Bandit in Valorant: the new pistol impacting eco rounds

The 2026 Season Act 1 of Valorant is now available, alongside Patch 12.00, an update that introduces major changes to weapons, agents, maps, and game modes. Among all the new features, one stands out clearly: the Bandit, the first new secondary pistol added since the game’s launch.

What the Bandit Is and Its Role

The Bandit is a precision sidearm designed to perform at its best in low-budget situations. It has no attachments and features medium wall penetration, but its main strength lies in headshot damage.

Unlike the Ghost, the Bandit can eliminate an enemy with light shields in a single headshot, even at long range. At the same time, it is more affordable than the Sheriff, making it a middle-ground option designed to keep pressure during economic rounds.

 

Main Bandit Stats

These are the official weapon stats in Patch 12.00:

• Class: Sidearm
• Price: 600 credits
• Ammo: 8 rounds per magazine / 24 in reserve
• Equip time: 0.75 seconds
• Reload time: 1.5 seconds
• Wall penetration: Medium
• Attachments: None

Damage by Distance

The Bandit’s damage varies by distance but remains very consistent:

Head:

• 0–10 m: 152
• 10–30 m: 128
• 30–50 m or more: 112

Body:

• 0–10 m: 39
• 10–30 m: 39
• 30–50 m or more: 34

Legs:

• 0–10 m: 33
• 10–30 m: 33
• 30–50 m or more: 28

This confirms that the Bandit can secure a one-shot headshot against enemies with 150 HP at any range, something the Ghost does not always achieve.

Why the Bandit Changes the Economic Meta

The introduction of this weapon adds more flexibility when spending credits. Players can now prioritize agent abilities without being at a disadvantage in gunfights.

Key points behind its impact include:

• It allows players to challenge light shields in eco rounds.
• It offers a viable alternative to the Ghost without reaching the Sheriff’s cost.
• It supports aggressive playstyles with good aim.
• It adds more variety to buying decisions in force-buy rounds.

For these reasons, many players already see it as a key tool in both ranked matches and competitive environments.

Patch 12.00 Changes That Boost Its Use

Although the Bandit is the main highlight, the patch includes adjustments that strengthen its presence in matches.

Breeze Returns With a Full Redesign

Breeze is back in Competitive and Deathmatch modes with a redesign focused on reducing complex angles and shortening engagement distances. This favors more direct fights, where the Bandit can make a difference in low-budget rounds.

During the first two weeks, losses on Breeze result in 50% less CR loss, making it easier to learn the map.

 

Agent Adjustments for Economic Rounds

Several agents received improvements that work well in low-cost setups:

• Breach: Faster abilities with increased area.
• Harbor: Longer and more consistent slow effects.
• Tejo: Increased damage and better control tools.
• Vyse: Larger area of defensive control.
• Sage: More reliable healing even with obstacles.
• Brimstone: Improved visual clarity on tactical abilities.

These changes strengthen compositions designed to extract value in rounds where the Bandit excels.

New Modes and General Adjustments

The patch also introduces All Random One Site, a limited-time mode with random agents and sites, fast-paced matches, and free equipment. It is an ideal environment to test the Bandit without impacting the economy.

In addition, replays arrive in custom games, hidden MMR adjustments are applied, PC interface improvements are added, and wall penetration changes affect maps like Haven and Corrode.

 

Community Impact

Since its release, the Bandit has sparked discussion across social media and forums. Many players see it as a weapon that could replace the Ghost in certain situations, while others expect future balance changes if its performance proves too strong.

For now, the Bandit stands out as one of the most relevant additions in Patch 12.00 and a key element for understanding Valorant’s new economy in 2026.