Shotguns Nerfs Explained Valorant Patch Notes 12.09

You will see major balance changes in VALORANT Patch 12.09 as Riot targets two ongoing concerns: Neon’s mobility and the overall impact of shotguns. These weapons have delivered high damage with limited counterplay, which has reduced the emphasis on precise mechanics and decision-making in close-range fights.

With this update, you can expect direct nerfs to shotguns designed to increase tactical depth and reduce low-skill outcomes. Riot aims to create clearer counterplay and a more skill-driven experience, especially in fast, close-quarters engagements.

Shotgun accuracy changes while moving

You can no longer rely on shotguns to secure consistent kills while sprinting, sliding, or jumping. Patch 12.09 reduces their effectiveness during movement, pushing you to take cleaner fights instead of abusing mobility.

Riot standardized run, walk, crouch-walk, and jump inaccuracy values across every shotgun. When you fire on the move, your spread now reflects the weapon’s intended short-range role rather than forgiving tuning.

Crouching now grants a 15% accuracy multiplier for all shotguns. This change adjusts how each weapon behaves:

• Bucky: Crouch accuracy increased from 10% to 15%
• Judge / Shorty: Crouch accuracy reduced from 25% to 15%

You gain slightly more stability with the Bucky while crouched, but its overall performance still drops due to other nerfs. The Judge and Shorty lose a significant portion of their previous crouch advantage, limiting their reliability in aggressive pushes.

Stationary spread also increases on two key weapons that have overperformed:

These adjustments reduce precision even when you hold your ground.

The Bucky also deals less damage within 0–8 meters:

• Head: 40 → 34
• Body: 20 → 17
• Legs: 17 → 14

You now need tighter positioning and more deliberate aim to secure eliminations. Running into close range with movement abilities and deleting opponents with minimal counterplay becomes far less consistent under these changes.

When Will the Balance Changes Go Live?

You will see the shotgun adjustments arrive with Patch 12.09. Riot plans to roll out the update on May 12 or May 13, depending on your region and server schedule.

This patch also includes the long‑awaited changes to Neon, who has shaped aggressive playstyles in both ranked and professional matches. Duelists have held a strong position in the current meta, and Neon’s speed combined with close‑range weapons pushed that pressure even further.

Here is the rollout window:

You can also expect additional balance updates next month targeting Initiators and Sentinels.