Riot Games is preparing one of VALORANT’s biggest updates of 2026. Patch 13.06 will introduce the new Warden rifle, the experimental Gauntlet: Glitched game mode, Agent Mastery, competitive profile improvements, a refreshed home screen, and several highly requested quality-of-life features.
VALORANT Patch 13.06 is scheduled to launch on September 22, 2026, just ahead of VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
- The new Warden rifle costs 2,900 Credits and features a 2x scope.
- Gauntlet: Glitched lets players draft and combine abilities from different Agents.
- Patch 13.06 introduces the new Agent Mastery progression system.
- Players will finally be able to enter the Practice Range while matchmaking.
New Warden Rifle Challenges the Vandal and Phantom
The biggest addition to VALORANT’s weapon arsenal is the Warden, a new automatic rifle priced at 2,900 Credits, putting it directly alongside the Vandal and Phantom.
Unlike VALORANT’s existing full-buy rifles, the Warden comes with a 2x scope and is designed around accurate long-range engagements. Riot says it offers exceptional first-shot accuracy while aiming down sights.
The Warden’s confirmed stats include:
- Price: 2,900 Credits
- Magazine: 18 rounds
- Reserve ammo: 36 rounds
- Fire rate: 6.5 rounds per second
- Scope: 2x
- Head damage: 200
- Body damage: 50
- Leg damage: 42
- Wall penetration: Medium
Its smaller magazine and slower rate of fire mean players will need to be more deliberate with their shots, but its damage and long-range accuracy could make the Warden a serious alternative to the Vandal and Phantom.
Gauntlet: Glitched Lets Players Draft Agent Abilities
Patch 13.06 also introduces Gauntlet: Glitched, an experimental 16-player mode featuring eight teams of two.
Instead of choosing a traditional Agent loadout, players create a hybrid Robo-Agent by drafting abilities from a randomized pool. Abilities can then be upgraded as the match progresses, opening the door to combinations that would never normally be possible in VALORANT.
Teams compete in a series of 2v2 battles, losing health when they lose rounds until only one duo remains. Riot expects matches to last roughly eight to 15 minutes, making it a much faster alternative to standard VALORANT matches.
Agent Mastery and Competitive Progression Are Getting Upgraded
The existing Agent Gear progression system is also being replaced with Agent Mastery.
Players will earn Mastery Points by playing their favorite Agents, unlocking rewards including customizable Agent IDs, portraits, icons, borders, and other cosmetics. Previously earned Agent Gear will remain available after the transition.
Riot is also improving competitive profiles and introducing a new evolving Competitive Flex reward beginning with the 2027 season.
Practice Range While Queuing Is Finally Coming
One of VALORANT’s most requested quality-of-life features is also arriving with Patch 13.06. Players will be able to enter the Practice Range while waiting in matchmaking, allowing them to warm up without leaving the queue.
The update also introduces a redesigned home screen, while VALORANT’s console version is expanding to Australia and New Zealand. Riot has also teased that even more content, including a new Agent, is coming after Champions.
With a brand-new rifle, ability-drafting mode, progression overhaul, and several long-requested features, Patch 13.06 is shaping up to be one of VALORANT’s most substantial updates in years.
