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 format nonetheless contributes to why Haven matchups make me groan, however there’s another excuse why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; actually, it will possibly even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely from time to time.
Like Haven, Valorant’s misplaced metropolis, Lotus, is giant 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 format is simply wonderful
Those that get pleasure from enjoying Haven and constantly win video games sometimes fall into one in every of 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 in every of 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, will probably be an uphill battle to make a comeback within the second half. Sadly, 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.
When you 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 assume {that a} repeated technique like that might lose efficacy at one level, nevertheless it works like a appeal each single time, such is the format of Haven. Rotating all the best way from A to C and vice versa is a nightmare until you’re working on Brimmy’s Stimmy.
Lotus, conversely, gives shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip strains in addition to the standard routes towards the opposite web site. These assist offset a few of the challenges of bigger map sizes, which might negatively influence defenders. Because of this, Lotus is ten instances higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive concept of a triple web site isn’t the actual situation.
Haven is imbalanced, nevertheless it’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 posh of selecting the primary facet, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven will also be a favorite in ranked with a couple 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 assist manoeuvrability. Bind-like teleporters can be preferrred, 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 amount of choke corners to entrances that allow controllers to shine, Haven is a design masterpiece. Nonetheless, it won’t be one of the best map for fast-paced ranked video games, notably in case you are at a decrease degree of play. Successful on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct crew, and tempo. Realistically, this stuff are scarce at ranks under Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven could possibly be an important 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 one of the best brokers on the Valorant tier record and one in every of one of the best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.
