VALORANT patch 13.05 introduces penalties for stream sniping and instalock tools

VALORANT patch 13.05 introduces penalties for stream sniping and instalock tools

Riot Games has released VALORANT patch 13.05, introducing new penalties aimed at players using stream-sniping and instalock tools while also preparing the game for VALORANT Champions 2026.

The update additionally adjusts sound sprays, fixes several agent-related bugs and confirms the return of Pick’Ems for Champions Shanghai.

Riot cracks down on third-party tools

One of the biggest changes in patch 13.05 is the introduction of penalties for software used to gain unfair advantages outside normal gameplay.

Accounts detected using stream-sniping or instalock tools may initially receive temporary game bans.

Repeated violations can result in progressively harsher punishments, including permanent bans.

The move marks another step in Riot's efforts to address tools that provide information or automation unavailable through the standard VALORANT client.

Champions Pick’Ems return September 10

Pick’Ems will return ahead of VALORANT Champions 2026.

Players will be able to submit their Group Stage predictions beginning September 10 through either the VALORANT client or the web.

Points will be awarded for correctly predicting which teams advance, with additional points available for accurately predicting their final group placements.

All predictions must be submitted before the Champions Group Stage begins on September 24.

Sound sprays receive communication-focused change

Riot has also reduced the audible range of all sound sprays.

The audio can now only be heard from nearby positions rather than carrying over longer distances, reducing the possibility of sprays interfering with team communication.

The same restriction will apply to future sound sprays.

Agent Gear rework coming in patch 13.06

Patch 13.05 also previews a larger Agent Gear system overhaul scheduled for September 22.

Players will keep all previously unlocked cosmetics and Kingdom Credits will remain the currency used for Agent Gear.

However, future progression will also be tied directly to time spent playing the corresponding agent.

That means players seeking an item associated with a specific agent will eventually need to use that agent rather than simply accumulating enough Kingdom Credits.

Patch 13.05 also fixes issues involving smokes, Chamber, Cypher, Deadlock, Fade, KAY/O, Omen, SAGE and Waylay.