VALORANT Competitive Map Rotation Explained
Riot regularly rotates maps in and out of an active pool to keep things balanced and foster tactical freshness in VALORANT.
The Competitive map rotation in VALORANT is a crucial aspect of the game, as it ensures that the maps remain balanced and fresh for players. The map rotation system was introduced with Patch 5.00 in June 2022, and it has been a key factor in keeping the game exciting and challenging.
## Maps in the Current Competitive Pool
The current Competitive map pool includes seven maps: Haven, Ascent, Split, Sunset, Abyss, Lotus, and Summit. These maps are constantly being rotated in and out of the pool to keep the game fresh and exciting.
Here is a GitHub-style markdown pipe table comparing the current Competitive map pool with the maps outside of it:
| Map | Competitive Pool | Outside Pool | | --- | --- | --- | | Haven | | | | Ascent | | | | Split | | | | Sunset | | | | Abyss | | | | Lotus | | | | Summit | | | | Bind | | | | Breeze | | | | Icebox | | | | Corrode | | | | Fracture | | | | Pearl | | |
## Map Rotation History
Each map in the Competitive pool has a unique history, with some maps being removed and readded multiple times. For example, Haven has remained in active rotation for the most part since the map rotation system was introduced, while Lotus was removed from the pool in Patch 11.08 and returned with Patch 12.05.
### Haven
Haven has been a staple in the Competitive map pool since its introduction, and it continues to be a fan favorite. Despite its complex features, the map feels balanced and encourages creativity.
### Lotus
Lotus is a three-site map that features revolving doors on A Tree and C Main. The map was removed from the pool in Patch 11.08 and returned with Patch 12.05, where it received some adjustments to wall penetration and plant zones.
### Ascent
Ascent is one of the first maps in VALORANT and is a classic in both Competitive and pro play. The map returned to the active rotation in Patch 12.08 without any changes.
### Sunset
Sunset returned to the core rotation with Patch 13.00, after leaving in Patch 12.00. It returned without any changes to the sites or layout.
### Split
Split was the first VALORANT map to be removed from active rotation, but it has now returned with Patch 11.08 after a short break of two Acts.
### Summit
Summit is a new map introduced to VALORANT in Patch 13.00, featuring a two-site layout with a new gimmick. The map has three walls that can be dropped by destroying corresponding nodes, cutting off sightlines for the rest of the round.
### Abyss
Abyss returned to the Competitive map pool in Patch 13.04 unchanged, after receiving changes in Patch 11.08 that reworked the B Site and created more angles and spots for defenders to play from.
## FAQ
The Competitive map pool usually changes every two months, but there is no specific timeline for how long maps stay out of the pool. Some maps rotate back without any changes, while others receive reworks when coming back.
