VALORANT Patch 13.02 changes Phoenix’s tempo and expands the Retake rotation. Riot Games raises the cost of Run It Back from six to seven points, while Split, Corrode and Lotus join the site-retake mode. AROS: Replication has been delayed to an unannounced future date. You can also find our latest gaming news to follow the changes shaking up competitive games.
The main changes in patch 13.02
- Riot Games released VALORANT patch 13.02 on July 28, 2026.
- Phoenix’s ultimate, Run It Back, now costs seven points instead of six.
- Split, Corrode and Lotus join the Retake mode rotation.
- AROS: Replication has been delayed to an unannounced future date.
Phoenix keeps his tools but loses some tempo
Phoenix is not receiving a rework. Riot considers his overall balance satisfactory and is mainly targeting the frequency of Run It Back. With one additional point to earn, the agent keeps his dueling tools but must wait longer before taking major risks without putting his permanent body in danger.
The change should matter most in long matches, where eliminations, orbs and close rounds can accelerate access to the next ultimate. Phoenix remains a front-line pick, but his team can no longer expect his return at quite the same pace.
The most visible change concerns Retake. Split, Corrode and Lotus join the mode’s rotation. Split features narrow entry points, Lotus offers multiple paths and sites, while Corrode still has to establish its patterns in this condensed format. Riot is also removing AROS: Replication from this update’s schedule without announcing a new release date.
The main changes are available on all platforms. Controller-specific fixes remain exclusive to consoles, while networking adjustments at very high frame rates apply to PC. The full notes are available on the official VALORANT website, where they were published on July 28, 2026.
A measured change to round pacing
Compared with patch 13.01, which adjusted Iso, Yoru and the Outlaw, 13.02 takes a more targeted approach. Phoenix sees neither his damage nor the duration of his tools changed: Riot is acting on the pace at which he gains access to his ultimate. The comparison is limited to the public information in these two sets of notes, but it points to an attempt to correct usage frequency rather than redefine the agent.
Our editorial reading is straightforward: the adjustment appears measured, but it matters to players who build their round plan around Run It Back. One additional point may require one more elimination or orb before another aggressive attempt. Adding three maps also gives players an immediate reason to queue Retake again. However, the lack of a date for AROS: Replication leaves the temporary-mode offering incomplete in that respect.
Agents and maps covered by the fixes
The fixes affect several agents. Omen regains Shrouded Step’s obstructed placement indicator. Chamber should no longer fail to return to his anchor with Rendezvous. Jett also loses an unintended delay after Cloudburst when chaining Tailwind or Updraft.
KAY/O, Cypher, Gekko, Reyna, Raze, Deadlock, Vyse and Miks are among the other affected agents. Wingman should no longer die during a plant or defuse at very low frame rates.
On Summit, abilities should no longer be crushed by a door that is already closed. Waylay also receives a fix on Icebox: her Lightspeed and Refract combination could let her slip into the walls of B Tube.
Console players receive separate fixes. Chamber’s Tour De Force regains its haptic feedback, Yoru’s Fakeout gets its aim assist back, and Waylay should no longer gain unexpected dash distance and speed by immediately equipping the Spike or a Flex item.
What changes for players
Players who regularly pick Phoenix will need to rethink their orb management and stop treating his ultimate as available at the same pace. The impact should be most noticeable in matches where every ability matters.
Retake benefits more directly from the refreshed rotation. Lotus and Split can change how retakes are approached depending on the site, while Corrode brings a new setup to learn. The patch does not overhaul the available information on the meta; instead, it adjusts one agent’s value and broadens the situations offered by a temporary mode.
Elsewhere, the fixes reduce several inconsistent interactions. Visit the news section and our esports coverage to keep an eye on Riot’s next moves.
Frequently asked questions
What does patch 13.02 change for Phoenix?
Run It Back’s cost rises from six to seven points. His other dueling tools are not reworked in the changes presented here.
Which maps are coming to Retake?
Split, Corrode and Lotus join the Retake mode rotation.
Is AROS: Replication available with patch 13.02?
No. Riot has delayed the mode to a future date that has not been announced in the available information.
Which agents are affected by the fixes?
The fixes notably mention Omen, Chamber, Jett, KAY/O, Cypher, Gekko, Reyna, Raze, Deadlock, Vyse, Miks and Waylay.
What remains to be monitored
The update fixes several specific issues, but two unknowns will shape the next stage of VALORANT coverage.
- When will AROS: Replication return to the schedule? Players are still waiting for a new public date for this temporary mode.
- Will the seven-point cost genuinely reduce Phoenix’s presence in aggressive compositions? Monitoring agent picks and Run It Back’s frequency will be necessary to measure the effect of the adjustment.
To keep following the topic, also check out our article on No Man’s Sky patch notes: Man’s Sky 6.45 is available and our article on Ore Factory Squad: hotfix 1.0.1 unlocks the tutorial.
Verified sources
These links allow readers to verify the key information used in this article.
- playvalorant.com: Riot Games, VALORANT Patch Notes 13.02, published on 2026-07-28: confirms Phoenix’s ultimate cost, the Retake maps, the AROS: Replication delay and the official fixes.
- playvalorant.com: Riot Games, VALORANT Patch Notes 13.01, published on 2026-07-14: provides immediate context from the previous patch, including adjustments to Iso, Yoru and the Outlaw.
