Valorant
Welcome to Blix's comprehensive guide to the best Valorant maps in Episode 9, Act 1. We've already observed Valorant maps - and not only. For instance, you can read about Episode 9 patch notes there. In this article, we delve into the current map rotation, exploring each map's unique features, play rates, win rates for attackers and defenders, and the best agents to use on each map.
Our analysis is based on the latest data and trends, making this a must-read for players looking to optimize their strategies and climb the ranks. We've chosen these maps and data to provide the most relevant and up-to-date insights, ensuring you have the competitive edge needed to excel in Valorant. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will help you master the tactical landscapes and improve your gameplay.
Highlights
- List of the maps in rotation at Episode 9 Act1
- Distinct description of each map
- Tier, play, and win rates of every map
- Best Agents to use there
Maps Tier List
- Ascent
- Haven
- Bind
- Icebox
- Lotus
- Sunset
- Abyss
Maps Stats
Valorant's Episode 9 Act 1 map pool offers diverse environments and strategic challenges. Each map's unique features and best agent picks can significantly influence gameplay and strategies. Remaining informed about the latest tendencies and data is crucial for players looking to improve their performance and climb the ranks. With new maps and updates continuously introduced, the game's dynamic nature ensures that players always have new challenges to face and master.
By understanding the distinct characteristics of each map and selecting suitable agents, players can enhance their gameplay and increase their chances of victory. Whether mastering the vertical engagements on Icebox, navigating the teleporters on Bind, or adapting to the three-site layout of Haven and Lotus, strategic knowledge and agent synergy are crucial to success in Valorant.
Ascent
Ascent
Ascent is a staple in the Valorant map pool and is beloved by many players for its balanced design and strategic depth. The map is set in a Venetian-inspired environment and features wide-open spaces, long sightlines, and narrow choke points. Mid-control is essential for Ascent, providing strategic advantages for attackers and defenders. The map's layout includes two bomb sites, and players must carefully navigate through the middle and the sites to succeed. And still, opinions over that map are controversal.
Tier: S
Play Rate: 16.5%
Win Rates: Attackers 48%, Defenders 52%
Best Agents:
- Sova: Sova's recon abilities are invaluable on Ascent. His Recon Bolt can gather crucial information about hostile situations. Plus, his Shock Darts can clear out common camping spots.
- Killjoy: Killjoy's turret and nano swarms can effectively lock down areas, making it difficult for enemies to push through choke points or hold a bomb site.
- Jett: Jett's agility allows her to make quick plays, whether dashing into a site for an entry frag or using her Updraft to gain a high-ground advantage.
The SECRET to Winning on Ascent - VALORANT Map Guide
Haven
Haven
Haven stands out in the Valorant map pool because it features three bomb sites instead of the usual two. This unique layout requires teams to be highly versatile and strategic. The additional bomb site means that defenders must spread their resources thinly, and attackers have more options for executing their plans. Haven's design encourages a mix of long-range engagements and close-quarters combat, making it a map where adaptability is critical.
People love that map - they missed it.
Tier: S
Play Rate: 18.3%
Win Rates: Attackers 47%, Defenders 53%
Best Agents:
- Breach: Breach's abilities can disrupt enemy positions and create openings for his team. His Fault Line and Rolling Thunder are particularly effective in the narrow areas leading to the bomb sites.
- Cipher: Cypher's traps and cameras provide crucial information and can slow down enemy pushes. His ability to gather intel and secure flanks is invaluable on a map with three sites.
- Sage: Sage's healing and barriers can control the game's pace. Her wall can block off pathways, and her healing can sustain her team during prolonged engagements.
The ULTIMATE Haven Guide to DESTROY the Map
Bind
Bind
Bind is one of the most distinctive maps in Valorant due to its teleporters, which connect different parts of the map. These teleporters enable quick rotations and surprise plays, keeping both attackers and defenders on their toes. The map features two bomb sites and several narrow corridors that lead to intense close-quarters combat. The teleporters add a layer of complexity to the gameplay, as players must constantly be aware of potential flanking routes.
Bind is not an easy map, in any case, as people say.
Tier: A
Play Rate: 14.2%
Win Rates: Attackers 49%, Defenders 51%
Best Agents:
- Raze: Raze's explosive abilities are perfect for the tight corridors of Bind. Her Boom Bot can scout ahead, and her Paint Shells can clear out enemies hiding in corners.
- Brimstone: Brimstone's smokes are highly effective in blocking vision, and his ultimate can clear out an entire bomb site, making it easier for his team to execute a plan.
- Viper: Viper's toxic screen and poison cloud can block off crucial sightlines and control areas, forcing enemies to move through her damaging abilities.
How to Play The NEW BIND like the Pro's!
