Riot Games has handed Gekko a much-needed boost in Valorant Patch 12.03, addressing concerns that the Initiator had fallen behind his counterparts in recent months.
In the latest update, Riot acknowledged feedback that Gekko has “felt substantially weaker” compared to other Initiators since earlier balance shifts. Patch 12.03 aims to tighten how his kit functions while giving him more flexibility around his signature Reclaim mechanic.
Full Gekko Changes in Patch 12.03
The headline adjustment focuses on Gekko’s Globules and how they can be reused mid-round.
- Reclaim timer increased from 15 seconds to 20 seconds
- Mosh Pit is now reclaimable
- Ability rules unified across his kit
While the longer Reclaim timer may initially look like a nerf on paper, the key change is Mosh Pit becoming reclaimable. Previously, Gekko players had fewer opportunities to recycle their utility than other Initiators, who could repeatedly deploy core abilities throughout a round.
With Mosh Pit now entering the Reclaim system, Gekko gains more mid-round flexibility and post-plant potential. The change strengthens his identity as an agent built around careful ability management and smart positioning to recover utility.
Why Riot Buffed Gekko in Patch 12.03
Riot’s Valorant 12.03 patch notes directly reference player feedback, stating that the goal is to “provide a slight power buff overall” while unifying the ruleset across Gekko’s abilities.
Since his release, Gekko has occupied a niche role in the Initiator meta. While agents such as Sova and Skye offer consistent recon value, and Breach provides layered crowd control, Gekko’s impact has often depended on whether he can safely retrieve his Globules.
Making Mosh Pit reclaimable opens up more creative setups, particularly in coordinated play where teammates can help secure space for retrieval. It also increases his late-round viability, especially in site retakes and post-plant scenarios.
It is unlikely that this patch instantly pushes Gekko to the top of the meta, but it does narrow the gap.
The buff makes him less punishing to play in structured environments and could encourage more experimentation in ranked and professional play. With Masters Santiago approaching, teams may assess whether the added Reclaim value makes him a viable alternative to more established Initiators.
Patch 12.03 is otherwise a relatively small update. For Gekko players, however, it is meaningful. Riot has clearly signaled that the agent is not being left behind — and with more consistent utility cycling, he may finally find firmer footing in the current Valorant landscape.