VALORANT currently has 11 standard maps, and it can be daunting to learn the ins and outs of each one. But a 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 map pool rotation:
- Sunset
- Ascent
- Bind
- Lotus
- Icebox
- Haven
- Abyss (coming in Patch 9.0)
With the launch of VALORANT Patch 8.11, Haven has returned to the active Competitive map pool after time away, and both Breeze and Split have been removed. This marks the second time both Breeze and Split have been removed from the map pool.
Abyss officially enters VALORANT as of Patch 8.11, although the treacherous map highlighted by a lack of boundaries and several pitfall locations won’t officially join the active map pool until Patch 9.0. In the meantime, Abyss is playable in Unrated, Swift Play, Spike Rush, Escalation, and a week-long Abyss-only queue.
Ascent
Unlike Breeze, Ascent is a map that has relatively stayed the same since VALORANT’s launch. Its unique feature is the switch-activated doors that lead into each site, though Sunset now also features a similar door, making Ascent less unique. The two maps are actually very similar in both aesthetics and strategy, with fighting for Mid control being a constant theme in any Ascent game.
Bind
Bind eventually returned to the map pool later in Episode Six after a notable absence. The desert map’s signature element is its teleporters, which were reworked to offer a rejuvenated approach to the map. Playing closer angles is now a very viable strategy on Bind, with agents like Raze and even Harbor finding their voices here.
Lotus
Lotus is another three-site map that built on the success of Haven, but Lotus has its own gimmicks as well. The map is known for its set of two rotating doors operated by buttons on either side, plus a destructible door that connects the B site and A-Main. The doors can be clunky to work around, and flanking is the name of the game in this lush, forgotten city.
Following the launch of Episode Eight and Patch 8.0, Lotus received changes to all three sites, as well as A Main and A Link. Overall, the map is a little more defender-friendly now, given the advantage of three spike sites inherently benefitting the attacking side.
Icebox
Icebox is back in the active pool after a long time away. The B Main entrance has been opened up, but the pathing from Kitchen to the B site has been closed off. A window has been added to the central Tube, near where the Tube exits into Kitchen. The window spot should allow defenders to have more options when it comes to holding mid.
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.
Haven
The original three-site map, and one of the community’s most beloved maps in Haven, is finally back after an extended absence. But unlike other maps that took extended time off, Haven appears to have returned with no significant changes. Why fix what ain’t broke?
Abyss
Abyss has arrived in VALORANT as of Patch 8.11 and will enter 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 both mid and both sites are littered with pitfalls where players can plunge to their deaths.
Why is there a map rotation in VALORANT?
VALORANT maintains its reputation as a live-service FPS title that continues to get tons of new content even 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 back 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.
