Valorant’s cheap SMG has once again begun to dominate the meta, but the Stinger’s strength isn’t long for either Alpha or Omega worlds. Riot Games has confirmed the weapon will be nerfed in Patch 6.02 following its performance tracking over the past few weeks. The development team has concluded it’s “over-performing” and has plans in place to reduce its impact.
The news comes by way of a Tweet late on Friday afternoon:
After a few weeks of tracking, were upping the cost of the Stinger and adjusting the damage fall-off in time for Patch 6.02.
— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) February 4, 2023
We feel the Stinger is over-performing at its price point, especially in the early rounds, and lacks the right economic tradeoffs.
The following changes will be made to the Stinger for Patch 6.02:
- Cost increased 950 >>> 1100
- Damage Fall-off Change: 27 damage per bullet (0 – 15m) 23 damage per bullet (15m+)
- Previously: 27 damage per bullet (0 – 20m) 25 damage per bullet (20m+)
The changes will mean that force-buying the Stinger, which had become commonplace in professional and ranked play recently, will be less viable. The damage fall-off changes will also make the gun generally less powerful against more expensive weapons, such as the Spectre, Bulldog, Phantom, and Vandal.
Professional players were quick to share their enthusiasm; it appears most felt the Stinger was far too strong:
Only just the other day, G2’s ShahZam had spoken about the “busted” Stinger on his stream, explaining that he also felt the gun needed some sort of change.
Speaking of G2, you can read up on the incredible viewership of the team’s opening Challengers match versus FaZe here.