Valorant Maps + How To Play Them

Valorant maps are often full of little details — choke points, pathways, objects, and even aesthetic details can set them apart from one another. If you’re wondering how many Valorant maps there are, this article has everything you need. 

As one of the most popular games in 2025, Valorant continues to introduce new locations that add layers of challenge to a player’s experience. Understanding these maps and knowing important locations can help you win matches and support your teammates even if you’re just spectating.

1. Ascent

Ascent is a mid-centric map with a spacious open middle area. This spot plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of the game — a philosophy similar to League of Legends. The map features two bomb sites (A and B) with long, narrow entry points that give you multiple opportunities for points of engagement.

When you’re not eyeing its aesthetics, you’ll be busy defending the map, as it’s best for holding choke points, asking you to stay in control of the space in the middle. Weapons like Vandal and Phantom are great here due to the long sightlines. 

Agents like Cypher and Killjoy can give you the edge in these maps, as they have strong defensive utility. Just remember to prioritize mid control; otherwise, attackers will have the upper hand.

2. Haven

Valorant’s Haven is a beautiful map that holds three important bomb sites (A, B, and C). These force defenders to spread out, allowing the map’s design to favor fast rotations and strategic site takeovers. Again, mid control is crucial as it allows easy access between A and C.

Using shotguns can be beneficial in tight spaces like Garage and C Short. These hit hard but take some time getting used to. However, snipers thrive on A Long and C Long. If you’ve got an eye for detail and the patience to camp a little, being a sniper could come in handy here.

Valorant characters like Omen and Astra thrive here since they’re good at fast rotations. Jett and Neon can also take over quickly, giving you better control over the areas and rewarding your mobility.

3. Split

Split in Valorant is known for its verticality and tight checkpoints. Again, this makes mid control essential for both teams. It features two bomb sites with limited entry points, making it defender-favored. The map also features many high-ground positions that reward those who can control elevation.

SMGs like Spectre are great for close-quarter fights, while rifles dominate Heaven and mid sections of the map. Shotguns also do a great job within tight spots like B Main. On that note, attackers should focus on taking mid control before committing to any site. 

Someone like Sage is superb at blocking mid control or other site entry points. On the other hand, Jett and Raze can use their mobility to explore vertical angles when needed.

4. Bind

Bind features teleporters that take the spotlight. It lets you quickly rotate between spaces and trick your opponents. The two-site map doesn’t have a mid area, which means attackers need to commit to either site A or B. The map is balanced but may favor defenders due to the strong site-holding potential. 

While rifles dominate the long lanes, shotguns and SMGs do a great job in Showers and Hookah. This is where close combat shines, so you might want to practice before entering the match!

Raze and Yoru are great agents for this map, as they can dominate with movement and teleport plays. At the same time, Brimstone and Viper can offer site control while Skye and Sova clear out tight corners.

5. Icebox

Icebox’s vertical design and gorgeous snow-themed spots promote an aggressive playstyle. The map nestles two bomb sites: site A is at high ground, while B is a long, open area. The abundance of elevated spots makes it an attacker-favored map, as defenders have to cover multiple angles.

Obviously, snipers thrive on A Nest and B Long since they hold a great line of sight here. Meanwhile, rifles are essential for mid-range fights. In an area like Kitchen, SMGs, and shotguns can do a decent job.

Chamber and Jett can dominate as snipers, while Sage is essential for site control. Agents like KAY/O and Sova provide strong recon, and Viper can provide much-needed vision blocking.

6. Breeze

This tropical-themed map is filled with long sightlines, open spaces, and choke points. The A and B sites are often difficult and expansive, making them hard to control and giving attackers the edge. Controlling the mid is crucial, as it allows flexibility and rotations.

In A Hall and B Main, snipers are incredibly strong due to the sightlines. Rifles are needed for mid control, and SMGs will likely struggle in open areas. 

Agents like Viper and Cypher can have strong control over the map’s vast spaces, while Jett and Chamber dominate with something like an Operator (sniper rifle).

7. Fracture

This unique map gives attackers access to both sides of the map, pushing defenders to build a strategy as they adapt. The H-shaped layout allows for multi-directional attack strategies, making defensive setups a bit tricky. This map slightly favors attackers since they can split-push and overwhelm sites.

Mid requires you to use rifles, while SMGs and shotguns do well in areas like B Tower and A Hall. Switching between these can benefit your playstyle, so practice well before you step in. 

Agents like Killjoy and Cypher are excellent at defending multiple angles, while Break and KAY/O can be great at initiating fights during different phases of the match.

8. Pearl

Pearl is a well-balanced map that provides a solid opportunity for mid control. While it lacks teleports, ziplines, and other gimmicks, it focuses on the game’s core mechanics and asks you to focus on gunplay and agents’ abilities. This one is great for both attackers and defenders.

