Here's the Map Rotation in Valorant Competitive Mode: September 2023
In 2022, Riot Games made a resounding statement about its vision for Valorant, the hit first-person hero shooter that has taken the gaming world by storm. The developers expressed their intention to maintain a total of seven maps in the game's competitive rotation, a strategic move aimed at boosting the dynamic nature of Valorant esports tournaments. The rationale behind this decision was simple: Riot wanted to allow teams participating in best-of-five (BO5) tournaments to ban two maps without the possibility of repeat picks.
After extensive collaboration with the in-house esports team, player surveys, and consultations with professional organizations, Riot Games reaffirmed their commitment to this seven-map pool.
Joe "Pearl Hogbash" Lansford, the esteemed lead of the Valorant maps team, shared his insights on this choice, stating:
"The team thinks seven is a nice sweet spot that offers both variety and mastery. You don’t have to spend all your time learning new angles, lineups, and strategies."
With the unveiling of the latest addition to the Valorant map pool, Sunset, Riot Games has once again rotated out a couple of veteran maps to make room for this exciting Los Angeles-based addition.
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Which maps are rotating out in Valorant?
Competitive and unrated queues in Valorant have been graced with seven distinct maps for quite some time now. In the previous map rotation, Riot Games removed Breeze and Bind from the competitive scene, causing ripples of anticipation among Valorant players.
However, Bind made a triumphant return to the game with Episode 6, Act III, resulting in Icebox getting removed. It's important to note that Valorant boasts a total of ten maps, each offering its own unique challenges and opportunities for players. The complete list of maps includes:
- Ascent
- Bind
- Fracture
- Haven
- Lotus
- Pearl
- Split
- Breeze
- Icebox
- Sunset
Now, as we step into Episode 7, it's Breeze's turn to rejoin the competitive map pool. Consequently, Riot Games has made the decision to retire Fracture and Pearl from active play.
In an announcement made on the 18th of August, they stated:
"Your stay in paradise has been upgraded. At the start of Episode 7 Act 2, Breeze will return to the map rotation with a few changes—Fracture and Pearl will rotate out."
What are the maps being added to Valorant Rotation in September?
With the removal of Fracture and Pearl, Valorant's competitive map rotation for September 2023 is as follows:
- Ascent
- Bind
- Breeze
- Haven
- Lotus
- Split
- Sunset
Riot Games provided clarity on this new rotation:
"Sunset will now be in the map rotation for Competitive mode. Competitive map rotation includes Sunset, Breeze, Ascent, Haven, Bind, Split, and Lotus."
Sunset shines as Valorant's Tenth Map
Sunset is Valorant's tenth map, and it adds a touch of tradition to the vibrant pool of maps already in the game. This map is designed with two distinct sites and three strategic lanes, offering players ample opportunities to flex their tactical prowess and boost their team to victory in dozens of new ways.
One intriguing feature on the Sunset map is a mechanical door situated between B Market and Mid Courtyard. Players have the ability to control this door using a switch located on the Market side. While closed, this door is impervious to damage, boasting a substantial 500 HP. However, players can chip away at its health, eventually leading to its destruction. Once destroyed, the door remains permanently open for the remainder of the round, altering the dynamics of gameplay and forcing teams to adapt their strategies accordingly.
As Valorant's competitive scene continues to evolve, these map rotations play a pivotal role in maintaining the game's excitement and unpredictability. With the arrival of Sunset and the departure of Fracture and Pearl, players can look forward to fresh challenges and opportunities in their quest for glory on the tactical battlefield of Valorant. Riot Games' dedication to balancing variety and mastery ensures that the game remains a compelling and ever-evolving experience for players and esports enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned for more Valorant news!
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