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Valorant 13.02 Patch Notes Revealed: Phoenix Nerfs, AROS Replication Delayed, New Retake Maps

Sonu Banerjee
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Valorant 13.02 Patch Notes Revealed: Phoenix Nerfs, AROS Replication Delayed, New Retake Maps

Riot Games has officially revealed the patch notes for the Valorant 13.02 update, and it’s a rather underwhelming one.

While balance patches are almost never as big as new Acts, the Valorant community was still looking forward to the 13.02 update for a number of reasons. The biggest highlight of the patch was supposed to be the new game mode, All Random One Site: Replication. However, the patch notes reveal that this highly anticipated new mode has been delayed with no set release date in sight.

Fortunately, the devs confirmed that the game mode hasn’t been completely scrapped.

“We don’t take these decisions lightly as we know a lot of you were looking forward to this mode,” Riot Games said in a statement, “We are still targeting a future release date and will let you know when we have more to share.”

Valorant 13.02 Update: All Changes

While fans won’t be able to try out the AROS Replication mode just yet, Valorant 13.02 still brings a couple of important changes worth mentioning.

For starters, Phoenix has received a slight but notable nerf, as the cost of his ultimate has been increased from 6 to 7 ult orbs.

“Overall we are happy with the state of Phoenix’s balance,” the devs said. “This is a small touch to address the frequency with which he is able to cast his ultimate to be more in line with other characters.”

Apart from this, the Retake game mode will see the entry of three new maps to its map pool: Split, Corrode, and Lotus.

Valorant 13.02 Patch Notes

Here’s the full list of changes in the Valorant 13.02 update:

ALL PLATFORMS

AGENTS UPDATES

  • Phoenix
    • Overall we are happy with the state of Phoenix’s balance. This is a small touch to address the frequency with which he is able to cast his ultimate to be more in line with other characters.
      • Ultimate points increased from 6 to 7.

MODES UPDATES

  • RETAKE
    • Split, Corrode, and Lotus are being added to the map pool for RETAKE.
  • AROS: Replication
    • All Random One Site: Replication will no longer be released in this update. We don’t take these decisions lightly as we know a lot of you were looking forward to this mode. We are still targeting a future release date and will let you know when we have more to share.

BUG FIXES

  • Agents
    • Omen
      • Fixed an issue where the Shrouded Step‘s obstructed placement indicator is missing.
    • KAY/O
      • Fixed an issue where NULL/cmd’s visual and death audio effects would not play when his downed timer expired.
      • Fixed an issue where NULL/cmd’s death animation played incorrectly after being revived.
    • Cypher
      • Fixed an issue where Cyber Cage displayed incorrect visual effects when cast.
      • Fixed a rare issue where Cypher disconnected while casting Neural Theft.
    • Gekko
      • Fixed an issue where the incorrect voiceover could play when Wingman planted the Spike.
      • Fixed an issue where Wingman could unexpectedly die while planting or defusing the Spike under very low frame rate conditions.
    • Miks
      • Fixed an issue where the M Pulse ability icon and tooltip could be in the wrong place or missing on certain screens.
    • Reyna
      • Fixed an issue where the Dismiss icon remained grayed out after eliminating an enemy.
    • Chamber
      • Fixed an issue where Rendezvous could fail to teleport Chamber back to his anchor.
    • Waylay
      • Fixed an issue on Icebox where Lightspeed and Refract could allow Waylay to clip into the walls of B Tube.
    • Jett
      • Fixed an issue where Tailwind and Updraft could experience an unintended delay after using Cloudburst.
    • Raze
      • Fixed an issue where Boom Bot could briefly travel through solid geometry while locking onto airborne enemies.
    • Deadlock
      • Fixed an issue where Annihilation could incorrectly capture Omen while he was using From the Shadows, resulting in unintended damage of 900100 damage.
    • Vyse
      • Fixed an issue where Razorvine could become indestructible if it was deployed at the same moment Vyse was suppressed.
  • Maps
    • Summit
      • Fixed an issue where Agent utility could sometimes be crushed by the door when it was already closed.

PC ONLY

BUG FIXES

  • General
    • Fixed a cosmetic issue where Packets Received/Sent Rate graphs showed incorrect values when the game is running at extremely high framerates.

CONSOLE ONLY

BUG FIXES

  • Agent
    • Chamber
      • Fixed an issue where Tour de Force missed haptic feedback when equipped and fired.
    • Yoru
      • Fixed an issue where Fakeout was missing aim assistance functionality.
    • Waylay
      • Fixed an issue where using Lightspeed and immediately equipping the Spike or a Flex item could grant unintended dash speed and distance.
  • Gameplay Systems
    • Fixed an issue in game modes with no abilities where selecting Agent Info from the Settings menu could close the menu instead of displaying ability information.

