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New VALORANT Bug Lets You Eliminate Enemies in Buy Phase

New VALORANT Bug Lets You Eliminate Enemies in Buy Phase

Adarsh J. Kumar

Adarsh J. Kumar

14 May, 2026, 19:38

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Last updated: 14 May, 2026, 19:38

A new VALORANT bug appears to be affecting servers. Based on player reports, the bug lets you eliminate opponents during the buy phase. While bugs are common in a live service game like VALORANT, this particular issue may be causing more trouble than usual.

Patch 12.09, which introduced the recent Neon and shotgun nerfs, appears to be the source of the bug. Here's everything we know about it so far.

Buy Phase Elimination Bug in VALORANT Patch 12.09

As mentioned, the new bug allows players to occasionally secure eliminations during the buy phase. Based on community reports, randomly shooting or striking forward with your knife while in the buy phase carries a chance of eliminating an opponent. Likewise, the same can happen to you.

Several clips have surfaced on social media, showing players both exploiting the bug and falling victim to it. The bug appears to be random, with no reliable way to target specific enemies.

It also remains unclear whether this occurs only in certain rounds or can happen in any round. However, clips online have shown players on both the Attacker and Defender side being eliminated as a result of the bug.

The buy phase bug appears to be one of many that have surfaced after patch 12.09. Many players have shared their concerns on social media, and while official confirmation has not yet arrived, a hotfix from Riot Games is expected soon, given the severity of the issue.

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest VALORANT news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

Read More:

Neon and Shotgun Nerfs are here! VALORANT Patch Notes 12.09

VALORANT Devs Tease Upcoming Updates: Improved Ranked Experience, New Modes, and More

VALORANT Shares First Look at Neon and Shotgun Nerfs Coming in Patch 12.09

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