The third act of Valorant's Episode 8 is in full swing! And with that, let's take a look at the new Valorant Episode 8 Act 3 map rotation. The latest map to join the fray, Abyss, introduces a brand-new gimmick that paves the way for mobile agents to shine: there are no boundaries!
The last time we had a map rotation shift was back in Episode 8, Act 1, when a reworked Lotus was reintroduced into the map pool alongside Icebox. In Episode 8 Act 3, two maps will leave in favor of two more joining the roster.
Valorant Episode 8 Act 3 Map Rotation
After a lengthy absence since Episode 7, it was shared by a dev update that Haven will finally make its way back into the active map pool. To make room for Haven, we'll have to say goodbye to Split and Breeze.
The new map, Abyss is set to join the competitive map pool in patch 9.0, arriving around June 25, 2024, alongside Episode 9 Act 1.
Abyss is Valorant's first map without boundaries, where one wrong step sends you plummeting to your death. This unique layout paves the way for creative plays like blasting enemies off bomb sites with Raze satchel or Breach's Rolling Thunder, or taking advantage of the off-map jump shortcuts with high-mobility agents to outmaneuver your opponents!
All maps in Competitive, Deathmatch, and Premier
- Ascent
- Bind
- Icebox
- Lotus
- Haven
- Sunset
Giving us four not currently in the rotation:
- Split
- Breeze
- Pearl
- Fracture
It's important to note that starting in this current patch, 8.11, Unrated, Swift Play, Spike Rush, and Escalation will move to an open map pool, which means that all maps, including Abyss, will be available in these queues.
When is the Next Map Rotation in Valorant?
While the exact schedule isn't set in stone, Riot Games typically updates the map pool every few months. Since the first rotation occurred in Episode 6 Act 3 and the next in Episode 7 Act 2, it seems likely we can expect a change in roughly every other Act.
Though currently available in casual queues, Abyss joins the competitive rotation with patch 9.0, expected around June 25, 2024, based on usual patch schedules. Want to dominate on the new map when it releases in ranked? Check out our "Best Agents and Team Comps in Abyss" guide!
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