Where To Watch PMWC 2026: Live Streaming Details, Channels, and IST Timings

Divyesh Moghe
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Where To Watch PMWC 2026: Live Streaming Details, Channels, and IST Timings

PMWC 2026, the PUBG Mobile World Cup at the Esports World Cup 2026, runs from August 6 to August 16, 2026, in Paris, France. Fans can watch all PMWC 2026 matches for free on the official PUBG Mobile Esports YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as the EWC official channels. Hindi commentary is also available for Indian fans on the Krafton India Esports channel. The tournament features 32 teams competing for a $3 million prize pool, including 2 Indian teams, GodLike Esports and Orangutan.

Where To Watch PMWC 2026 Live

Fans can watch PMWC 2026 on the following platforms:

PlatformChannelLanguageCost
YouTubePUBG Mobile EsportsEnglishFree
YouTubeKrafton India EsportsHindiFree
TwitchPUBG Mobile EsportsEnglishFree
YouTubeEsports World CupEnglishFree
TwitchEsports World CupEnglishFree

All streams are free. No subscription is required. The Krafton India Esports India YouTube channel is the go-to option for Hindi commentary for Indian fans watching GodLike Esports and Orangutan compete.

The EWC Creator Co-streaming Programme for 2026 also means authorized creators on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Bilibili can broadcast all PMWC matches. Fans can watch through their favourite creators’ channels in their preferred language.

PMWC 2026 IST Match Timings

Paris operates on CEST (UTC+2) during August. India Standard Time (IST) is 3.5 hours ahead of Paris. A match starting at 6:00 PM Paris time begins at 9:30 PM IST.

Paris Time (CEST)India Time (IST)
2:00 PM5:30 PM
4:00 PM7:30 PM
6:00 PM9:30 PM

Official match start times for each day of PMWC 2026 have not been confirmed yet. TalkEsport will update this article once KRAFTON and the EWC release the daily schedule. Based on previous PMWC editions, Group Stage matches typically start between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM Paris time, which translates to 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM IST.

PMWC 2026 Full Schedule

StageDates
Group StageAugust 6 to August 9
Survival StageAugust 11 to August 12
Grand FinalsAugust 14 to August 16

The Group Stage features all 32 teams divided into 2 groups of 16. Each group plays 12 matches in total. The top 5 teams from each group advance directly to the Grand Finals. Teams finishing 6th to 13th move to the Survival Stage. The bottom 3 teams from each group are eliminated.

The Survival Stage features 16 teams competing in 12 matches. The top 6 teams qualify for the Grand Finals. The bottom 10 are eliminated.

The Grand Finals bring together 16 teams across 3 days, with a maximum of 18 matches (6 per day). The Smash Rule is applied on Day 3, where teams compete until a team reaches the Match Point threshold and secures a Chicken Dinner to be crowned champion.

How To Watch PMWC 2026 In Person

PMWC 2026 is part of EWC 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Tickets for the PMWC days can be purchased at esportsworldcup.com/tickets. Daily Passes start from €7 for Group Stage days. Full Tournament Passes range from €25 to €183. Passes are game-specific, so a separate ticket is needed to attend other EWC titles.

India at PMWC 2026

2 Indian teams are competing at PMWC 2026. GodLike Esports, who won BMPS 2026, are placed in Group B. Orangutan are placed in Group A. As TalkEsport covered in detail, both teams have already had their groups confirmed with GodLike facing one of the toughest draws in the tournament.

GodLike heads into the World Cup fresh off their BMPS 2026 title and a bootcamp in Nepal. Orangutan bring international experience from previous global events. For context on how both teams qualified, see TalkEsport’s Esports World Cup 2026 full guide.

PMWC 2026: Quick Facts

DetailInfo
DatesAugust 6 to August 16, 2026
VenueParis Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
Teams32
Prize Pool$3,000,000
Indian TeamsGodLike Esports, Orangutan
Defending ChampionYangon Galacticos (Myanmar)

FAQs

Where can I watch PMWC 2026 for free? PMWC 2026 is available for free on the PUBG Mobile Esports YouTube and Twitch channels. Hindi commentary is available on the PUBG Mobile Esports India YouTube channel.

What time does PMWC 2026 start in India (IST)? Exact match times have not been confirmed. Based on previous PMWC editions, matches typically begin between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST. TalkEsport will update once official timings are released.

When is the PMWC 2026 Grand Finals? The Grand Finals take place from August 14 to August 16, 2026, in Paris.

Which Indian teams are at PMWC 2026? GodLike Esports (Group B) and Orangutan (Group A) are the 2 Indian teams competing at PMWC 2026.

Who is the defending champion at PMWC 2026? Yangon Galacticos from Myanmar won PMWC 2025 and have received a direct invitation to compete at PMWC 2026.

What is the prize pool for PMWC 2026? The total prize pool is $3,000,000. The Group Stage carries $1.148 million, the Survival Stage $152,000, and the Grand Finals $1.7 million.

