I gained’t sugarcoat it; I’m not a fan of Valorant map Haven. Initially, I believed it was as a result of it had three websites, however then Riot rolled out Lotus. The triple-point structure nonetheless contributes to why Haven matchups make me groan, however there’s one more reason why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; the truth is, it will possibly even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely once in a while.
Like Haven, Valorant’s misplaced metropolis, Lotus, is massive and cut up into three bomb factors. However, in comparison with Haven, this historical 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.
Lotus proves Valorant’s triple-site structure is simply high-quality
Those that take pleasure in taking part in Haven and persistently win video games usually 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. In case 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 group solely snags three Ws defending on Haven, will probably 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 is not 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 structure. Lotus barely favors the defenders, however its shortcuts mitigate the imbalance that usually comes with triple-site maps.
In case you have performed solo ranked on Haven, you’re in all probability conscious of the go-to strat. One go faux A – relaxation go C. You’d suppose {that a} repeated technique like that will lose efficacy at one level, however it works like a appeal each single time, such is the structure of Haven. Rotating all the way in which from A to C and vice versa is a nightmare except you’re working on Brimmy’s Stimmy.
Lotus, conversely, gives 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 may negatively impression defenders. For that reason, Lotus is ten occasions higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive concept of a triple web site isn’t the actual subject.
Haven is imbalanced, however it’s not a misplaced trigger
Regardless of the imbalance, Haven is among the hottest Valorant maps. Gamers can typically exploit the imbalance and win extra rounds in assault, resulting in a simple win. For that reason, skilled gamers like it. They’ve the luxurious of choosing the primary facet, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven will also be a favorite in ranked with a number of tweaks. In one of many subsequent map rotations, Riot might pull the plug on Haven and revamp it so as to add shortcuts. For instance, the route between A to C is just too lengthy, typically 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 help manoeuvrability. Bind-like teleporters can be excellent, however that’s in all probability a protracted shot.
Visually, Haven is definitely 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. Nonetheless, it may not be one of the best map for fast-paced ranked video games, notably if you’re at a decrease degree of play. Successful on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct group, and tempo. Realistically, this stuff are scarce at ranks beneath Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven might be a fantastic map after an overhaul that adjustments how every web site ties to a different. However till Riot does that, low-rankers ought to arm themselves with one of the best brokers on the Valorant tier record and one among one of the best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.
