VALORANT currently has 11 standard maps, and it can be daunting to learn the ins and outs of each one. Luckily, the map rotation that focuses on just seven maps at a time helps players feel less overwhelmed by not having to remember strategies for every map all at the same time.
The VALORANT map rotations change over time, keeping the game fresh. Here’s the current map pool and rotation for VALORANT, plus an outline of future or upcoming plans for the pool.
What are the current maps in the VALORANT map pool rotation?
Here are the current maps in the VALORANT competitive map pool rotation:
- Ascent
- Bind
- Pearl
- Split
- Sunset
- Haven
- Abyss
With the launch of VALORANT Patch 9.08, Split and Pearl returned to the active competitive map pool, replacing Lotus and Icebox. Split has been away for a short while since Patch 8.11 and hasn’t received any updates to its layout. Sunset, however, received several improvements around the B site, providing more ways to play and retake it.
Ascent
Unlike Breeze, Ascent is a map that has remained relatively unchanged since VALORANT’s launch (for better or worse). Mid control is a constant theme in any Ascent game, as it allows the attacking team to scale either Mid Catwalk to go A or Mid Market to take over B.
Ascent’s unique feature is the switch-activated doors that lead into each site. One door leads from B Site to Mid Market. Another from A Site to A Tree. Using these doors to stall time and get information about the retake can make or break rounds. At the same time, you can preemptively destroy these doors to deny that information.
Bind
Bind returned to the map pool during Episode Six. The desert map’s signature element is its two teleporters, allowing for quick rotations around the map. Playing on Bind requires a lot of patience, as even if the entire attacking team is out on A, there’s still a risk of late rotation toward B.
Playing closer angles is now a very viable strategy on Bind, with agents like Raze and even Harbor finding their voices here. You can also hold several longer sightlines with an Operator, like the B Long and A Tower.
Pearl
Take a deep breath as Pearl returns to the competitive map pool after a long absence. This underwater map isn’t everyone’s favorite and has no unique mechanical features, but it offers a variety of plays through Mid control.
Mid on Pearl has multiple paths connecting almost every corner of the map, from bomb sites to team spawns. While you can hit a site directly, you’ll often be stopped by a simple Sage wall or a smoke, where Mid comes into play. You can also take an opportunity to catch an enemy flank or become the flanker yourself through the Mid Connector.
Split
One of the original VALORANT maps, Split, is back in rotation again. Set in Tokyo, Split is a close-quarter map with multiple areas and angles for you to hold. There are barely any long-range sightlines apart from Mid and A Screens, but even those can quickly be covered with smokes to make space for the attacking team.
Split’s quirk is the two ziplines. One connects the B site with B Tower, allowing for a sneaky defense angle. Another is in Mid Vent, connecting Mid and A Ramps. This area often becomes either an ambush from a rotating side or a death pit.
Sunset
Inspired by sunny Los Angeles, Sunset was introduced during VALORANT Champions 2023. The map is relatively straightforward with no distinct gimmicks, outside of a single Ascent-like door connecting mid to B that can be opened, closed, or destroyed.
In Patch 9.08, the B site on Sunset received an overhaul. The middle pivot wall in B Main has been replaced with a smaller box next to it and another box right at the corner, similar to the A Cave on Breeze.
The site itself also received major changes. From the attacker’s point of view, the left path to the back side is now narrower, the back side has additional elevation, and the default plant has a cubby that is exposed only to B Market.
Haven
Haven is the original three-site map and one of the community’s most beloved maps. With Lotus out of rotation, it’s the only map where you must fight over three bomb sites rather than two. It’s a larger map where you’re forced to play a retake when attackers hit a site unless your teammates are really good at what they’re doing.
With multiple entry points onto sites, including C Garage, Mid, and A Sewer, you have to spread out your teammates and utility to gather information on attackers. Luckily, Haven never received any significant changes, so if you played it before, you’ll feel right back at home.
Abyss
Abyss is the latest addition to VALORANT that entered the competitive map pool in Patch 9.0. This is certainly one of the most ambitious and unique map designs that Riot has put forth, as the entire map is littered with pitfalls where you can plunge to your death.
The risk also comes with an opportunity. You can get a headstart on the enemy team using alternative rock paths if you’re confident in your movement and jumping skills. Just don’t look down.
Why is there a map rotation in VALORANT?
VALORANT maintains its reputation as a live-service FPS title that gets tons of new content over three years after its initial release. Riot hasn’t slacked off when it comes to releasing new agents, skins, and maps.
Currently, VALORANT sees a new map added to the game about every six months or every other Episode. The map rotation was only introduced in 2022 during the game’s fifth competitive Episode, once there were eight total standard maps. Team Deathmatch maps are not counted towards this total.
VALORANT maps design lead Joe Lansford explained in June 2022 that after working with the esports team, surveying players, and talking with professional organizations, Riot will maintain a strict seven maps in the active pool.
Lansford continued by explaining how learning a new map in a tactical shooter can be one of the most challenging aspects of the game. Mastering a map is even harder, and having a “whole bunch of maps is a steep learning curve.” The team believes “seven is a nice sweet spot that offers both variety and mastery.” New players will have less to learn while diving into VALORANT, and existing players don’t need to learn a new map.
Published: Oct 25, 2024 07:54 am