What is the Smash Rule in PMWC 2026? The Smash Rule is applied on Grand Finals Day 3. Teams play until one reaches a Match Point threshold and wins a Chicken Dinner (WWCD) to be crowned champion. If no team achieves this within the match limit, the team with the highest overall points wins.

RIVALS Launches Pro Rivals With ₹7 Lakh Prize Pool, College Rivals Season 4 to Cover 100+ Colleges

Divyesh Moghe
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RIVALS Launches Pro Rivals With ₹7 Lakh Prize Pool, College Rivals Season 4 to Cover 100+ Colleges

RIVALS, Ampverse DMI’s gaming and entertainment platform, has launched Pro Rivals, a new national competitive esports tournament, and announced College Rivals Season 4 as its biggest collegiate season yet. The inaugural Pro Rivals runs from July 17 to 29, 2026, with nearly 1,000 teams competing across 6 online rounds for a total prize pool of ₹7 lakhs. College Rivals Season 4 kicked off in Pune on July 20 and will cover more than 100 colleges across 40+ cities, featuring BGMI Solo, BGMI Female, BGMI Squad, EA SPORTS FC Mobile, and Chess for the first time.

Pro Rivals: Format, Prize Pool, and Schedule

Pro Rivals is the first professional-tier esports property under the RIVALS platform. The tournament is being held entirely online from July 17 to 29, 2026, and has drawn nearly 1,000 teams from across India for a 6-round national competition.

The prize pool breakdown is as follows:

PositionPrize
Champions₹3,00,000
Runners-up₹2,00,000
Third Place₹1,00,000
MVP Award₹50,000
Fan Favourite Award₹50,000
Total₹7,00,000

Both the MVP and Fan Favourite individual awards are valued at ₹50,000 each. The MVP and Fan Favourite prizes are in addition to the team prize pool. The tournament concludes with India’s leading teams competing for the inaugural Pro Rivals championship title.

Charlie Baillie, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Ampverse, said: “Pro Rivals represents the next step in the evolution of the Rivals platform. As gaming communities continue to mature, players are looking for more opportunities to compete at a higher level and challenge themselves against stronger opposition. With Pro Rivals, we’re expanding the Rivals experience beyond campuses and have created a new stage for competitive play that complements College Rivals and strengthens the overall Rivals ecosystem.”

College Rivals Season 4: Scale, Games, and New Additions

College Rivals Season 4 is the platform’s largest collegiate competition to date. The season began in Pune on July 20, 2026, and will reach more than 100 colleges across over 40 cities in India.

Games featured in Season 4:

  • BGMI Solo
  • BGMI Female
  • BGMI Squad
  • EA SPORTS FC Mobile
  • Chess (debut on the platform)

Chess makes its first appearance on College Rivals as a competitive title. Tournaments will take place online across colleges and cities. Beyond the competitive side, Season 4 will also include the Rivals Arcade zone, where students can participate in community gaming experiences and engagement activities. Music, creators, pop culture elements, and immersive campus experiences remain part of the College Rivals format.

Sumedha Mahajan, India Business Head at Ampverse DMI, said: “With Season 4, we’re significantly expanding the scale and experience of College Rivals, reaching more campuses, introducing new formats like Chess, and creating more ways for students to engage with gaming and youth culture. Alongside this, Pro Rivals extends the RIVALS platform by bringing together professional organisations and emerging teams in a national competition, giving players and fans new ways to experience RIVALS throughout the year.”

About RIVALS and Ampverse DMI

RIVALS is a youth culture and gaming entertainment platform owned and operated by Ampverse DMI Private Limited, a joint venture between Ampverse Group and DMI Finance, an RBI-registered NBFC in India. The platform runs College Rivals and Pro Rivals as its flagship competitive IPs alongside a youth marketing agency arm.

Ampverse has a history in Indian esports that goes back to 2021, when it acquired 7Sea Esports with a planned multi-million dollar investment to accelerate the gaming ecosystem. College Rivals has grown steadily since its first edition and is now in its fourth season, moving from a campus-only focus to a dual presence in both collegiate and professional esports.

India’s mobile gaming and esports market was valued at US$1.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$2.4 billion by 2029, as reported in the MIXI Global Investments India State of Play report. The launch of structured platforms like Pro Rivals and the expansion of College Rivals reflects that growth trajectory.

FAQs

What is Pro Rivals? Pro Rivals is a new national competitive esports tournament by RIVALS. The inaugural edition runs from July 17 to 29, 2026, with nearly 1,000 teams competing online across 6 rounds for a ₹7 lakh prize pool.

What is the prize pool for Pro Rivals? The total prize pool is ₹7,00,000. The champions receive ₹3 lakhs, runners-up ₹2 lakhs, third place ₹1 lakh, and ₹50,000 each for the MVP and Fan Favourite awards.

What games are featured in College Rivals Season 4? BGMI Solo, BGMI Female, BGMI Squad, EA SPORTS FC Mobile, and Chess, which makes its College Rivals debut in Season 4.

How many colleges will College Rivals Season 4 reach? More than 100 colleges across over 40 cities in India.

