future skin or bundle, you can browse VALORANT products on Royal Area. If you buy a gift card, always verify that its region matches your Riot account before purchasing or redeeming the code.
VALORANT Patch 13.05 FAQ
When did VALORANT Patch 13.05 release?
Riot published the official patch notes on September 1, 2026.
When do Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems begin?
Group Stage Pick’Ems are scheduled to open on September 10.
When does the Champions Shanghai Group Stage begin?
The Group Stage begins on September 24.
Can instalock tools get you banned?
Yes. Riot says detected use of unauthorized instalock tools can result in temporary bans and stronger penalties for repeat violations.
When is VALORANT Patch 13.06?
Patch 13.06 is scheduled for September 22, 2026.
Final Thoughts
VALORANT Patch 13.05 is smaller than many major updates, but it still matters. Champions Shanghai Pick’Ems are returning, Riot is tightening enforcement against unfair tools, and the Agent Gear system is about to change.
With Patch 13.06 already positioned as a much bigger update, September is set to be an important month for VALORANT players.
For the original technical details, see Riot Games’ official VALORANT Patch 13.05 notes.