In Riot Games’ popular team-based first-person shooter (FPS), VALORANT, there are ten competitive maps. Seven of those form part of the active esports map rotation at any given time. So let’s go through all VALORANT maps available now.
Each VALORANT map is based on a real-world location and features unique gameplay mechanics. Some have three Spike Sites, while others have two. In this guide, we’ll share the most important details about VALORANT maps, including its current competitive status, location, number of Spike Sites, gameplay mechanics, and release dates.
And if you want to put your VALORANT maps knowledge to the test you can always bet on Valorant right here at Thunderpick.
Bind
Available since the VALORANT beta on April 7, 2020, Bind is one of the game’s original three maps. It was also the first to feature one-way teleporters as its unique gameplay mechanic.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A & B.
- Gameplay Features: Automatic doors and one-way teleporters.
- Location: Rabat, Morocco (Alpha Earth).
Learn more with our in-depth Bind strategy guide.
Haven
As one of the original three VALORANT maps, Haven was released alongside the game’s beta on April 7, 2020. It was the first map to feature three Spike Sites and destructible panels.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A, B & C.
- Gameplay Features: Destructible panels (400 HP).
- Location: Thimphu District, Bhutan (Alpha Earth).
Learn more with our in-depth Haven strategy guide.
Split
Split has been available since the beta on April 7, 2020, and it takes place in the game’s version of Tokyo, Japan. It is the first map to feature rope ascenders as its unique gameplay mechanic.
- Competitive Status: Active
- Spike Sites: A & B
- Gameplay Features: Ropes
- Location: Tokyo, Japan (Alpha Earth)
Our Split map strategy is now available!
Ascent
Riot Games released Ascent on June 2, 2020, as the fourth VALORANT map alongside the game’s full launch (v1.0 update). Ascent is a prominent map choice in esports competitions and is considered well-balanced.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A & B.
- Gameplay Features: Destructible panels, glass, and bomb doors (500 HP).
- Location: Venice, Italy (Alpha Earth).
Learn more with our in-depth Ascent strategy guide.
Icebox
Riot Games released Icebox on Oct. 13, 2020, with Episode 1, Act 3. It was the fifth VALORANT map, and it’s designed as an excavation site in the Arctic. It’s also the first to feature horizontal ziplines.
- Competitive Status: Inactive
- Spike Sites: A & B
- Gameplay Features: Ziplines and ropes.
- Location: Bennett Island, Russia (Alpha Earth).
Learn more with our in-depth Icebox strategy guide.
Breeze
Entering VALORANT on April 27, 2021 with the v2.08 update, Breeze is a tropical paradise that has seen countless battles. It is the sixth VALORANT map.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A & B.
- Gameplay Features: Ropes, automatic chute (one-way), and mechanical door.
- Location: Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean (Alpha Earth).
Our Breeze strategy guide is now available!
Fracture
As the seventh VALORANT map, Fracture entered the map pool via the v3.05 update on Sept. 8, 2021. It features a unique design where defenders spawn in the middle.
- Competitive Status: Inactive
- Spike Sites: A & B
- Gameplay Features: Ziplines (one-way), automatic door and ropes.
- Location: New Mexico, USA (Alpha Earth).
Our Fracture strategy guide is coming soon!
Pearl
Released with Episode 5 Act 1 on June 22, 2022, Pearl is the eighth VALORANT map and the only one with no unique gameplay mechanics such as rope ascenders, teleporters, or automatic doors.
- Competitive Status: Inactive.
- Spike Sites: A & B.
- Gameplay Features: First map with no unique features/mechanics.
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal (Omega Earth).
Our Pearl strategy guide is coming soon!
Lotus
Released on January 10, 2023, with the VALORANT Episode 6 Act 1 update (v6.00), Lotus is the game’s ninth map and only the second map to feature three Spike Sites instead of the standard two-site design.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A, B & C.
- Gameplay Features: Rotating doorways, rope, and destructible wall (400 HP).
- Location: Western Ghats, India (Omega Earth).
Our Lotus map strategy is now available!
Sunset
Riot Games unleashed Sunset on Aug. 29, 2023, with the Episode 7 Act 2 update (v7.04). It is the tenth VALORANT map and the second designed to resemble a North American location.
- Competitive Status: Active.
- Spike Sites: A & B.
- Gameplay Features: Bomb doors (500 HP).
- Location: Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, USA (Alpha Earth).
Our Sunset strategy guide is coming soon!
All VALORANT Maps: Why Is Strategy So Important?
Creating, evolving, and practicing strategies for each VALORANT map is crucial because every map is unique and requires different playstyles. Most maps have two Spike plant sites, while some, such as Lotus and Haven, feature an A Site, B Site, and C Site.
Spawn Location
Attackers generally spawn on one side of the map, while defenders spawn on the other. However, the defenders spawn in the middle of the map on Fracture. Due to the unique nature and gameplay mechanics (such as ropes or mechanical doors) on each VALORANT map, they all require different strategies for attack, defense, and retakes.
Callouts
A vital part of strategy development for each VALORANT map is learning every callout. Players use callouts to indicate the enemy’s positioning where they plan to attack, or which of the Ultimate Orbs spawns they will try to contest.
Agent Choice
Agent picks also deviate depending on the map. For example, you may choose Jett over Killjoy as the primary duelist on maps or specific Spike Sites of a map with more verticality, where you can use Jett’s Updraft ability to great effect. Maps with fewer open spaces can see the likes of Viper as a Controller or Chamber as a Sentinel thrive, because they can cut off line-of-sight with their abilities.
If your defensive strategy gears towards information-gathering on defense, Raze as a Duelist and Sova as the Initiator should form part of your lineup. Picking the correct Agents to execute your strategies for the competitive VALORANT maps is, without a doubt, essential to success.
Putting Your VALORANT Knowledge To The Test
With knowledge comes power, which results in confidence. In your quest to climb the competitive VALORANT ranks, you’ll certainly find a lot of useful information in our map strategy guides. The more you practice with other gamers, watch esports events, and employ intricate strategies, the better you will get! And while you’re at it, why not also check out the latest numbers involving the latest VALORANT player count?