When did College Rivals Season 4 start? College Rivals Season 4 began in Pune on July 20, 2026.

Who owns RIVALS? RIVALS is owned and operated by Ampverse DMI Private Limited, a joint venture between Ampverse Group and DMI Finance.

The MongolZ Coach MaaRaa to Miss BLAST Bounty Finals and EWC 2026

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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The MongolZ Coach MaaRaa to Miss BLAST Bounty Finals and EWC 2026

Mongolian Counter-Strike powerhouse The MongolZ have confirmed that head coach Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat will miss out on the BLAST Bounty Finals and the Esports World Cup 2026, landing a major blow for the team ahead of two of Counter-Strike 2’s biggest tournaments of the year.

Despite his absence at the venue, MongolZ confirmed that he will perform his coaching duties from a distance throughout the entirety of both events. His absence was felt by the team earlier at the ESL Pro League Season 23 Playoffs and BLAST Open Rotterdam, where the Mongolian squad was eliminated in the quarter-finals on both occasions, and as the roster continues to integrate new players, this will be nothing short of a detrimental setback.

The MongolZ, having overcome a poor season by their standards, impressed at the BLAST Bounty event by making it to the playoffs following the additions of Zolbayar “tikuak” Chimedtseren and Dugarsuren “DarkMeister” Ireedui. Following the departure of senzu, the MongolZ struggled to look as good as they did in this event, leading to raised expectations from the community, but they will have to replicate the same, only this time it will be without their coach.

maaRaa has been on the receiving end of a plethora of praise following The MongolZ’s rise in the international Counter-Strike circuit. From being voted in 2025 as the second-best coach of the year, he stands as one of the most respected coaches in CS2. His tactical superiority and ability to adapt and overcome challenges have proved to be instrumental in the team’s rise to the top.

With the Esports World Cup set to start in mid-August, defending champions MongolZ will have their work cut out for them as maaRaa was a key figure in their triumph last year. The team’s drop in form over the course of the season was readily apparent to everyone, and defending the trophy becomes twice as hard without the coach, especially with Falcons and Vitality waiting to take it away from them.

It is hard to tell how much maaRaa can support the team remotely, but it is the only option available for them. From what we have come to see in recent events, maaRaa’s absence leaves the team vulnerable mid-match, but now they are coming in with a new roster that has impressed; it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the challenges.

GTA 6 Physical Codes in Japan Expire 170 Days After Launch

Aritra Patra
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GTA 6 Physical Codes in Japan Expire 170 Days After Launch

GTA 6 physical edition codes in Japan will expire 170 days after launch, Rockstar has confirmed. The restriction applies only to the Japanese PS5 version of the game and does not affect any other region or platform. Rockstar shared the details on its official GTA 6 support page, and it comes at a time when pre-orders for the game are already live.

Here is what the 170-day rule means, why it exists, and who it affects.

GTA 6 Physical Edition Japan Code Expiry Explained

Rockstar’s support page for GTA 6 states that product codes issued in Japan will expire 170 days after the issuance date. The issuance date is the same as the game’s launch date, November 19, 2026. That puts the expiry date at May 8, 2027.

The rule only applies to the Japanese PS5 version of GTA 6. Xbox codes are not region-locked and do not carry this expiration.

GTA 6’s physical edition does not include a disc. Instead, buyers get a code in a box that they redeem to download the full game. This format has become more common across the industry, but Japan’s version comes with an added condition that other regions don’t have.

Rockstar has attributed the expiry window to regional regulations in Japan. Reports point to Japan’s Payment Services Act, which requires companies selling prepaid digital codes to deposit a portion of the sale value with the government to protect consumers if the company folds. Codes that expire within 6 months of issuance are exempt from this requirement, and the 170-day window fits inside that limit.

Who First Reported the GTA 6 Japan Expiry Detail

The detail was first flagged by Power Unlimited columnist Genki, who spotted evidence of the restriction and later confirmed it applied to the base game rather than just a pre-order bonus.

There was some early confusion over whether the expiry applied to the full game code or only to a pre-order cosmetic pack. Rockstar’s support page clears this up. Both pre-ordered copies, which include a cosmetic pack code, and standard retail copies in Japan carry the same 170-day limit on the main game code.

GTA 6 Release Date and Editions

GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The Standard Edition costs $79.99, and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99. The Ultimate Edition does not have a physical release, so the code expiry issue only applies to Standard Edition physical copies bought in Japan.

Anyone in Japan planning to buy the physical PS5 edition of GTA 6 needs to redeem the code before May 8, 2027. Rockstar has not confirmed what happens to unsold physical copies after that date, or whether a new batch of stock would come with a fresh expiry window. Xbox buyers in Japan are not affected by this limit.

Pre-orders for GTA 6 are open now across both platforms. Rockstar has not announced any similar expiry policy for physical codes outside Japan.

