VALORANT has been praised for its maps since its launch, offering various mechanics like ziplines and teleporting pads that add depth to gameplay. Currently, there are 11 maps available for players to enjoy, but not all are included in the competitive/ranked mode map pool. Let’s take a closer look at the current VALORANT competitive map pool during Patch 9.04.
VALORANT Current Competitive Map Pool in the Rotation for Patch 9.04
Image Credits: Riot Games
In the past, maps in the competitive pool were available in non-ranked game modes, leading to map fatigue among players. To address this issue, all maps were made available in non-competitive modes during VALORANT Patch 8.11, allowing players to explore maps not in the ranked rotation. The latest addition to the map pool is Abyss.
Here is the list of maps currently in the VALORANT competitive map pool for Patch 9.04:
- Ascent
- Haven
- Bind
- Icebox
- Lotus
- Sunset
- Abyss
The existence of a competitive map pool in VALORANT serves multiple purposes. It aligns with the format of esports matches, which often involve B03 and B05 series. With seven maps in the pool, teams can strategically ban maps to gain advantages, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the VALORANT Champions Grand Finals.
Additionally, map familiarity is crucial for ranked players and professional teams to develop strategies and routines. Whether it’s executing post-plant lineups or coordinating site entries, knowing the maps well allows teams to play to their strengths and target weaknesses by banning unfavorable maps.
Looking ahead to Patch 9.08, Split and Pearl will rejoin the competitive map pool, while Lotus and Icebox will be rotated out temporarily.
