Valorant map pool rotation – all competitive maps in Episode 8 Act 2

Valorant map pool rotation – all competitive maps in Episode 8 Act 2
Antony Terence Updated on by

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Valorant’s map pool rotation keeps players on their toes but not every map is available in this limited selection. While its total number of maps is now 10 with Sunset showing up in Episode 7, read on to learn which maps are a part of the current rotation.

All Valorant competitive maps in Episode 8 Act 2

Here are the seven maps that are currently available in the competitive modes of Valorant Episode 8 Act 2:

  • Ascent
  • Bind
  • Breeze
  • Icebox
  • Lotus
  • Split
  • Sunset

Ascent

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Ascent in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Ascent brings an Italian vibe to Valorant. Image via Riot Games.

Ascent’s Italian-inspired design paired with sightlines enables both long-range shootouts and close-quarters combat. This has made it a favorite among fans after it arrived in June 2020 with patch 1.0.

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Remember that patches can alter map designs too

For instance, one update adjusted the shape of crates on a map, granting an advantage to players who are aware of these changes.

Bind

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Bind in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Bind makes use of teleporters to shake things up. Image via Riot Games.

Bind’s teleporters drastically alter its playing field. None of the other maps feature the ability to move to different portions of the map quickly. This keeps players on edge but rewards veterans who know where to look. Bind arrived during the Closed Beta, making it one of the oldest maps in the game. While it was taken down for balance changes, it’s a great competitive map now.

Breeze

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Breeze in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Breeze brings Valorant to the beach. Image via Riot Games.

Valorant’s beach-themed Breeze promises plenty of sightlines for long-range combat. Chamber’s ultimate is particularly devastating here and a map rework put a stop to their ranged superiority. Breeze arrived with Episode 2 Act 3 on April 2021, bringing players into a new theme with an expertly crafted map. While it might not feature teleporters, wide open spaces are just as rare in Valorant with most maps focusing on tight corridors.

Icebox

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Icebox in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Icebox brings the chills. Image via Riot Games.

With an emphasis on differences in elevation, Icebox is Valorant’s ice-themed map. This focus carries through to even the plant sites, with plenty of opportunities to catch enemies by surprise. Icebox arrived with Act 3 back in October 2020. This map too was removed for a rework but is now back on the competitive map rotation.

Lotus

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Lotus in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Lotus features Indian-inspired architecture. Image via Riot Games.

Lotus features three sites, rotating doorways, and a destructible wall, making it one of Valorant’s more memorable maps. Episode 6 Act 1 brought this map back in January 2023. While eagle-eyed players will notice some similarities with Haven, Lotus brings plenty of improvements to the table. Set in Omega Earth’s India, Lotus is located in the Western Ghats.

Split

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Split in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Split adopts an urban design. Image via Riot Games.

Split’s multi-level structures and urban design are built with both long-range sniping and tight corridor shootouts in mind. Thanks to its tight passageways, you’ll have to watch out for ambushes and well-timed smokes from the opposing team. Split was available right from the Closed Beta, meaning that most players must be very familiar with its layout.

Sunset

Valorant map pool rotation: An image of Sunset in the game. Image via Riot Games.
Sunset arrived as the tenth Valorant map. Image via Riot Games.

Sunset’s two plant sites and three lanes might sound ordinary but its Ascent-like mechanical doors spice things up. It arrived with Episode 7 Act 2 back in August 2023. The tenth map in Valorant’s map pool is themed around the city of Los Angeles.

When is the next Valorant map rotation

The current map rotation showed up in January 2024. Based on how the previous Episodes changed the rotation, expect Episode 9 to bring the next competitive rotation in June 2024. New agents might also be released for the tactical shooter at that time to coincide with the map rotation update. But at the moment, Riot Games has not confirmed when the current Valorant map rotation will be phased out.

Why does the Valorant map rotation only have seven maps

In a map update in June 2022, lead map designer Joe Lansford explained that “the team thinks seven is a nice sweet spot that offers both variety and mastery.” He also noted that “You don’t have to spend all your time learning new angles, lineups, and strategies. New players will have an easier onboarding experience.” Expect the 5v5 arena shooter to stick to this seven-map pool for the upcoming season too.

Which Valorant maps are not a part of the competitive rotation

Players will have to wait for a while if they want to experience Haven, Fracture, and Pearl in its competitive modes. The departure of Haven in particular had fans up in arms. But they’re still available in casual modes like Spike Rush and Team Deathmatch. We’ll keep you updated if and when these maps return to the competitive pool.

That covers the Valorant map rotation for competitive players. If you’re looking to improve your aim, check out our best crosshair codes in Valorant and pair them with our Valorant agent tier list.

Valorant map rotation FAQs

How many maps are a part of Valorant’s competitive map rotation?

Players get access to seven maps in its competitive pool.

How often does Valorant’s map rotation change?

Expect new Episodes to shake up the map pool with old favorites or new maps.