Valorant 12.03 patch notes brings Gekko buff and fresh game mode

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Here’s a breakdown of Valorant’s latest update, patch 12.03. It includes adjustments to the agent Gekko and continues the rollout of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Let’s take a look at all the details.

Valorant saw significant improvements in 2026, including updates to several agents and a complete overhaul of the Harbor character. Riot Games also added the ability for players to gift Valorant Points to each other and took steps to combat smurfing by strengthening multi-factor authentication.

Riot Games is continuing to update Valorant, kicking off 2026 with changes to the Harbor agent and introducing a new pistol called the Bandit.

Updates have kept coming, with the latest, version 12.03, released on February 17th. This patch includes adjustments to the agent Gekko, a new 2v2 Skirmish mode, and broader access to multi-factor authentication for improved security.

Gekko update in patch 12.03

This update mainly focuses on Gekko, with Riot Games making small adjustments to slightly improve his effectiveness.

Now, players can take back control of his Mosh Pit, but his Globules will take longer to return – 20 seconds instead of the previous 15.

Riot explained that these updates will standardize how Gekko’s powers function and allow him to retrieve his Globules more easily.

Skirmish is now available as a temporary 2v2 mode. Riot describes it as fast-paced matches on smaller maps where you can only use guns – no special abilities – to practice your aim and shooting skills.

Competitive players in the Asia-Pacific region with an Ascendant+ rank will now be required to use multi-factor authentication to join matches. This change aligns the region with existing security measures for players in Europe, North America, Latin America, Brazil, and Korea.

The full patch notes for the 12.03 update can be found below.

Valorant 12.03 patch notes

ALL PLATFORMS

AGENT UPDATES

  • Added new voice lines for Viper, including conversation lines with Omen and Vyse

Gekko

  • Since patch 11.08, we’ve heard the feedback that Gekko has felt substantially weaker in comparison to other Initiators with less of an opportunity to play around his Reclaim. These changes aim to unify the ruleset for how all of Gekko’s abilities work, give him more flexibility in reclaiming his Globules, and provide a slight power buff overall.
  • Globules: Reclaim timer increased 15s >> 20s
  • Mosh Pit: Is now reclaimable

GENERAL UPDATES

  • Audio occlusion now responds to map doorways being opened, closed, or destroyed.
  • When watching Replays, you now have a setting to skip spectating dead players.

COMPETITIVE UPDATES

  • In APAC, accounts flagged for sharing and all Ascendant+ players must enable Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Competitive queue. Other modes remain unaffected.

ESPORTS FEATURES

Masters Santiago Pick’Ems

  • Pick’Ems return in style for Masters Santiago! Starting February 19 (PT), you can make your picks for the Swiss Stage in-client and on the web.
  • For the Swiss Stage, you’ll be tasked with trying to predict who will advance from the 8-Team Swiss Groups. For extra bonus points, try to predict a team who will make it out flawlessly with a 2-0 record.
  • Earn an exclusive title just for playing, but win additional prizes depending on how you fare against other players.

VCT Player Stats

  • Player stats are now available on the Esports Hub Teams page. Take a look and see how you compare.

MODES UPDATES

  • NEW LIMITED TIME MODE

Try 2v2 Skirmish! For a limited time, team up with a friend and battle it out on smaller maps. This mode focuses purely on gun skill – no special abilities are allowed, so it’s a true test of your mechanics.

Mode Details

  • 2v2 Matchmaking Queue
  • Solo queue or bring a partner
  • First to 10 rounds wins

Gameplay

  • Abilities disabled
  • Full weapon selection each round (no economy)
  • No agent select–hop in and go next fast

Available Maps

  • Skirmish A, Skirmish B, Skirmish C
  • Map randomly selected each match

    • ALL RANDOM ONE SITE

    Loadouts

    • We’ve taken a pass on Stages and Loadouts. All Random One Site is chaotic by design, but your loadout should still give you some agency. We’ve added weapons to a few stages and buffed some of the more niche options—hop in and see what’s new.

    BUG FIXES

    • Modes
    • All Random One Site
    • Fixed an issue where Vyse could continuously place infinite Razorvines during Buy phase.

    KNOWN ISSUES

    Battlepass

    • Hitting ESC will cause the Battlepass elements to disappear/reappear instead of taking you back a page. This will be resolved in patch 12.04.
    • Scroll wheel currently will not work when navigating between the tiers on the battlepass or event pass. This will be fixed soon.

    Store

    • The background for the accessories store is currently missing. This will be resolved in patch 12.04.
    • The Reaver Bandit is showing up incorrectly as a limited edition item. This is not limited edition and will be resolved in patch 12.04.

    PC ONLY

    PROGRESSION UPDATES

    • Refreshed Event Pass & Battlepass
    • Updated layout and button visuals. You can navigate through tiers using mouse or arrow keys.

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2026-02-17 17:19