VALORANT has undergone a significant structural change with the release of Patch 13.06 on September 22, 2026. The update introduces Agent Mastery, a comprehensive progression system that replaces the previous Agent Gear mechanics. This new framework ties player advancement directly to the specific Agents they play, offering a more personalized experience for competitive and casual players alike. For those navigating the new interface, understanding the distinction between seasonal and permanent progress is essential to maximizing rewards.
Understanding the Agent Mastery System
Agent Mastery is an Agent-specific progression track. Unlike the old system, which relied heavily on Kingdom Credits for unlocks, this new model requires active gameplay. When you select an Agent, such as Sage or Jett, you begin building a dedicated mastery track for that character. The system is powered by Mastery Points (MP), which are earned through supported game modes including Competitive, Unrated, Swiftplay, Spike Rush, Team Deathmatch, and Premier.
The core mechanic revolves around two distinct progression tracks: Act Levels and Lifetime Levels. Act Levels are seasonal, resetting at the start of each new Act, while Lifetime Levels are permanent and accumulate across all Acts. Riot Games has confirmed a direct relationship between the two: every Act Level gained adds exactly one Lifetime Level. This ensures that while your seasonal progress resets, your long-term investment in an Agent remains visible and valuable.
Mastery Points and Level Requirements
Mastery Points are the currency of this new system. They are not fixed per match; instead, the amount earned depends on match duration, win/loss results, and your Performance Score. Longer matches generally yield more MP, and high performance grants additional bonuses. While Riot has not published a static formula, live data provides clear benchmarks for progression.
Reaching the maximum seasonal level, Act Level 10, requires a cumulative total of 132,400 MP. Early milestones are more accessible, with Act Level 1 requiring only 2,000 MP and Act Level 2 requiring 10,500 MP. Based on conservative estimates of approximately 4,000 MP per hour of play, completing the full seasonal grind from Level 0 to 10 takes roughly 33 hours. Skilled players who secure wins and high performance scores may reach this goal faster, while those experiencing losses may require more time.
1 Act Level = 1 Lifetime Level.
Act Levels vs. Lifetime Levels
Act Levels represent your current seasonal progress. There are 10 main levels per Agent per Act. Upon reaching Level 10, players can continue to progress through "Overleveling," though specific rewards for these extra levels have not yet been detailed. Key seasonal rewards include Portrait Accents, which upgrade the visual appearance of your Agent portrait. These are unlocked at Act Levels 4, 7, and 10, serving as visual markers of your dedication during the current season.
Lifetime Levels, conversely, are the permanent record of your mastery. They do not reset and continue to increase as you play. This track unlocks access to the Agent's Reward Track. For example, the Clove Reward Track displays stages at Lifetime Levels 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. While Level 30 is the highest currently visible milestone, Riot confirms that Lifetime Levels continue to increase beyond this point. These stages offer a mix of cosmetics, including sprays, titles, cards, backgrounds, frames, buddies, and Mastery poses.
Rewards and Agent IDs
The reward structure combines traditional cosmetics with new statistical and profile elements. Kingdom Credits are still required to claim specific rewards once your Lifetime Level unlocks access to them. The Clove track, for instance, offers a KD Stat and Gloomheart Spray at Level 5, progressing to the Lord of Death Title and Fear Me, Mortals Quote at Level 30.
Additionally, Patch 13.06 introduces Agent IDs. These are customizable profiles that allow players to display their favorite Agent, unlocked poses, backgrounds, frames, and Agent-specific statistics. This feature provides a new way to showcase your dedication to a particular character, moving beyond simple cosmetic unlocks to include performance data and profile customization.
Practical Impact for Players
This update significantly benefits players who specialize in a small pool of Agents or "one-trick" specific characters. Previously, progression was often tied to general account activity or credit purchases. Now, the system directly reflects which characters you actually use. If you primarily play Jett, your Jett Lifetime Level will grow, while other Agents remain at zero. This encourages focused practice and rewards consistency with specific roles.
For new players, the system offers a clear path to engagement. Starting at Act Level 0 and Lifetime Level 0 for every Agent, players can immediately begin earning MP in any supported mode. The initial levels are quick to reach, providing early satisfaction before the grind intensifies at higher levels.
Conclusion
VALORANT's Agent Mastery system represents a major shift toward player-specific progression. By separating seasonal Act Levels from permanent Lifetime Levels, Riot Games has created a system that rewards both short-term seasonal goals and long-term dedication. While the exact MP thresholds for middle levels and Overlevels remain to be fully mapped, the core structure is clear. Players should focus on their preferred Agents to maximize their Lifetime Levels and unlock the full suite of rewards, including the new Agent IDs. As more live data emerges, the community will likely refine strategies for efficient MP farming, but the foundation for this new progression era is now firmly in place.