VALORANT Patch 13.06 Arrives September 22 With Warden Weapon and New Game Mode
Riot is releasing Patch 13.06 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, introducing the scoped Warden rifle, a new Gauntlet: Glitched game mode, and an overhauled Agent Mastery system ahead of VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026.
VALORANT Patch 13.06 launches on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with regional rollout times varying across servers. Riot has confirmed this is the largest patch of the current Act, arriving two days before VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 begins on September 24.
The patch introduces the Warden, an automatic rifle with a scope inspired by CS:GO's SG 553. Riot expects it to shift the game's meta significantly.
A new competitive game mode called Gauntlet: Glitched will let teams face off in structured matches. Riot positions it as a successor to modes like Spike Rush.
The Agent Mastery system replaces Agent Gear progression, offering agent-specific mastery courses with new unlock rewards. Players retain all items earned from the previous system.
The timing aligns with VALORANT's competitive calendar, giving players and esports teams time to adapt to the changes during Champions Shanghai 2026.
Sources
- TalkEsportSecondary publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026VALORANT Patch 13.06 Release Date: When Is the New Update Coming?
- Dot EsportsSecondary publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026VALORANT Patch 13.06 notes: UI overhaul, Agent Mastery, Warden, and new mode
- TalkEsportSecondary publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026Valorant Patch 13.06 Notes: Warden Rifle & Full Changes