Tejo nerfs: “We’d like to bring Tejo a little closer to our other Initiators”

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Supporters and competitors have been requesting adjustments (or ‘toning down’) to the character Tejo in VALORANT for some time now, and Riot Games is responding to these requests with update 10.09.

Starting from an easy-to-understand perspective: On April 30th, Anna Donlon, head of VALORANT studio, revealed that they are planning to reduce the power of the agent Tejo. Later on, live designer Ryan Cousart shared details about these changes via the official VALORANT TikTok account.

Tejo’s nerfs

Fans of the game have been asking for a balance adjustment (or “tone down”) for the character Tejo ever since he was first introduced. This long-awaited change is now coming with patch 10.09, and the reaction on social media has been largely favorable. You can watch a video explaining the changes to Tejo on VALORANT’s official TikTok page.

Rockets

Previously, Tejo’s rockets and one of his key powers might not have given players much pause when using it. Now, however, these powers will make players hesitate before activating them. Instead of being able to freely release rockets with a cooldown, you’ll need to earn the second chance by meeting certain conditions. Furthermore, the rockets are no longer rechargeable during a cooldown period. Once deployed, there’s no taking them back until the next round begins.

  • Spawn with one rocket, can purchase a second for 150 credits
  • Map range reduced from 55m to 45m
  • Rocket cooldown has been removed

Ability costs

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the upcoming adjustment to Tejo’s drone cost, a game-changing tool for intel gathering during matches. The drone will now set me back 400 credits instead of the previous 300. Additionally, the Special Delivery ability is getting a price cut from 300 to 200 credits. According to Ryan, this adjustment is aimed at maintaining the game’s core identity as a tactical shooter.

  • Drone: 300 to 400 credits
  • Special Delivery: 300 to 200 credits

Ultimate

In a modification, Tejo’s ultimate won’t change in terms of its reach or damage output. But, the adjustment includes raising the requirement for activating the ultimate from eight points to nine points instead.

Tenz comments on Tejo’s nerfs

Tyson “TenZ” Ngo was among several professional gamers who responded to the adjustments made to Tejo. On platform X, he expressed, “These changes are spot on!”, indicating his appreciation for them. He went on to say, “Previously, players could indiscriminately use the rockets in any situation without much thought. But now, they need to strategize and decide whether to use the rockets for controlling the site or for escape tactics after planting the bomb. This helps address numerous issues where players were abusing the rockets to get away post-plant. Moreover, the changes encourage Tejo’s players to trick their opponents with the abilities.” In essence, Tyson “TenZ” Ngo commended Riot Games for their decision to tone down Tejo and for coming up with a solution that forces Tejo’s players to deceive their adversaries by feigning the use of their abilities.

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2025-05-02 00:40