GTA 6 Australia Age Verification: Rockstar Faces $35 Million Fine Risk

Fortnite Storm Update Speeds Up Endgames, Nerfs Guardian Shield

Aritra Patra
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Fortnite Storm Update Speeds Up Endgames, Nerfs Guardian Shield

The Fortnite Storm Update rolled out on July 27, 2026, and it changes how endgames play out in Battle Royale. Epic Games confirmed the changes through an official Fortnite Status post on X. The Storm now closes faster in the later stages of a match, while the Guardian Shield has been nerfed.

Here is everything that changed and what it means for your matches.

Fortnite Storm Update: Storm Circles Now Close Faster

Epic Games said storm circles now close faster in the later phases of a match. Early game pacing stays the same, but as a match goes on, players get less time to rotate.

According to Epic, the storm wait time has been reduced by 98 seconds, and closing times are reduced by 50 seconds. Phase 2 to 5 circles are also around 7% to 20% smaller than before.

Triangle-shaped storms have been removed completely. Epic introduced this storm shape on December 12, 2025, and it stayed in the game for 228 days before being taken out.

These changes combined mean a full Fortnite match can now finish about 2 minutes and 30 seconds faster than before. Ted Timmins, Senior Design Director on Fortnite, said this is an active trial and that Epic is looking for player feedback. If the new pacing does not land well, Epic can adjust it. Storm circles in competitive play are not affected by this update, at least for now.

Guardian Shield Nerf: What Changed

The Guardian Shield has received a big nerf in this update. Its duration at full charge has dropped from 20 seconds to 10 seconds, so it drains twice as fast. The recharge delay has also gone up, from 5 seconds to 8 seconds, making it slower to use again after it runs out.

Epic said the change is meant to pull back on the item’s overall defensive power. Reports suggest the shield had also been linked to exploits that let players stall out endgames, and this nerf is aimed at fixing that.

Fortnite Weapon Loot Pool Changes: Buffs and Nerfs

Several weapons were adjusted alongside the Storm and Guardian Shield changes.

  • Pistols and Bank Shot Pistol: Standard pistol spawn rates have been reduced across the map, while Bank Shot Pistols are now easier to find. The Bank Shot Pistol also got a damage buff of 7%, and its damage against builds increased by 5% to 6%. Its bounce shot multiplier was reduced from 1.6x to 1.5x, though the chance of landing bounce shots has gone up.
  • Surgical Burst Rifle: This rifle got a damage buff across all rarities: Common damage is up by 1, and Uncommon through Mythic damage is up by 2. Aim-down-sights accuracy improved by around 5% to 6%, and sprinting accuracy is up by 5%. In exchange, reload speed is about 8% slower, and the Mythic version’s fire rate dropped from 15 to 14.
  • Warforged Assault Rifle: The Warforged AR also got buffed. Fire rate increased from 7.2 to 7.3, and reloads are 5% faster. Aim-down-sights accuracy is up by 5%, while airborne, sprinting, and sustained accuracy all improved by around 17%.
  • Mythic Weapons: Harley Quinn’s Mythic pistol now deals 27 close-range damage instead of 28, though its mid to long-range damage increased slightly by 0.1. Poison Ivy’s Mythic pistol damage was reduced by 3%. Catwoman’s Rapid Fire SMG magazine size increased to 27 rounds.
  • Other Items: Shock Rocks now drop in stacks of 2 instead of 1, though their max stack size has been reduced to 4. They are also cheaper in Zero Build lobbies, now costing 150 Gold Bars. Cluster Clingers now drop in stacks of 2 as well.

In Zero Build vending machines, the Pocket Med-Mist Smoke item has been replaced by Spicy Ice Cream, and the Port-A-Cover is now purchasable from the same machines.

Why Epic Made These Changes

Epic Games said these adjustments came from direct community feedback. Since the Battle Bus Victory Royale anomaly was added to Fortnite, players have leaned on every possible exploit to reach the endgame, and the Guardian Shield was part of that problem.

With FNCS Globals season approaching, Epic is expected to keep fine-tuning Fortnite’s balance in the coming weeks, possibly continuing into the next v41.30 update.

When did the Fortnite Storm Update go live?

The update went live on July 27, 2026, through a hotfix confirmed by Epic Games on the official Fortnite Status account.

Is the new Storm pacing permanent?

No. Epic Games has called it an active trial and says it may adjust the pacing based on player feedback.

Does the Storm change affect competitive Fortnite?

No, competitive storm circles remain unchanged for now.

Phoenix Ultimate Reportedly Getting Nerfed in Next Valorant Patch

Sonu Banerjee
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Phoenix Ultimate Reportedly Getting Nerfed in Next Valorant Patch

Following back-to-back nerfs to Yoru, Reyna, Waylay, and Neon, it looks like Phoenix is the next Agent to be in Riot’s crosshairs, as recent leaks suggest that the fiery Duelist is set for a significant nerf in the next Valorant update.

