So, Riot Games just dropped a massive update for Valorant, and honestly, it feels like we're in for a shock—quite literally! Episode 4, Act 1 is all set to launch on January 11, 2026, and it's bringing a new agent, a fresh battlepass, and a whole bunch of cosmetics. Remember that cinematic teaser we saw yesterday? Well, today's announcement dives deep into what's coming. Let's break it all down, shall we?

The star of the show is undoubtedly the new agent, Neon. Based on electricity and speed, she's designed to be a high-octane duelist. Her moveset is all about zipping around the map and catching enemies off guard. Think you can keep up? Her abilities include a speed boost, an area-of-effect zap to damage nearby foes, and even a high-voltage tunnel she can dash through—but be warned, anyone trying to follow her gets fried! With attacks that come in fast and furious, she's perfect for ambushes. But here's the catch: she's not the tankiest agent out there. Riot seems to have designed her as a classic glass cannon. High risk, high reward, right? Can you master her before she gets overwhelmed?

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Now, let's talk about the loot. The new battlepass, priced at 1,000 VP, offers a mix of free and paid items. Whether you're on a budget or ready to splurge, there's something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:

Free Loot Highlights:

  • Velocity Shorty with Variants

  • Operation: Fracture Player Card

  • Valentine's Tactics Player Card

  • Chicken Out Gun Buddy

  • Lost Connection Spray

Paid Content Highlights:

  • Velocity Karambit with Variants (a sleek melee option!)

  • Schema Vandal (for those precision shots)

  • Velocity Phantom with Variants

  • Hydrodip Frenzy

  • Unstoppable // Sage Player Card

  • Be Mine Valentine’s Day Player Card series

  • Big Brain Gun Buddy

  • Nice One Spray

But wait, there's more! Episode 4 also introduces the Protocol skinline, which looks absolutely futuristic and sleek. It's part of the premium offerings, so if you're into high-tech aesthetics, this might be your next must-have. Why settle for basic when you can have protocol-level gear?

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I get all this?" Well, Valorant remains free-to-play exclusively on PC as of 2026. Remember that mobile port announcement from a few years back? It's still in the works, but for now, PC is where the action is. So, gear up your rig and get ready to jump in next Tuesday!

To sum it up, here are the key takeaways in a handy table:

Feature Details
Release Date January 11, 2026
New Agent Neon (electricity-based glass cannon)
Battlepass Cost 1,000 VP (includes free and paid items)
New Skinline Protocol
Platform PC (free-to-play)
Gameplay Focus Speed, ambushes, and high-risk duels

As we look ahead, it's clear Riot is keeping Valorant fresh and exciting. With Neon's arrival, the meta is bound to shift. Will she become a must-pick in competitive play? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: January 11 can't come soon enough. So, what are you most excited about? The new agent, the skins, or perhaps that Karambit? Let me know—I'll be grinding the battlepass from day one! 😎