I received’t sugarcoat it; I’m not a fan of Valorant map Haven. Initially, I assumed it was as a result of it had three websites, however then Riot rolled out Lotus. The triple-point format nonetheless contributes to why Haven matchups make me groan, however there’s another excuse why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; the truth is, it might even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely every so often.
Like Haven, Valorant’s misplaced metropolis, Lotus, is massive and break up into three bomb factors. However, in comparison with Haven, this historic location is well-balanced for each side. The quite a few shortcuts and zip strains weaving every plant web site collectively are why Lotus has succeeded as a triple-site map. So clearly, triple factors can work in Valorant, however not with out essential design particulars.
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Lotus proves Valorant’s triple-site format is simply fantastic
Those that take pleasure in taking part in Haven and persistently win video games sometimes fall into one among three classes: they both spawn on the assault first, play with a full stack of 5, or have distinctive psychological resilience. Should you don’t have one among these three, good luck dropping your thoughts on a 3-9 defender facet swap.
In Valorant, the sport isn’t over after the swap, but when your crew solely snags three Ws defending on Haven, it is going to be an uphill battle to make a comeback within the second half. Sadly, that’s principally the case, as successful the bulk on Haven’s protection isn’t any stroll within the park. Haven is a heavy attacker-sided map, and this imbalance has much less to do with its three websites and extra with the format. Lotus barely favors the defenders, however its shortcuts mitigate the imbalance that sometimes comes with triple-site maps.
If in case you have performed solo ranked on Haven, you’re most likely conscious of the go-to strat. One go faux A – relaxation go C. You’d assume {that a} repeated technique like that will lose efficacy at one level, but it surely works like a attraction each single time, such is the format of Haven. Rotating all the best way from A to C and vice versa is a nightmare except you’re operating on Brimmy’s Stimmy.
Lotus, conversely, presents shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip strains apart from the same old routes towards the opposite web site. These assist offset a number of the challenges of bigger map sizes, which might negatively impression defenders. Because of this, Lotus is ten instances higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive thought of a triple web site isn’t the actual challenge.
Haven is imbalanced, but it surely’s not a misplaced trigger
Regardless of the imbalance, Haven is without doubt one of the hottest Valorant maps. Gamers can usually exploit the imbalance and win extra rounds in assault, resulting in a straightforward win. Because of this, skilled gamers find it irresistible. They’ve the luxurious of choosing the primary facet, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven can be a favorite in ranked with just a few tweaks. In one of many subsequent map rotations, Riot may pull the plug on Haven and revamp it so as to add shortcuts. For instance, the route between A to C is simply too lengthy, generally leading to repetitive fakes that by no means work in favour of defenders. Haven wants a zipper line between two of the three websites to assist manoeuvrability. Bind-like teleporters can be excellent, however that’s most likely a protracted shot.
Visually, Haven is well my favorite Valorant map. From completely designed bomb websites with simply the correct quantity of choke corners to entrances that allow controllers to shine, Haven is a design masterpiece. Nevertheless, it won’t be the very best map for fast-paced ranked video games, significantly if you’re at a decrease stage of play. Profitable on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct crew, and tempo. Realistically, these items are scarce at ranks beneath Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven might be an excellent map after an overhaul that modifications how every web site ties to a different. However till Riot does that, low-rankers ought to arm themselves with the very best brokers on the Valorant tier listing and one among the very best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they need to snatch the dub on Haven.