I received’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 one more reason why Lotus is much less annoying its FPS counterpart; the truth is, it might probably 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 historic location is well-balanced for either 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 structure is simply high quality
Those that get pleasure from enjoying Haven and persistently win video games usually fall into certainly one of 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 certainly one of these three, good luck shedding your thoughts on a 3-9 defender facet change.
In Valorant, the sport isn’t over after the change, but when your staff 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 successful the bulk on Haven’s protection isn’t 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 usually comes with triple-site maps.
When you’ve got 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 structure 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, affords shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip traces moreover the same old routes towards the opposite website. These assist offset a number of the challenges of bigger map sizes, which may negatively impression defenders. For that reason, Lotus is ten instances higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive concept of a triple website isn’t the actual difficulty.
Haven is imbalanced, nevertheless it’s not a misplaced trigger
Regardless of the imbalance, Haven is among 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 find it irresistible. They’ve the luxurious of choosing the primary facet, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven will also be a favorite in ranked with just a few 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 very best, however that’s in all probability an extended 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. Nevertheless, it may not be one of the best map for fast-paced ranked video games, notably in case you are at a decrease stage of play. Profitable on Haven requires a well-thought-out technique, a correct staff, and tempo. Realistically, these items are scarce at ranks beneath Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven could possibly be an amazing 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 one of the best brokers on the Valorant tier listing and certainly one of one of the best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.
