Valorant Gauntlet Glitched Mode Explained: Format, Build Your Agent, and More

Despite having so many game modes, Valorant always feels the same. Well, that notion about the tactical shooter is about to end with the Valorant Gauntlet: Glitched. Joining as an experimental game mode in the Valorant 13.06 patch, it lets you do much more than just shooting. Here is everything you need to know about the Valorant Gauntlet Glitched game mode.

Valorant Gauntlet Glitched Game Mode Highlights

Gauntlet Glitched replaces the standard five-versus-five format with eight teams of two and lets players create hybrid Robo Agents by drafting abilities from different Valorant Agents. The unique game mode also introduces ability upgrades that can unusually change how familiar skills work.

Matches are expected to last around 8 to 15 minutes, making Gauntlet: Glitched a shorter alternative to standard Valorant matches. Here are the main things you need to know:

• Eight teams of two: 16 players compete across a series of 2v2 battles until one duo remains.
• Build a hybrid Robo Agent: Players draft abilities from different Agents instead of using a fixed Agent kit.
• Upgrade abilities: Drafted abilities can progress from Level 1 to Level 3, with some upgrades completely changing how they work.
• Randomized drafts: Ability choices change throughout a match, so players need to adapt their builds.
• Short matches: Games are expected to last around 8 to 15 minutes.
• Mixed skill duos: Players of different ranks can team up in the mode.
• Four arenas: The mode uses purpose-built arenas inspired by existing Valorant maps.
• Launch date: Gauntlet Glitched arrives with Patch 13.06 on September 22, 2026.

How Does Valorant Gauntlet Glitched Format Work

Gauntlet: Glitched puts 16 players into eight teams of two in a tournament format. Each duo is matched against another team in a 2v2 battle, and losing a round reduces the team’s health. Once a team’s health reaches zero, that duo is eliminated from the match.

The tournament continues as the remaining teams improve their builds and fight through additional battles. This means losing one confrontation does not necessarily end your run, giving teams time to change their approach before they are eliminated.

Each match can take around 8-15 minutes due to how the gameplay loop works. However, if you are just trying to warm up, Valorant Team Deathmatch might still be a more casual approach.

How to Build Your Own Agent in Valorant Gauntlet Glitched

One of Gauntlet: Glitched’s biggest changes is the removal of traditional Agent selection. Instead of choosing Jett, Skye, Omen, or another Agent, players create a hybrid Robo Agent using abilities from different characters. It is similar to the ability draft game mode from Dota 2.

This allows abilities normally separated across different roles to work together. A single build can potentially combine mobility, smokes, reconnaissance, and crowd control in ways that are impossible in standard Valorant. You know, just do it as you like it.

How the Ability Draft Works

Now, you might wonder how you get the abilities. Well, you receive randomized ability options as the match progresses. You then choose an ability that fits your current build, giving every run a different combination of tools.

You can also decide whether to acquire another ability or invest in one you already have. This means the best choice depends on your current build and the abilities your teammate has collected.

Since the draft is randomized, you cannot simply follow the same build every match. You need to work with the options you receive and look for useful combinations with your duo. This roguelike mechanic makes Valorant Gauntlet Glitched more complex than an ability draft.

Abilities Can Be Upgraded to Level 3

Abilities in Gauntlet: Glitched can be upgraded from Level 1 to Level 3. These upgrades can do more than increase basic statistics, with some abilities gaining entirely new effects. Here are some of the confirmed examples:

• Yoru’s Fakeout: The normal decoy can flash enemies when destroyed, while an upgraded version can fire bullets independently.
• Skye’s Trailblazer: The scouting creature can become a gigantic wolf capable of eliminating an opponent with one attack.
• Gekko’s Wingman: Wingman can become much larger while retaining its ability to concuss the first enemy it finds.

These changes explain the Glitched name. Riot is deliberately taking familiar abilities outside their usual limits instead of simply allowing players to swap abilities between Agents.

Your Duo’s Builds Matter in Valorant Gauntlet Glitched Mode

Ability drafting is not only about creating a strong individual build. You also need to consider how your abilities work alongside your teammate’s choices.

For example, a mobility ability can become more useful when paired with a teammate who can reveal or immobilize enemies. A player with reconnaissance tools could also help an aggressive teammate focus on movement and damage upgrades.

Two powerful individual builds can still make a poor duo if they cover the same weaknesses. Randomized draft makes it more complex. Teams will need to judge each option based on what they already have rather than following one fixed setup.

Valorant Gauntlet Glitched Maps

Valorant Gauntlet: Glitched launches with four arenas designed specifically around its 2v2 format. The arenas take inspiration from existing Valorant locations. The most common maps that the arenas take influence from are Breeze, Icebox, and Corrode.

These arenas reuse familiar elements while restructuring them for smaller fights. This gives Riot more control over sightlines, cover, movement routes, and the space required for upgraded abilities.

Players waiting between battles can reportedly practice their aim against floating targets from a platform overlooking the arenas. This gives players something to do while other teams finish their current matches.

Despite its focus on unusual abilities, Gauntlet: Glitched remains a shooter. Regular Valorant weapons are available. The weapon progression works similarly to Team Deathmatch.

That is everything you need to know about Valorant Gauntlet Glitched game mode. Are you trying it with your duo? What abilities do you look forward to mixing up? Let us know in the comments.