According to a number of leaks circulating on X and other social media forums, the ultimate cost of Phoenix is reportedly rising from 6 to 7 ult points, meaning players will need to collect more orbs to be able to cast his Run It Back.

Whether these are the only nerfs Phoenix will receive is still unknown at the time of writing.

On top of that, Riot Games hasn’t confirmed any Phoenix nerfs whatsoever, so be sure to take this information with a grain of salt.

When are the Phoenix Nerfs Coming?

The aforementioned Phoenix nerfs in Valorant are expected to arrive alongside the release of Valorant Patch 13.02.

Other than the Phoenix nerfs, fans can also expect to see the new game mode All Random One Site: Replication being added to Valorant with its upcoming patch. Details of the mode have not been officially revealed as of yet.

There are also rumors circulating regarding a new Neo Frontier 2.0 bundle, including a Vandal, a Shorty, and a Lasso melee skin. Whether this bundle will be added with the next update is still unclear.

The Valorant 13.02 update will hit the live servers on July 28 or July 29, 2026, based on your game region.

Fans are advised to keep an eye on Riot Games’ social media handles for the official patch notes of the new update. Should the devs stick to their usual schedule, the release notes will likely be revealed in a few hours.

VALORANT Patch 13.02: Phoenix Nerf, Deadlock Fixes and Everything New

Divyesh Moghe
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VALORANT Patch 13.02: Phoenix Nerf, Deadlock Fixes and Everything New

VALORANT Patch 13.02 is now live, bringing a small but notable update to Riot Games’ tactical shooter. The July 28 patch focuses on Phoenix, the Retake game mode, and several bug fixes across agents and maps.

Unlike some recent updates, Patch 13.02 does not introduce major balance changes across the roster. Instead, Riot has made a targeted adjustment to Phoenix while addressing several issues affecting gameplay.

Phoenix Ultimate Nerf in VALORANT Patch 13.02

The biggest gameplay change in VALORANT Patch 13.02 affects Phoenix.

Riot has increased the cost of Phoenix’s Run It Back ultimate from six Ultimate Points to seven. According to Riot, the change is intended to reduce how frequently Phoenix can use his ultimate and bring its availability more in line with other agents.

Riot also stated that it is generally happy with Phoenix’s current balance. This means the change is more of a targeted adjustment than a major rework.

For Phoenix players, collecting Ultimate Points and managing them effectively will now be slightly more important during matches.

Split, Corrode and Lotus Added to Retake

Patch 13.02 also expands VALORANT’s Retake game mode.

The maps Split, Corrode and Lotus have been added to the Retake map pool. This gives players more locations to experience the fast-paced mode and adds greater variety to its rotation.

Meanwhile, Riot has delayed the release of AROS: Replication. The developer says it is still targeting a future release and will share more information when available.

Deadlock Gets a Bug Fix

Despite the original patch title suggesting Deadlock changes, there is no Deadlock balance adjustment in Patch 13.02.

Instead, Riot fixed an unusual bug involving Deadlock’s Annihilation and Omen’s From the Shadows. The interaction could incorrectly capture Omen and result in an extremely high damage value.

The patch also includes fixes for agents including Omen, KAY/O, Cypher, Gekko, Reyna, Chamber, Waylay, Jett, Raze and Vyse.

VALORANT Patch 13.02: Key Changes

Patch 13.02 is a relatively small update. Phoenix’s ultimate now requires seven points, three maps join Retake, AROS: Replication has been delayed, and several gameplay bugs have been addressed.

For competitive and casual players, the Phoenix change is the most important gameplay adjustment to watch following the July 28 update.

Best Free Fire Character Combination for Rank Push (2026)

Hoax
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Best Free Fire Character Combination for Rank Push (2026)

Choosing the right character combination in Free Fire can make a noticeable difference during ranked matches. While mechanical skill, positioning, and teamwork remain the biggest factors in winning fights, a well-planned character loadout can improve survivability, movement, healing, or offensive potential.

After testing multiple combinations across Battle Royale and Clash Squad on recent game versions, one pattern stands out: the best combination depends on your role, not on a single “best” character.

This guide covers the strongest character combinations for different playstyles in 2026, explains why they work, and helps you choose the right setup for your ranked matches.

Quick Answer: Best Free Fire Character Combination

If you want one versatile combination for most ranked matches, start with:

  • Oscar: Aggressive breach ability
  • Jota: HP recovery after eliminations
  • Shirou: Improved armor penetration after taking damage
  • Kelly (Awakened): Faster sprint and improved mobility

This combination offers a balanced mix of aggression, mobility, and survivability, making it suitable for both Battle Royale and Clash Squad.

How Free Fire Character Combination Work

Every loadout consists of:

  • 1 Active Skill
  • Up to 3 Passive Skills

The active skill defines your primary strategy, while passive skills enhance movement, healing, weapon handling, or combat effectiveness.

Rather than selecting the strongest individual characters, build a combination where each ability complements the others.

