The wait is almost over. As a dedicated VALORANT player, I can confirm our long anticipation for Episode 4 is about to culminate in a major update that promises to shake up the tactical landscape. Riot Games has set the stage for another landmark chapter in the FPS title's history, following the significant success of its previous three Episodes which captivated millions. The spotlight is firmly on Neon, the electrifying new Duelist who is making history as the first-ever Filipino agent in the VALORANT protocol. Her official reveal last week sent waves of excitement through the community, and I, like many others, am eager to test her high-voltage abilities on the battlefield.

valorant-episode-4-neon-s-arrival-new-skins-and-launch-details-revealed-image-0

This isn't just about a new face, however. The launch of Episode 4 Act 1 is a complete content package. Alongside Neon, we're getting a brand new battle pass filled with fresh cosmetics and the highly anticipated Protocol 781-A weapon skin line. These sleek, tech-themed skins are already the talk of the community forums. It's the perfect time to dive in, as the current battle pass and its rewards will be leaving the game upon the update's arrival. If you're still grinding for that last item, now's your final chance!

So, when does the new era begin? Based on the official schedule from Riot Games, VALORANT Episode 4 is scheduled to commence. The exact day depends on your region, with most players in the Americas gaining access. This regional rollout is standard practice to ensure server stability.

Pinpointing the exact start time requires a bit of historical analysis. Riot hasn't officially announced a global synchronized launch hour, but we can make an educated guess based on past update patterns. Looking back at the launch windows for Episode 3 Acts, it's highly likely that the update will go live in North America around 6 AM PST. The servers typically undergo maintenance for approximately four hours during this process. This means players should expect some downtime, with the game coming back online and the new content becoming playable around 10 AM PST on the launch day.

For our friends in Europe, if Riot follows its established trend, the update should arrive around 5 AM GMT on the following day. It's worth noting that release patterns can sometimes shift, so I'll be keeping a close eye on official channels for any last-minute adjustments.

A crucial prelude to any major update is the end of the competitive season. The ranked queue for the current act will shut down several hours before the new episode drops. During this interim period, players won't be able to queue for ranked matches. Your only options will be Unrated, Spike Rush, or Custom games to get your final practice in before the rank reset. The in-game client currently indicates that the competitive queue will end at 7:30 PM IST on the eve of the launch. To be absolutely sure for your region, the best practice is to check the Act Rank tab within the game itself—it provides the most accurate countdown.

Here’s a quick regional breakdown for launch expectations:

  • Americas (NA): Update maintenance begins ~6 AM PST. Servers live with new content ~10 AM PST.

  • Europe (EU): Expected update time ~5 AM GMT on the day after NA launch.

  • Asia-Pacific (APAC): Times will vary, but typically follow a similar early morning local time rollout.

As we stand on the brink of Episode 4, the excitement is palpable. From a groundbreaking new agent who expands the game's cultural representation to a fresh suite of cosmetics and the inevitable meta shifts, this update is poised to reinvigorate the VALORANT experience. I know I'll be logging in the moment the servers are live to welcome Neon to the team and see what surprises the new battle pass holds. Remember, agents, finish your ranked grind, prepare for a brief maintenance period, and get ready to embrace the surge of a new episode.