Valorant, the popular tactical shooter developed by Riot Games, has recently released its latest patch, 7.06. Although not a major update, it brings some crucial changes to the game, including competitive updates, agent voice lines, improvements in load times, and bug fixes.
Competitive Update to Counter Botting and Smurfing
One of the significant additions in Patch 7.06 is a competitive update aimed at countering the issues of botting and smurfing. Going forward, Ascendant players will face restrictions in queuing with players below Platinum, even in five-stack parties. This change aims to tackle the growing problem of account sellers using bots to level up new accounts and sell them to smurfs. Additionally, it discourages high-Elo players from queuing with low-Elo players for unfair advantages or boosting purposes.
Sage Receives Fresh Voice Lines
Sage, the game's beloved healer, receives some brand-new voice lines in Patch 7.06. The new voice lines allow Sage to interact with various agents, including Jett, Deadlock, Chamber, Astra, Brimstone, Gekko, and more. Riot Games even added a voice line that references the popular "Jett, Revive me" meme, showcasing their attention to detail and sense of humor.

Improvements in Load Times and Gameplay Systems
To enhance player experience, Riot Games has made improvements to load times by optimizing the loading of in-game accessories such as gun buddies and weapon skins. This change reduces load times and enhances the overall gameplay flow. Additionally, the Combat Reports feature receives backend updates, addressing instances where all the correct information wasn't displayed. Players are encouraged to report any anomalies, especially during pre-round start or after-death reports.
Bug Fixes for a Smoother Gameplay
Patch 7.06 also includes several bug fixes to ensure a smoother gaming experience. These fixes address issues such as unintentional reveals in certain areas, the absence of the Spike plant and defuse UI bar for minimal HUD observers, and flickering vision cones at the start of a round on the Sunset map.
For a more detailed list of changes and bug fixes, you can refer to the official Patch Notes.