As a dedicated player, I am thrilled to bring you the exclusive first look at the highly anticipated Valorant Episode 4 Act 1 Battle Pass, which Riot Games has just unveiled. Looking back from our vantage point in 2026, it's fascinating to revisit this pivotal update that introduced the electrifying Filipino agent, Neon, and set a new standard for cosmetic collections. While the game has evolved massively since then, the Hydrodip, Schema, and Velocity skin lines from this pass remain iconic collector's items, their designs as striking today as they were upon release. The battle pass, priced at the standard 1000 VP, was a treasure trove that promised to inject fresh style into our arsenals.
The Crown Jewels: Three Distinct Weapon Skin Lines π
Following the successful formula of previous acts, Episode 4 Act 1 delivered three unique weapon skin collections, each with its own personality and arsenal.
1. Hydrodip: Fluid Artistry
This collection brings a vibrant, liquid-like aesthetic to four key weapons. The skins look as if they were dipped in swirling, colorful resins, creating a unique marble effect on each firearm.
- Weapons Included: Bucky, Frenzy, Guardian, Judge.

The Hydrodip Bucky, a masterpiece of chaotic color.

2. Schema: Geometric Precision
For players who appreciate clean, modern design, the Schema bundle offers a sleek look defined by sharp lines and geometric patterns. Itβs the digital camo for the tactical aesthete, as precise and calculated as a master chess player's opening move.
- Weapons Included: Odin, Sheriff, Stinger, Vandal.

3. Velocity: Speed Personified π
The standout collection of the pass, Velocity, was not just a skin lineβit was an experience. Unlike the others, it featured four distinct variants (Base, v1, v2, v3) for each weapon, allowing for incredible customization. Its design, evoking streaks of neon light and aerodynamic contours, made every weapon feel like it was moving at supersonic speeds even when stationary.
- Weapons Included: Bulldog, Phantom, Spectre, Shorty, and the coveted Karambit knife.


The Velocity Karambit, a melee weapon as sleek and deadly as a meteorite's fragment.
Beyond the Guns: A Cornucopia of Cosmetics π
The weapon skins were just the beginning. The battle pass was packed with personality-driven player cards, charming gun buddies, and hilariously relatable sprays.
Player Cards: Showcase Your Style
From the action-packed "Velocity" and "Unstoppable Sage" to the whimsical "Playzilla Rubber Ducky" and festive "Be Mine" series for Valentine's Day, there was a card for every mood and playstyle.

Gun Buddies: Tiny Companions
These adorable trinkets added a touch of humor and flair to our weapons. The lineup included:
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"Big Brain" & "Big ol' Barrel": For the strategic mastermind and the heavy firepower enthusiast.
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"Bunny Tactics" & "Chicken Out": Playful nods to in-game moments.
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"Eco the Bulldog": A must-have for savvy economists.
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"EP 4 Act 1 Coin": The commemorative badge for this specific act.

Sprays: The Language of Valorant π¬
Perhaps the most expressive items, the sprays allowed us to communicate everything from praise to pure comedy on the battlefield. Memorable classics included:
| Spray Name | Likely Usage |
|---|---|
| "Use Ult!" | Friendly (or frantic) reminder. |
| "Potato Aim" | Self-deprecating humor after a whiff. |
| "Nice One!" & "Sweetest Match" | Celebrating a clutch play. |
| "Lost Connection" & "Jett bot" | Commenting on... questionable teammate behavior. |
| "Quack" | The universal spray for any situation. |

A Lasting Legacy
From my perspective in 2026, the Episode 4 Act 1 Battle Pass was more than just a content drop; it was a cultural moment for Valorant. It perfectly balanced high-quality, thematic weapon skins (with the groundbreaking variant system of Velocity) with a deep bench of expressive cosmetic items that players still use as badges of honor. It set a template that future passes would follow and refine. For collectors and veterans today, owning these items is like having a piece of history, a vibrant fossil from the game's dynamic early years. The excitement of unlocking that Velocity Karambit or finally getting the "Potato Aim" spray after a long grind is a feeling that, much like the design of the Schema skins, remains crisp and unforgettable in the annals of our gaming memories.