In mid-range fights, rifles are reliable weapons, while SMGs and shotguns do well in A Art and B Link. However, snipers can hold A Main and Mid.

When it comes to the right agents, Fade and Sova provide much-needed recon, while Astra and Viper help control Mid. In the meantime, Jett and Raze can create pressure for aggressive fights.

9. Lotus

This three-site map uses rotating doors that add to the dynamic nature of any playstyle. Furthermore, the compact design and multiple entry points make it a bit attacker-favored, as defenders hold all three sites effectively. Remember, the rotating doors can create ample opportunity for flanking and quick rotations.

While rifles are most reliant for the mid and site battles, SMGs and shotguns can be great for spots like A Drop and B Pillar. Of course, attackers can adapt between these as they push for a rotating-style gameplay.

Raze and Neon can make aggressive plays to take up space, while Killjoy and Cypher can help defenders hold onto multiple sites. Omen and Astra can be useful for sneaky and unpredictable plays.

10. Sunset

This two-site map strongly emphasizes mid control, similar to Ascent. The overall design is balanced but slightly favors defenders since there are narrow entry points and strong site-holding positions. In case attackers manage to secure mid, they can effectively pressure both sites.

Rifles like Phantom and Vandal are great for mid battles, while SMGs and shotguns provide use during close-quarters fights in areas like B Market and Alley. Efficient snipers will love holding onto A Main and Mid Top.

While Cypher and Killjoy enjoy site defense, Fade and Skye can provide valuable recon for the team. Raze and Neon can provide pressure on mid, while Astra and Omen can sneak up for fights at site.

11. Abyss

This Norwegian-inspired map is a unique, vertically layered location with open edges. If you’re not careful, you could fall. This means that fights can be high-risk and high-reward, essentially favoring those who constantly reposition. Attackers, this is your time to shine! 

While rifles do a decent job at ranged fights, snipers can take on open lanes but are prone to dangerous flanks. SMGs and shotguns dominate the close-quarters engagements.

Jett and Raze excel with their movement abilities here, while Skye and Sova offer important information when they clear corners. Omen is also a great choice for those looking to catch enemies on-site.

Team Deathmatch and Practice Maps

All Valorant maps feature unique ways of mastering your playstyle. However, there are specific maps that allow you to sharpen your skills through different game modes (such as Deathmatch and Practice).

District

If you want to improve your co-op experience and practice some unique plays, jumping into something like District can help. This urban-themed location packs tight corners and multiple vertical angles, urging you to improve your game sense.

Kasbah

The Valorant comp map pool can feel challenging, but Kashbah’s long-range and close-range battles can help you hone your skills. This Middle Eastern-inspired map makes it a versatile place to practice your versatility.

Piazza

This European-style map blends wide-open plazas and tight spaces. The varying sightlines make it an excellent way to practice both rifling and sniping, especially for duelists who wish to improve their playstyle in a team deathmatch scenario. The balanced design also allows for dynamic movement.

Drift

This large, futuristic map is filled with open spaces and fluid movement paths, encouraging fast-paced battles. It rewards precise tracking and long-range accuracy. So, if you want to snipe while running around and trying to flank others, this one can help you work on that skillset.

Glitch

Valorant’s ranked map pool asks you to excel at different things. That’s when Glitch’s movement drills and unique aiming abilities help. It provides interactive spots and custom training scenarios so you can practice advanced techniques beyond basic shooting. What better way to improve your adaptability and climb the skill tree?

The Range

Whether it’s a new Valorant map or an old one, this place prepares your aim for all kinds of situations without looking too fancy. It’s Valorant’s primary practice facility, offering bot fights, target dummies, and movement training. They say “old is gold,” and The Range simply lives up to that.

Valorant Ranked Map Pool Explained

Valorant’s ranked mode doesn’t include all the available maps in its rotation at a given point. This is what makes it a trending game for fans of shooters. It tests your skills in different ways without letting familiarity take control of things. This novel approach also helps the developer refine or rework maps to respect the meta and keep balance changes in check.

Every season, the game typically has 7 maps in rotation. At the time of writing, these are the Valorant maps in rotation:

• Ascent
• Icebox
• Fracture
• Haven
• Lotus
• Pearl
• Split

Find Your Next Favorite Shooter

Valorant maps come in different shapes, sizes, and strategies. The more you practice them, the better you’ll understand the game. Eventually, you’ll be climbing the ranks in Valorant and mastering an agent or two. 

That said, we urge you to explore more shooting games that can test your skills. From competitive shooters to casual games, there’s a lot to uncover. Who knows which game will let you hone your skills next?