In Valorant, mastery is more than learning mechanics — it becomes part of a player’s identity.

Thousands of dedicated Neon mains have tirelessly honed their skills, perfecting every nuance of her rapid movements and technical plays. We've poured countless hours into mastering Neon's unique speed, not just for a competitive edge, but for the sheer passion of the game.

For thousands of dedicated Neon players, her speed and movement created an entirely unique way to experience the game. Players spent countless hours mastering advanced movement, refining routes, practicing bhops, discovering tech, and pushing the limits of what Neon could do.

However, with the release of update 12.09, that identity is being fundamentally removed. The recent changes significantly reduce Neon's movement freedom by slowing High Gear and heavily weakening momentum-based movement such as "bhopping". In practice, bhopping with High Gear now provides no meaningful speed advantage compared to simply moving with a knife out, effectively stripping away a vital part of her character's identity. 

This is not just a balance adjustment. It removes the most unique movement system Valorant has ever had, which disregards the dedication and skill that players have invested. We understand that Riot Games wants to balance Neon and reduce frustrating gameplay. Many Neon players understand and even support balancing changes. We recognize the need to reduce frustrating gameplay and unhealthy combat patterns. Nerfs such as:

     •  More expensive utility

     •  Reduced stun power

     •  Less accurate slide shooting

     •  Less oppressive shotgun play

Are understandable and reasonable.

But removing her speed expression crosses the line.

Neon was never just “the fast agent.”

She created an entire movement community.

She inspired:

     •  Movement montages
     •  Tutorials and tech discovery
     •  Creative routes and combos
     •  High-skill mechanical expression
     •  A completely unique movement identity within Valorant

Players weren’t drawn to Neon simply because she was strong, but because she felt different.

The issue is not:
“Keep Neon overpowered.”

The issue is: 
KEEP THE SPEED

Advanced movement is what separated Neon from every other agent in the game. Removing momentum and movement expression risks destroying:

     •  Advanced movement tech
     •  Creative routes and combos
     •  Dedicated Neon communities
     •  The identity that made the agent special

Balance Neon fairly, but please do not erase the movement freedom that thousands of players fell in love with.

There are many ways to balance Neon without removing the core movement fantasy:

     •  Tune economy
     •  Adjust stun duration
     •  Nerf ultimate damage
     •  Reduce slide combat effectiveness

But preserve the movement expression.

Neon isn't just another character; she's a vibrant force in the game, bringing excitement and energy with her electrifying speed. This change would undermine the essence of what makes her beloved among players worldwide. We believe that such alterations are short-sighted, diminishing the game's overall diversity and the player experience it aims to offer.

The gaming community thrives on variety and options, allowing players to express themselves through their style and strategy. By preserving Neon's original movement identity, we honor the time and passion of those who choose her, acknowledging their commitment and love for the game. The update should enhance and support this unique aspect rather than erasing it.

We call upon the developers to reconsider the effects of update 12.09 on Neon. There must be a better way to balance gameplay without erasing character uniqueness. Listen to the voices of your players, whose passion fuels the community and the game itself.

Listen to the community.
Preserve movement expression.
Keep Neon actually fast.

A balanced Neon can still be fast. Please don’t remove what made her special.


Please join us in urging the developers to keep Neon's speed intact and respect the integrity of her movement identity. Sign the petition to make your voice heard.