I received’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 format nonetheless contributes to why Haven matchups make me groan, however there’s one more reason why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; in truth, it may well even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely every so often.
Like Haven, Valorant’s misplaced metropolis, Lotus, is giant and break up into three bomb factors. But, in comparison with Haven, this historical location is well-balanced for either 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 format is simply high-quality
Those who take pleasure in enjoying 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. If you don’t have one among these three, good luck shedding your thoughts on a 3-9 defender aspect change.
In Valorant, the sport isn’t over after the change, 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. Unfortunately, that’s principally the case, as profitable 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 format. Lotus barely favors the defenders, however its shortcuts mitigate the imbalance that sometimes comes with triple-site maps.
If you might have performed solo ranked on Haven, you’re in all probability conscious of the go-to strat. One go pretend A – relaxation go C. You’d suppose {that a} repeated technique like that will lose efficacy at one level, nevertheless it works like a appeal each single time, such is the format 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, presents shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip strains in addition to the standard routes towards the opposite web site. These assist offset a number of the challenges of bigger map sizes, which might negatively affect defenders. For this purpose, Lotus is ten instances higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive thought of a triple web site isn’t the actual subject.
Haven is imbalanced, nevertheless it’s not a misplaced trigger
Despite the imbalance, Haven is among the hottest Valorant maps. Players can typically exploit the imbalance and win extra rounds in assault, resulting in a simple win. For this purpose, skilled gamers adore it. They have the luxurious of choosing the primary aspect, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
But Haven may 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 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 help manoeuvrability. Bind-like teleporters could be perfect, however that’s in all probability 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. However, it won’t be one of the best map for fast-paced ranked video games, significantly if you’re at a decrease stage of play. Winning on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct group, and tempo. Realistically, this stuff are scarce at ranks beneath Diamond.
Still, Haven might be an excellent map after an overhaul that adjustments how every web site ties to a different. But till Riot does that, low-rankers ought to arm themselves with one of the best brokers on the Valorant tier listing and one among one of the best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they need to snatch the dub on Haven.
