All Icebox Map Changes in Valorant Episode 8
Incoming, new plays and counterplays.
Cover-Credits:
Icebox is returning to the seven-map pool in the latest rotation which will go live on 8th January 2024 along with Episode 8 Act 1. It will be replacing the classic three-site map Haven which used to witness a healthy amount of action in competitive play.
However, Icebox will be undergoing a few tweaks before release in a bid to offset the power distribution between defenders and attackers more evenly.
Unlike Lotus where the changes have taken place directly on the sites or just around it, the updates on Icebox are away from the sites, especially focussed towards the middle section of the map.
All Map Changes Coming to Icebox With Valorant Episode 8
The first big update of 2024 for Valorant is right around the corner with Patch 8.0 scheduled to go live next week. It will introduce the community to Valorant Episode 8 Act 1 which is packed with some exciting things including a new weapon called Outlaw, certain agent changes, and map tweaks for both Lotus and Icebox.
Here are all the changes that are being made to Icebox as per the official announcement by Valorant.
Valorant Episode 8: All Icebox Changes
Mid Changes
Earlier the middle section right outside the attacker spawn used to have a clear line of dight down mid, but that has been changed by increasing the height of the container.
This might look like a small change but the impact it could have is drastic. It remains to be seen if certain mobility agents like Jett, Raze, and Chamber can reach on top of this new double container setup or not.
B Tube Changes
The middle section of Icebox has always been a challenging position to play especially for attackers. To improve the mobility in this area and allow for better movement, the tube and area around it has seen a massive facelift.
Part of the tube that led towards the kitchen area was rather one dimensional with no cover. This has been changed by providing a window through which players can peek and also jump out if required.
In addition to this, a small but significant cover has also been provided right beside the window in the form of two small boxes behind which players can hide and take some form of support.
B Green Changes
The iconic suspended green container box near the B Site towards attacker spawn has been moved as it proved to be a problematic spot to clear.
Nothing is added or deleted, the container has simply been lifted higher up in the air and this small change has suddenly opened up the approach by a huge margin for both sides.
It remains to be seen if mobility-based agents like Jett, Raze, and Chamber can reach the top of this green container or not because that would make things much more complex.
B Snow Pile Changes
The open area at the B Snow Pile right outside the opening from B Kitchen which led towards the B SIte has now been completely covered and shut down by placing multiple containers beside it.
This cuts down one important rotation opportunity for the defenders and simplifies the approach towards the B Site through Mid for attackers, something that used to be a great challenge.
It will force defenders to come up with better off-angle holds and refine strategies around that area to shutdown an advance by the attackers from that region.
These are all the changed that will be introduced to Icebox once Valorant Episode 8 Act 1 goes live on 8th January 2024, Monday.
As usual, the changes have received a mixed reaction from community members and it is too early to say whether these will work out for the better or worse.
One thing that can be said is that changes of various degrees have been applied across the map and it will surely make for an interesting watch as teams build strategies while trying to figure out how to play a more refined Icebox.
