Potential Map Changes for Valorant Episode 8: All We Know So Far

With Valorant Episode 8 soon approaching, a lot of changes are imminent. Leaks for Valorant Episode 8 have suggested a major map pool change. It seems like Icebox is ready to get back into action after chilling out for nine months. But, as Icebox enters the gaming arena, another map is bidding farewell to the game for some time.

Thanks to prominent data miner ‘ValorLeaks’, we have all the speculated information surrounding these potential changes in the Valorant landscape. The information has not yet been confirmed by Riot Games and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Here's all you need to know about the rumored Valorant map pool changes for Episode 8.

Is Icebox Coming Back to Valorant in Episode 8?

After remaining aloof for nine months, Valorant is reportedly ready to bring back Icebox to the arena. This is one of the most beloved maps in the game. The rumor started doing the rounds when ValorLeaks on X (formerly Twitter) made the leak.

We are not yet sure if Icebox will return as is or will undergo certain changes. These changes have not yet been confirmed by Riot Games but are likely to take place as soon as Valorant Episode 8 begins on 10th January 2024.

Goodbye Haven?

But, as they say, every comeback has a cost. Haven, the OG map that added spice with its three bomb sites, and became an instant fan favorite is allegedly taking a backseat. The map has been there since the beginning, but it seems like Riot Games is ready to let go of it for the time being.

However, even ValorLeaks added a disclaimer stating that this rumor could potentially change around the time of Episode 8 release. So only time will tell if Haven is set to leave the map pool.

Valorant Map Rotation Explained

In 2022, Riot Games made it clear that it wants to operate with a total of seven maps in its first person hero shooter Valorant since best-of-5s (BO5) in tournaments could have two map bans without any repeat picks. After working with the in-house esports team, surveying players and talking to professional organizations, Riot decided to maintain a 7-map pool.

Valorant maps team design lead Joe “Pearl Hogbash” Lansford said, "The team thinks seven is a nice sweet spot that offers both variety and mastery. You don’t have to spend all your time learning new angles, lineups, and strategies."

Here are the current maps in the Valorant map pool rotation:

• Sunset

• Breeze

• Ascent

• Haven

• Bind

• Split

• Lotus