Riot Games’ VALORANT Patch 12.03 adds a new limited-time mode called Skirmish, along with QoL updates, as Masters Santiago approaches.
Riot Games is back with another patch update for its number one shooter title, as VCT 2026 Kickoffs around the world wrapped up over the weekend. VALORANT Patch 12.03 primarily introduces a new limited-time mode (LTM) called Skirmish, a 2v2 match style where only guns matter. Along with the new LTM, All Random One Site (AROS) returns, new Agent voicelines have been added, and Gekko’s abilities had some minor tweaks. Most importantly, Pick’Ems is back for Masters Santiago 2026—beginning on February 19, as the tournament begins February 28.
The new LTM Skirmish is a 2v2 matchmaking queue that features smaller maps, no Agent abilities—only gunplay will determine which duo is better. Players can still solo queue and find another random for their second, or queue up together with a partner. The rules are simple: first to 10 rounds wins, and full weapon selection is available every round with no economy to worry about. Additionally, hopping into matches is quicker because there will be no Agent select. Three maps will be randomly selected for each match. The specific maps were not specified at the time of writing.
As for AROS, the VALORANT 12.03 patch notes primarily targeted Stages and Loadouts for reworks. While the game mode is supposed to be chaotic, gun loadouts should be manageable. So now, they have added weapons to a few stages and buffed some other options.
Speaking of reworks and additions, Viper, Omen, and Vyse gained some new voicelines. From a gameplay perspective, some of Gekko’s abilities were reworked—specifically with his Reclaim. Now, Gekko players have 20 seconds to reclaim Globules instead of 15 seconds. Mosh Pit is also now reclaimable.
So, what can players win at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026’s Pick’Ems? For the Swiss Stage, players will be tasked with trying to predict who will advance from the 8-Team Swiss Groups. For extra bonus points, players can try to predict a team that will make it out flawlessly with a 2-0 record. Earn an exclusive title for just playing Pick’Ems, but every participant has the chance to win additional prizes depending on how well their Pick’Ems fares against other participants. The picture above shows all the prizes and additional prizes.
For competitive VALORANT players, player stats are now available on the Esports Hub Teams page. This may not fully eliminate the need for other VALORANT stat-tracking websites, but it does make it easier for players to check their stats in the in-game hub. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, accounts flagged for sharing and all Ascendant+ players must enable Riot Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access Competitive queue. Other modes remain unaffected, similar to other regions already abiding by this rule. More information can be found on the official article.
