Source: Riot Games

To mark Act 3, VALORANT is introducing 'Ascension Brawl,' a fast-paced, intense game mode that distills the game's signature strategic competitive play into pure, skill-based combat.

Riot Games, the developer and publisher of the 5v5 character-based tactical shooter 'VALORANT,' announced that it will release an update on Thursday, the 30th, for the 2026 season, Act 3, which includes the limited-time ranked mode 'Ascension Brawl'.

'Ascension Brawl,' the limited-time ranked mode arriving with Act 3, features 1v1 and 2v2 matches. With each match lasting roughly 5 to 10 minutes, the mode is designed to offer players a short, intense, and highly immersive combat experience.

The mode's defining feature is that players select agents from a limited pool and can use one carefully curated ability per agent. Furthermore, it replaces the traditional economy system with a 'staged weapon system' where weapons automatically upgrade as rounds progress, allowing players to experience various combat scenarios ranging from pistols to high-powered rifles.

Ascension Brawl is expected to be the ultimate stage for players looking to prove their individual or duo combat skills. The 1v1 mode allows players to push their mechanical skills to the limit, while the 2v2 mode offers the chance to experience the synergy created by precise coordination with a partner.

The 'FTW (For The Win) Leaderboard' (link), which tracks tier changes in Ascension Brawl, has also been revealed. The FTW leaderboard operates by server and region, with separate rankings for 1v1 and 2v2 modes, providing a precise metric for players to gauge their skill. Players who participate in FTW and play Ascension Brawl can earn two player cards as rewards. Depending on the highest rank achieved, players will also receive special titles such as ▲Brawl Competitor, ▲Brawl Expert, and ▲Brawl Legend, adding a sense of achievement to their proof of skill.

During the Ascension Brawl period, an influencer-exclusive leaderboard featuring popular domestic creators will also be active. This allows players not only to challenge themselves to climb the ranks but also to enjoy watching the fierce competition as popular influencers battle to maintain their top-tier spots.

This update includes 'Kuronami 2.0,' a new skin line that directly inherits the theme of the original Kuronami collection, which gained immense popularity upon its release in January 2024.

Based on the concept of a 'vessel of power' that reacts to the user's will by infusing water elemental energy, Kuronami 2.0 aims for a sophisticated arsenal that harmonizes ancient techniques with a modern aesthetic. The lineup consists of the ▲Phantom, ▲Operator, ▲Ghost, and ▲Guardian. It captivates both sight and sound with equipment animations where water transforms into actual firearms and a reload mechanic that involves throwing water shuriken.

The melee weapon, the core of Kuronami 2.0, offers a novel control experience through a transformation feature that allows players to freely switch between a kunai and a katana. It features dynamic animations where water blades materialize or disperse into droplets based on hand movements. The interactive finisher effect, which traps enemies in a water droplet and brings rain and lightning to the battlefield, maximizes the thrill of victory.

Additionally, the PC Bang-exclusive 'VAL Fragment' event will return for approximately eight weeks, from Thursday the 30th to Tuesday, June 23. In this event, players who play their first 1v1 or 2v2 Ascension Brawl match at a PC Bang will receive 100 VAL Fragments for each, allowing them to collect a total of 200 fragments, which can be exchanged for 10 Radianite Points each. VAL Fragments can be earned through cumulative playtime at PC Bangs as well as by visiting the event page for the first time, and can be used to redeem or enter raffles for various prizes, including Radianite Points.

Beyond the limited-time ranked mode, this update also officially launches a new Battlepass featuring various items, including the ▲Cunning Phantom, ▲Rampage Bandit, and ▲Fear Monger cards. Further details regarding the VALORANT 2026 Season Act 3 update can be found on the official website and official YouTube channel.