Valorant Patch 9.08 Competitive Map Pool Revealed

Major changes are coming to Valorant and its competitive map pool with the introduction of Patch 9.08! Scheduled to release on October 23, 2024, the new patch will come with the Episode 9 Act 3 launch and is set to deliver a fresh experience for players. As a bonus, some dreaded map locations have been replaced with returning fan-faves!

Latest Competitive Map Selection

For Valorant Patch 9.08, Riot Games brings us a selection of seven maps. Most notable are the comeback of beloved Pearl and Sunset locations, while Lotus and the player-criticized Icebox are sitting out this rotation, much to the community’s joy.

These maps comprise the new competitive pool:

1. Abyss

This battleground is the first among Valorant maps to feature no boundaries and a dramatic death drop in the mid-section. Teams competing here must adapt with vertical gameplay and maintain team strategies and coordination to avoid falling off the edges.

2. Ascent

The Italian-themed arena provides two sites with multiple entry points accessible by mechanical doors. The walls are high, but at some parts destructible. These fortifications and the mechanical doors can be used by teams for tactical advantage.

3. Bind

“Gotta pick left or right”, as said in this map’s official description. Bind lacks a middle section, but offers a unique gameplay through one-way teleporters. Sound cues alert all players on the map whenever these portals are used, but players can effectively use these for surprise rotations nonetheless.

4. Haven

Haven’s charm is in its standout three-site design. Agents contest each other in adaptability and site control, on a quest to master its expansive layout and use the extra site to their advantage.

5. Pearl

Pearl is both loved and feared for its simplicity and straightforward design. It features two sites linked by three lanes, promoting traditional tactical play without any special mechanics. Mastering it can be tricky due to a free-for-all mid, especially for beginners. Incredible game sense is key.

6. Split

Vertical combat again takes center stage in Split, with multiple rope ascenders connecting different levels. Controlling elevated positions and managing narrow corridors will determine your success.

7. Sunset

This balanced map features Los Angeles as its backdrop, providing bright visuals and scenery. It also has two sites and three lanes, and a tactical door system. Advanced strategy and classic gameplay elements are what this map blends together and offers. Sunset has received recent adjustments, including changes to the B site and mid-area.

Valorant Patch 9.08 Release Schedule

The launch of this new competitive map pool along with the Valorant Patch 9.08 release will be on October 23 in the following schedules for different regions:

Americas:

2:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET

Europe:

10:00 PM BST / 11:00 PM CET

Asia-Pacific:

6:00 AM JST / 7:30 AM IST / 6:00 AM CST / 7:00 AM AEST

Conclusion

This refreshed competitive map pool in Valorant Patch 9.08 promised an exciting competitive experience for players while maintaining balance in the selection of tactical possibilities. Different maps require different strategies and adaptive approaches, so explore these locations and try to get a feel of how to move around, rotate, and strategize to secure victories.