I gained’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 structure nonetheless contributes to why Haven matchups make me groan, however there’s another excuse why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; in truth, it may 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. However, in comparison with Haven, this historical location is well-balanced for either side. The quite a few shortcuts and zip strains weaving every plant website 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 wonderful
Those that get pleasure from enjoying Haven and persistently win video games sometimes fall into one in all 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 in all these three, good luck dropping 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, it will likely be an uphill battle to make a comeback within the second half. Sadly, that’s largely 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 structure. 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 faux A – relaxation go C. You’d assume {that a} repeated technique like that may lose efficacy at one level, nevertheless it works like a attraction 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 operating on Brimmy’s Stimmy.
Lotus, conversely, affords shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip strains apart from the standard routes towards the opposite website. These assist offset among the challenges of bigger map sizes, which might negatively impression defenders. For that reason, Lotus is ten occasions higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive thought of a triple website isn’t the actual problem.
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 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 posh of selecting the primary aspect, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven may also 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 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 assist manoeuvrability. Bind-like teleporters can be superb, 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. Nevertheless, it may not be the most effective map for fast-paced ranked video games, significantly 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 could possibly be an awesome map after an overhaul that adjustments how every website ties to a different. However till Riot does that, low-rankers ought to arm themselves with the most effective brokers on the Valorant tier record and one in all the most effective Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.