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 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; actually, it will possibly even verge on being a enjoyable – however solely from time to time.
Like Haven, Valorant’s misplaced metropolis, Lotus, is giant and cut 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 web site 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 advantageous
Those that take pleasure in taking part in Haven and constantly 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. Should you don’t have certainly one of these three, good luck dropping your thoughts on a 3-9 defender aspect swap.
In Valorant, the sport isn’t over after the swap, but when your staff solely snags three Ws defending on Haven, will probably 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 structure. Lotus barely favors the defenders, however its shortcuts mitigate the imbalance that usually comes with triple-site maps.
In case you have performed solo ranked on Haven, you’re most likely 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 attraction 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 operating on Brimmy’s Stimmy.
Lotus, conversely, gives shortcuts in breakable doorways and zip strains apart from the standard routes towards the opposite web site. These assist offset a number of the challenges of bigger map sizes, which may negatively impression defenders. Because of this, Lotus is ten occasions higher than Haven, proving that Riot’s distinctive concept of a triple web site isn’t the true 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 usually exploit the imbalance and win extra rounds in assault, resulting in a straightforward win. Because of this, skilled gamers adore it. They’ve the luxurious of selecting the primary aspect, one thing that’s unavailable in informal ranked.
However Haven can be a favorite in ranked with a couple 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 simply 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 can be perfect, however that’s most likely a protracted 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. Nonetheless, it may not be one of the best map for fast-paced ranked video games, significantly 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 under Diamond.
Nonetheless, Haven might be an ideal map after an overhaul that modifications how every web site 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 checklist and certainly one of one of the best Valorant crosshairs in the event that they wish to snatch the dub on Haven.
