Valorant Patch 12.03 Introduces 2v2 Mode, Gekko Buffs, and Esports Features

Fresh update alert: Riot Games rolled out Patch 12.03 on February 17, bringing a mix of gameplay additions, balance tweaks, and esports-focused tools. While not a massive overhaul, the patch focuses on mode variety, competitive integrity, and upcoming tournament engagement — especially with Masters Santiago approaching.

New Limited Mode — Skirmish 2v2

The standout addition is the time-limited “Skirmish: 2v2” mode, now live in matchmaking and designed for pure mechanical skill tests.

Mode Highlights:

• 2v2 format — queue solo or with a partner
• First team to 10 rounds wins
• No abilities at all — gunplay only
• All weapons unlocked every round (no economy system)
• No agent selection
• Random compact maps: Skirmish A, B, or C

The mode strips away strategy layers and focuses entirely on reaction time, aim, and fast rounds.

Agent Balance — Gekko Gets Adjusted

After player feedback about previous nerfs, developers revisited Gekko’s ability interactions to restore flexibility without overtuning him.

Changes include:

• Globule return timer increased: 15 → 20 seconds
• Mosh Pit can now be reclaimed

Additional flavor content was added too — new voice lines for Viper, including interactions with Omen and Vyse.

Competitive Update — APAC Security Requirement

For the APAC region, Ascendant-rank players and above — plus accounts flagged for sharing — must enable multi-factor authentication via Riot Mobile to enter ranked queues. Other modes remain unaffected.

Goal: strengthen competitive integrity and reduce account abuse at higher ranks.

Esports Integration — Pick’ems and Stats Hub

With Masters Santiago around the corner, Pick’ems predictions launch February 19 across the client and web platform. Players can forecast which teams advance from the Swiss Stage and try predicting a perfect 2-0 bracket outcome.

Rewards include exclusive in-game titles, while a new VCT player stats page has been added to the Esports Hub for deeper competitive tracking.

Mode Adjustments and Gameplay Tweaks

The All Random One Site mode received updates:

• Loadouts and stages refreshed
• New weapons added at certain phases
• Several niche options buffed

Bug Fixes and Known Issues

Fixed

• Vyse exploit allowing infinite Razorvines during buy phase

Still being addressed (planned for Patch 12.04)

• ESC in Battlepass hides UI instead of going back
• Missing background in accessory shop
• Reaver Bandit incorrectly labeled as limited

PC-Exclusive Improvements

On PC, Event Pass and Battlepass visuals were redesigned, including layout changes, updated navigation buttons, and keyboard arrow level switching for smoother progression browsing.

Patch 12.03 may be smaller in scale, but it delivers a skill-focused new mode, meaningful Gekko improvements, stronger ranked safeguards, and esports-ready features — reinforcing both casual variety and competitive depth.