Valorant Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade Explained

Riot Games has now launched the eagerly awaited upgrade for Valorant, transitioning it from Unreal Engine 4.27 to Unreal Engine 5.3 in patch 11.02, marking a significant step forward for this tactical shooter game.

Although the modifications in gameplay might appear minor at first glance, they bring about significant advantages for both gamers and creators alike.

21 GB Patch and Reduced Installation Size

The update for this patch has a large file size of about 21 GB because significant modifications to the game’s files are necessary due to the engine upgrade. But don’t worry! Once you install it, Valorant will take up less space on your hard drive, reducing its overall size by half, offering improved storage efficiency in the future.

Riot has confirmed that future patch sizes will return to normal after this engine transition.

What Valorant gains with Unreal Engine 5

In a nutshell, the Unreal Engine 5 update brings potent features such as Nanite and Lumen to the table. While you might not immediately see significant aesthetic alterations, you’ll likely appreciate subtle enhancements in performance and a more seamless gaming experience.

This update lays a solid foundation for superior content creation down the line. It enables Riot Games to construct more complex maps, refine character skills, and boost visuals, all while maintaining optimal performance.

Replay System Built on Unreal Engine 5

Among the thrilling new additions linked to this engine upgrade, a much anticipated feature is the implementation of a replay system. Riot has verified that the basis for this replay system will be constructed using Unreal Engine 5 itself, leveraging its advanced development resources.

In simpler terms, this indicates that future replays will play seamlessly, record gameplay at high quality, and offer a highly desired tool for both content creators and competitive gamers.

This new version includes enhanced minimum system specifications. To improve the gaming experience for a variety of devices, Riot has fine-tuned the game to perform competitively across a broad spectrum of hardware, making it more playable for many users.

For those on higher-end systems, the potential for enhanced graphics and stability is even greater.

Patch 11.02 Bug Fixes

Patch 11.02 also includes several bug fixes:

  • Fixed UI alignment issues for Light and Heavy Armor in the HUD.
  • Astra’s Gravity Well audio cues now work correctly.
  • Gekko’s Dizzy and Thrash abilities had audio bugs fixed for nearby players and hit indicators.
  • Killjoy’s turret suppression bug from Iso’s Undercut was resolved.
  • Yoru’s hand glow bug related to Gatecrash is fixed.
  • Cypher’s Spycam dart visuals now display correctly.
  • Phoenix’s Blaze minimap indicator now disappears on time.

Map-related Fixes in Valorant Unreal Engine 5 update

Several map-related bugs were also addressed:

  • Corrode received multiple fixes, including Alarmbot pathing, Raze’s super boost exploit, Deadlock ultimate gaps, Jett hover spots, and Sova’s Owl Drone flight height.
  • Pearl’s A Link box interaction with Raze’s Showstopper was corrected.
  • Split’s Sage Barrier Orb placement exploit was fixed.

Furthermore, modifications were made to correct mismatched agent skill names displayed in the Agent Information Panel on computers only.

Community Reaction to the Unreal Engine 5 Update

The feedback from the community has been generally favorable thus far. Players are excited about the possibilities that the engine update brings for future growth, without compromising Valorant’s commitment to maintaining its competitive balance.

Although the update doesn’t dramatically change the visuals just yet, Riot has assured us that moving to Unreal Engine 5 will provide a stronger foundation for the game’s future development and longevity.

A New Chapter for Valorant

The update for Valorant, powered by Unreal Engine 5, has arrived, and while the main emphasis lies in technological advancements, it marks a fresh start for Riot’s tactical shooting game.

As a dedicated Valorant gamer, I’m excited to dive into the game knowing that I’ll enjoy reduced storage usage, noticeable performance improvements, and a robust base for future updates. The 21 GB download might seem substantial, but it’s a small investment for the promise of an even more immersive Valorant experience in the coming months!

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2025-07-29 20:31