With Patch 5.08, Riot Games has adjusted aValorantgun skin that put players at a disadvantage. The fix comes along with other improvements and additions to the popular tactical shooter.Valorant enthusiasts highly anticipatedValorant Episode 5 Act 3for a number of reasons. Act 3 is the last content update for Episode 5, bringing this competitive period to a close. Fans have been waiting for Riot Games to address one easily overlooked issue with a certain gun skin: the Spectrum Phantom. The sleek Spectrum skin series was designed by DJ and record producer Zedd and features his signature “Z” logo. As pointed out byPC Gamer, concern arose when players noticed that the Spectrum Phantom’s silencer juts out, making Agents easier to spot. This undesired effect caused players to avoid using the skin and dub it a “pay-to-lose” item.RELATED:Valorant To Receive UI Overhaul With Next UpdateHowever, this update may make the Spectrum Phantom redeemable. Valorant Community Manager Jo-Ellen Aragon explained the updates inPatch Notes 5.08. The length of the silencer has been shortened to match the base weapon model. Aragon noted that the Valorant team is ready for pros to begin using the gun skin once more, “especially when peeking through garage on Haven.”
While the gun skin issue may have continued to be overlooked, it was the keen eye of avid players that drew the attention of Riot Games. After all, ranked players like TenZ have developed their ownValorant pro techniquesand small details won’t slip past their deadly gaze. A couple obvious pixels of a weapon jutting out could render a player vulnerable and lead to another enemy kill. A gun skin that increases the visibility of a would-be assassin makes the item practically unusable unless adjusted.
However, if pro player Mistic hadn’t pointed the problem out to Valorant associate producer Robin Silk, who was shocked the bug hadn’t been reported earlier, then the Spectrum Phantom might still be undesirable. Thanks to player communication with Riot Games, Valorant pros may give the skin another chance.
