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; the truth is, it may possibly even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely now and again.
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 traces 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 format is simply advantageous
Those that take pleasure in enjoying Haven and persistently win video games usually 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. When you don’t have one in all 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 workforce 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 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 format. Lotus barely favors the defenders, however its shortcuts mitigate the imbalance that usually comes with triple-site maps.
You probably 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, however 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, affords shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip traces moreover the standard routes towards the opposite website. These assist offset among the challenges of bigger map sizes, which may negatively influence defenders. Because of this, Lotus is ten instances higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive thought of a triple website isn’t the actual concern.
Haven is imbalanced, however it’s not a misplaced trigger
Regardless of the imbalance, Haven is among the hottest Valorant maps. Gamers can usually exploit the imbalance and win extra rounds in assault, resulting in a simple win. Because of this, skilled gamers like it. They’ve the luxurious of choosing the primary aspect, 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 could be ideally suited, 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. Nonetheless, it may not be the most effective map for fast-paced ranked video games, notably if you’re at a decrease degree of play. Profitable on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct workforce, and tempo. Realistically, these items are scarce at ranks beneath Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven may very well be an excellent map after an overhaul that modifications 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 checklist and one in all the most effective Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.
