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Riot Games just announced the game’s seventh map, ‘Fracture’ which will release with Episode 3 Act 2 on 8th Sept 2021. Fracture is the seventh map to be added to the game since release and it features a H-shape layout with a visual split down the middle that shows two highly contrasting sides. There is a fair bit of verticality on the map with long ziplines that allow players to take alternate routes underneath the map. Riot Games has promised heavy tie-ins to Valorant lore as well as interactive narrative objects on the map for the first-time ever.
Valorant’s new map is inspired by Lord of The Rings
In a press release, Riot Level Designer, Joe Lansford revealed that he took inspiration from the Battle of Helm’s Deep in the movie franchise, Lord of the Rings. He said, “As the orcs are breaking down the gates, Aragorn and Théoden (and the remaining squadzinho) ride out to meet them. “Now for wrath, now for ruin and the red dawn!” Gandalf and the Riders of Rohan storm down the mountain from the other side. When you’re on defense and both A and B players push out to flip the tables and pinch attackers instead, it always reminds me of this moment.”
Here are some of the key features of the new map:
H-shaped layout, Defender Spawn sits in the middle of the map
Ziplines run under the map to connect front and back
First Valorant map with interactive objects
First exposure to Mirror Earth Kingdom; map expands on the mirrorverse and both Kingdoms
The publisher revealed that having two sides to attack/defend each site from was challenging in early playtests. This led to Riot giving each quadrant of the map a distinct visual identity so that players can get a better sense of direction and aid with clear callouts.
In terms of lore, Creative Director, David Nottingham revealed that the map plays a key role in the timeline of our Earth. As revealed by the Duality cinematic, there seems to be a parallel universe which is sending its own Valorant agents. Players can expect “environmental and visual storytelling” to uncover the mysteries about what is going on in the Valorant universe.
Valorant Fracture Map release date
The new Fracture map in Valorant will release with patch 3.05 around 8th Sept 2021.