Best Character Combination for Battle Royale

Active

Oscar
Oscar’s active skill helps create openings during close-range fights and can pressure opponents using cover.

Passive

Kelly (Awakened)
Extra sprint speed improves rotations, zone movement, and flanking opportunities.

Jota
Recover HP after knocking down or eliminating opponents using weapons, helping maintain momentum during extended engagements.

Miguel
Gain EP after eliminations, which can later convert into HP depending on your equipped items and gameplay.

Why This Combination Works

Battle Royale rewards players who survive multiple engagements without constantly searching for healing items.

This setup focuses on:

  • Mobility
  • Sustained fights
  • Faster recovery
  • Consistent pressure

Best Character Combination for Clash Squad

Active

Skyler

Useful for disrupting enemy defenses and applying pressure in fast-paced rounds.

Passive

Hayato
Higher armor penetration as HP decreases.

Jota
Quick HP recovery after eliminations.

D-Bee
Improved movement accuracy while firing.

Why It Works

Clash Squad rewards aggressive pushes and quick eliminations.

This combination increases survivability while maintaining offensive pressure throughout each round.

Best Character Combination for Solo Rank Push

Solo players cannot rely on teammates for support.

Recommended combination:

  • Oscar
  • Kelly
  • Jota
  • Hayato

Strengths

  • Fast rotations
  • Better survivability
  • Higher close-range damage
  • Easier recovery after fights

Best Character Combination for Duo Matches

Recommended setup:

  • Skyler
  • Kelly
  • Miguel
  • Jota

This allows both teammates to rotate quickly while maintaining enough healing resources to survive consecutive fights.

Communication remains more important than character selection.

Best Character Combination for Squad Matches

When playing with friends, avoid everyone using identical skills.

Instead, assign roles.

Example:

Entry Fragger

  • Oscar
  • Kelly
  • Hayato
  • Jota

Support

  • Dimitri
  • Kapella
  • Miguel
  • Kelly

Scout

  • Clu
  • Kelly
  • Hayato
  • Jota

Specialized roles often create stronger team synergy than four identical loadouts.

Best Character Combination for Beginners

New players benefit more from forgiving skills than high-risk offensive builds.

Recommended:

  • Kelly
  • Jota
  • Miguel
  • Hayato

These abilities are easy to understand and remain effective across different weapons and maps.

Best Character Combination for Rush Players

Rush-focused players spend most of the match taking close-range fights.

Recommended:

  • Oscar
  • Jota
  • Hayato
  • D-Bee

Advantages:

  • Better close-range accuracy
  • Faster healing
  • Strong armor penetration
  • Continuous pressure

Best Character Combination for Rush Players

Rush-focused players spend most of the match taking close-range fights.

Recommended:

  • Oscar
  • Jota
  • Hayato
  • D-Bee

Advantages:

  • Better close-range accuracy
  • Faster healing
  • Strong armor penetration
  • Continuous pressure

Best Character Combination for Snipers

Long-range specialists should prioritize positioning and precision.

Recommended:

  • Clu
  • Kelly
  • Hayato
  • Miguel

These skills improve mobility and increase your effectiveness during extended engagements.

Character Combination by Weapon Type

SMGs

Best companions:

  • Jota
  • Kelly
  • Hayato

These complement aggressive movement and short-range combat.

Assault Rifles

Recommended:

  • Kelly
  • Miguel
  • Shirou

Balanced for medium-range engagements.

Shotguns

Ideal setup:

  • Oscar
  • Jota
  • Hayato

Perfect for fast pushes and close-range eliminations.

Common Mistakes Players Make

Copying Professional Players:
Professional players often use combinations tailored to coordinated teams and high-level tournaments.
Ranked matches are different.
Choose skills that fit your own strengths.

Ignoring Playstyle:
An excellent sniper build won’t help if you always rush buildings.
Your abilities should match how you naturally play.

Frequently Changing Characters
Switching combinations every few matches makes it harder to understand what works.
Play at least 20 ranked matches before making major changes.

Choosing Popular Instead of Practical
Just because a combination is trending doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your device, weapon preference, or teammates.

Also read: Best Free Fire Sensitivity Settings for Headshots (2026)

The strongest Free Fire character combination isn’t simply the one with the highest damage output—it’s the one that complements your playstyle and helps you make consistent decisions under pressure.

Start with a balanced loadout, play enough ranked matches to evaluate its strengths, and make small adjustments over time. Combined with solid positioning, accurate aim, and effective teamwork, the right character combination can give you a meaningful advantage in both Battle Royale and Clash Squad throughout 2026.

FAQs

What is the best character combination for rank push?
A balanced combination of Oscar, Jota, Kelly (Awakened), and Shirou performs well for many players because it combines mobility, recovery, and offensive potential.

Which character is best for beginners?
Kelly is one of the easiest characters to use effectively thanks to her movement speed, which benefits nearly every playstyle.

