New Map Abyss in VALORANT: Overview, Features and Release Date

Riot Games has unveiled a new map for Valorant called Abyss. This map follows the traditional tactical shooter template with A and B sites and a Mid area, but the developers at Riot Games have introduced a unique feature: the map is vertically oriented and lacks boundaries in many areas. What does this mean? It means that players will often die in matchmaking due to their movement errors. Let's take a closer look at the new map in VALORANT and its features.

New Map Abyss in Valorant: Overview and Features

Lack of Boundaries

The main feature of the Abyss map is the absence of boundaries. Players can fall off the map if they're not careful, adding variability to tactics and another way to die in a round. This means that agents like Raze and Jett can use their abilities to move to more advantageous and unexpected positions, while agents like Breach and others who can displace enemies can use their abilities to push enemies (or allies) off the map.

It's an interesting idea from Riot Games, and we'll have to see how it impacts gameplay and what the player community comes up with on the map, and overall, how they receive it. Not all innovations and ideas from the VALORANT developers have been well-received, with some experiments like the maps Breeze and Fracture not being particularly popular among players.

Verticality and Levels

The map has several levels, creating a complex vertical structure. This opens up new opportunities for surprise attacks and ambushes. The vertical elements add depth and variety to the combat, requiring players to use more thoughtful strategies beyond just running and shooting (though that remains an option).

VALORANT has always had plenty of vertical gameplay, unlike its direct competitor, Counter-Strike 2. However, most players don't seem to enjoy this aspect much, as evidenced by the general dislike of Icebox due to its vertical gameplay. We'll see how this plays out with the new Abyss map and how much players will have to move their mice up and down.

New Combat Zones

Like other maps, Abyss is divided into A and B zones with a central area. Spawns and spike planting zones have unique elements like bridges and cover, which can be used for territory control and setting traps.

New maps always bring a breath of fresh air to VALORANT, and it's always interesting to see how the meta evolves based on the map pool. The features of this map might bring less popular agents like Fade into the meta instead of the usual Gekko, and perhaps even make the rarely popular Deadlock more viable. Or maybe this map will become a signature map for Harbor? That's unlikely, but it's worth trying out all ideas given the variety and possibilities in VALORANT.

Interactive Elements

The map includes interactive elements like ropes and fans, allowing players to move quickly and take advantageous positions. This makes the map dynamic and requires players to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Skillful use of ropes and fans can definitely work to your advantage. Experiment and come up with new ideas combining various agents' abilities. Or watch professional players or streamers, who often become pioneers of new and unconventional strategies that later become standard.

Lore and Story

Abyss is also closely tied to the game's lore. Rumor has it that the map is connected to the story of the agent Omen and the organization "Scions of Hourglass." This organization has been mentioned in previous updates and will now get more attention with the new map.

Let's be honest, not everyone is as interested in the VALORANT lore as they are in its gameplay, but it's good that the developers are continually creating and adding new interesting elements to the game's lore. Riot Games excels in this regard, thinking not only about esports players but also about casual players who might not play every game as if it were their last, giving it their all. Lore is one of the most important aspects of the game for maintaining community interest and reaching an even wider audience.

Abyss Release Date in VALORANT

The game's developers have promised that the new Abyss map will be available to players on June 11. On Tuesday, with the release of the update, Riot Games will add Abyss to the game, giving everyone the chance to try out the new ideas implemented in the Abyss map.

Basic Tactical Tips for Abyss

It's too early to draw any conclusions or come up with brilliant tactics, but we have a few simple and basic tips for you to keep in mind, compiled here for your convenience.

• Use Abilities Wisely: On the Abyss map, it's important to use agents' abilities effectively to push enemies off the map or occupy key positions. However, don't overdo it, as some actions might harm not only you but also your teammates.
• Height Control: The vertical levels of the map require special attention to positioning. Players should use height to gain a tactical advantage. Explore the new map on your own to find good spots for skirmishes.
• Careful Spike Planting: Planting the spike on bridges and open areas requires careful planning and defense against surprise attacks. It's not yet clear whether the map will favor attackers or defenders, but it's evident that some spike planting areas are very exposed, so thorough preparation is necessary to avoid unpleasant situations.

Abyss promises to be one of the most challenging Valorant maps, offering players new opportunities to showcase their tactical thinking. Whether players will find it interesting will be revealed soon after the map's release in the game.