Icebox
Icebox
Icebox is known for its cold, industrial setting and its emphasis on verticality. The map features zip lines, which allow for quick movement across certain areas, and various elevation levels, which create opportunities for unique plays. The A site, in particular, has multiple layers, making it a challenging area to control. Icebox's design encourages the creative use of movement abilities and strategic positioning. Also, read the Reddit discussion "Why do people like Icebox."
Tier: A
Play Rate: 12.7%
Win Rates: Attackers 46%, Defenders 54%
Best Agents:
- Viper: Viper's abilities are well-suited to Icebox's layout. Her toxic screen can cut off sightlines, and her poison cloud can control areas effectively. Her ultimate is particularly useful in the tight spaces of the bomb sites.
- Reyna: Reyna's ability to heal and become invulnerable makes her a strong duelist on Icebox. She can use the map's verticality to surprise enemies and escape danger.
- Sova: Sova's recon abilities are crucial for gathering information on Icebox. His Recon Bolt can reveal enemies hiding in complex structures, and his ultimate can clear out contested areas.
Enter the Icebox // Map Reveal - VALORANT
Lotus
Lotus
Lotus is a relatively new addition to the Valorant map pool. Similar to Haven, it features three bomb sites. However, Lotus introduces unique mechanics such as rotating doorways and a destructible wall, adding new strategic elements to the game. The map's design requires teams to be flexible and adapt their strategies on the fly.
Also, read "People who hate on Lotus, why?" Reddit discussion.
Tier: B
Play Rate: 10.5%
Win Rates: Attackers 50%, Defenders 50%
Best Agents:
- Astra: Astra's global smokes and ability to control areas from a distance are highly effective on Lotus. She can use her stars to block sightlines and create opportunities for her team.
- Omen: Omen's teleportation abilities allow for quick repositioning, making navigating the map's unique features easier. His smokes can also block off crucial areas during an attack or defense.
- Killjoy: Killjoy's utility can lock down bomb sites and control areas effectively. Her turret and nano swarms are particularly useful in Lotus' tight corridors and choke points.
City of Flowers // Lotus Official Map Trailer - VALORANT
Sunset
Sunset
Los Angeles inspires Sunset, a classic two-site layout with three distinct lanes. The map includes mechanical doors similar to Ascent, adding dynamic elements to the gameplay. Sunset's design encourages both long-range engagements and close-quarters combat, making it versatile for different playstyles. And if you need more opinions - here is a Reddit discussion about it.
Tier: B
Play Rate: 15.8%
Win Rates: Attackers 49%, Defenders 51%
Best Agents:
- Phoenix: Phoenix's aggressive playstyle and self-sustaining abilities make him a strong choice for Sunset. His flashes can clear out tight corners, and his ultimate can be used for risky plays.
- Sage: Sage's healing and barriers can control the game's pace. Her wall can block off pathways and create opportunities for her team to secure bomb sites or defend against pushes.
- Sova: Sova's recon abilities are invaluable for gathering information and controlling areas. His Recon Bolt can reveal enemy positions, and his ultimate can clear out contested areas.
SUNSET // Official Map Trailer - VALORANT
Abyss
Abyss
Abyss is Valorant's latest map and still needs to be fully data-stated. Still, it has quickly become a topic of discussion among players due to its unique features. The map has a borderless design, which means players can fall off if they are not careful. This design forces players to be more mindful of their movements and positioning. Abyss also features multiple levels, which create opportunities for vertical engagements and add complexity to the gameplay. Players must master both high and low-ground strategies to excel on this map. And read the "How to play Abyss" Reddit discussion - that also would help.
Tier: C (due to being new and less data available)
Play Rate: Not widely available yet
Win Rates: Data still being collected
Best Agents:
- Jett: Jett's mobility allows her to navigate the map's multiple levels effectively, making her an excellent choice for offensive and defensive plays.
- Omen: Omen's teleportation ability allows for quick repositioning, which is crucial in a map with open boundaries and multiple levels.
VALORANT Abyss Showcase
Summary
Valorant's evolving map pool means that some fan-favorite maps are occasionally rotated out to make room for new environments and keep gameplay fresh. Currently, maps like Breeze, Fracture, and Pearl are not part of the active rotation. Breeze, known for its vast open spaces and long sightlines, provided a unique challenge with its beach-themed environment but is currently sidelined.
Fracture, with its distinctive H-shaped layout and ziplines connecting the map, offered a different strategic approach, focusing on pincer attacks and split tactics. Pearl, introduced as an underwater city map, brought a fresh aesthetic and required players to adapt to its intricate layout and tight corridors. These maps might return in future acts or episodes, allowing players to revisit their favorite battlegrounds with new strategies and updated gameplay mechanics.