Should I use the same combination for Battle Royale and Clash Squad?
Not necessarily. Battle Royale usually rewards survival and resource management, while Clash Squad favors aggressive combat and quick rounds. Adjust your loadout based on the game mode.

Are premium characters required to reach Heroic?
No. Good positioning, aim, communication, and decision-making have a much greater impact on rank progression than character selection alone.

How often should I change my character combination?
Only after significant balance updates or if your current loadout no longer matches your preferred playstyle. Constant switching can make it harder to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each setup.

Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today (July 28, 2026): Get Free Diamonds, Skins, and More

Divyesh Moghe
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Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today (July 28, 2026): Get Free Diamonds, Skins, and More

Free Fire MAX redeem codes (FF Redeem Code) for today, July 28, 2026, are here. Garena releases new codes regularly that give players free in-game rewards including diamonds, weapon skins, character bundles, Gloo Wall skins, loot crates, and vouchers. These codes are 12-character alphanumeric combinations that expire quickly, usually within 12 to 24 hours, and are limited to a set number of claims. Players on the Indian server should redeem them right away through the official Garena rewards redemption site before the codes run out.

Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for July 28, 2026 (FF Redeem Code)

Here are the active Free Fire MAX redeem codes for today:

CodeReward
P3LX6V9TM2QHWeapon skin / loot crate
FFWCTKX2P5NQFree diamonds / voucher
TX4SC2VUNPKFCharacter outfit bundle
RHTG9VOLTDWPGloo Wall skin
N7QK5L3MRP9JWeapon loot crate
J2QP8M1KVL6VPet skin / emote
E9QH6K4LNP7VFree diamonds
S5PL7M2LRV8KWeapon skin
Q8M4K7L2VR9JLoot crate
RD3TZK7WME65Character bundle
ZRW3J4N8VX56Gloo Wall skin
TFX9J3Z2RP64Free diamonds / voucher
WD2ATK3ZEA55Weapon skin
FFPLUFBVSLOTPet skin
MCPW3D28VZD6Free diamonds
ZZZ76NT3PDSHLoot crate
V427K98RUCHZCharacter outfit
J3ZKQ57Z2P2PWeapon skin / emote

Note: Rewards vary by server region. Some codes are region-restricted. Codes that show as expired or at their limit cannot be used. Each code can only be used once per account.

How to Redeem Free Fire MAX Codes

To redeem Free Fire MAX codes (FF Redeem Code), follow these steps:

  1. Open any browser and go to the official Garena rewards redemption site: reward.ff.garena.com
  2. Log in using your linked account: Facebook, Google, X (Twitter), Apple ID, VK, or Huawei ID
  3. Enter the code exactly as shown. Copy and paste to avoid errors.
  4. Click Confirm
  5. Rewards will be sent to your in-game mailbox within 24 hours
  6. Open Free Fire MAX and collect your rewards from the mailbox

Important: Guest accounts cannot redeem codes. You must be logged in with an official platform ID to claim rewards.

Free Fire MAX Redeem Code Rules

Players should keep these rules in mind before redeeming:

  • Each code can only be redeemed once per account
  • Codes expire in 12 to 24 hours in most cases
  • Most codes have a global usage cap of 500 to 5,000 claims
  • Some codes are region-specific and will not work on other servers
  • Once a code hits its claim limit, it becomes inactive even if the time has not expired
  • Codes do not work on Guest accounts

What Are Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes?

Free Fire MAX redeem codes are special promotional codes released by Garena. They are 12 to 16 characters long and contain a mix of letters and numbers. Players enter them on the official redemption website to unlock free in-game items. Rewards from codes include diamonds, character bundles, weapon skins, Gloo Wall skins, pet skins, emotes, loot crates, and gold vouchers.

Garena does not release codes on a fixed daily schedule. New codes appear during events, game updates, and anniversaries. The 9th Anniversary event, which runs through July 13, 2026, has been one of the most active periods for code drops this year. As covered in TalkEsport’s Free Fire 9th Anniversary guide, Garena has been running multiple reward programmes including a free Magic Cube, community-designed backpacks, and exclusive in-game events throughout the anniversary window.

For a full guide on every way to earn free rewards in Free Fire MAX and how the redemption system works, see TalkEsport’s Free Fire MAX redeem code complete guide.

FAQs

Where do I redeem Free Fire MAX codes? Go to reward.ff.garena.com and log in with your linked account. Enter the code and click Confirm. Rewards arrive in your in-game mailbox within 24 hours.

How long do Free Fire MAX redeem codes last? Most codes expire within 12 to 24 hours. Some event-specific codes last longer. Always redeem codes as soon as you find them.

Can I use Free Fire MAX codes on a Guest account? No. Guest accounts cannot redeem codes. You need to log in using Facebook, Google, X, Apple ID, VK, or Huawei ID.

Why is my Free Fire MAX code not working? The code may have expired, reached its usage limit, or be restricted to a different server region. Try the next code on the list.

How many times can I use one code? Each code can only be used once per account. You cannot redeem the same code twice.

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