win.gg
Win.gg Valorant Icebox is returning to VALORANT’s competitive map pool

Icebox is returning to VALORANT's competitive map pool

Olivia Richman
Olivia Richman Published 03/01/2024
Google Preferred Source
Valorant Icebox map

Riot Games has confirmed that the competitive map pool is getting a big change in Episode 8.

In a tweet earlier today, the VALORANT account shared some map changes for Episode 8. Icebox and Lotus will be getting updates for Episode 8 since they will be part of the next map pool rotation. Here is the full list of maps in the Episode 8 competitive map pool:

https://twitter.com/VALORANT/status/1742199562800918994?s=20

As you can see, Haven will be removed in Episode 8.

Another interesting update is that the competitive map rotation will be used in other modes as well “so that you’ll always play on the most relevant maps.” This won’t apply to Team Deathmatch and custom games.

What changes are coming for Icebox?

Developers haven’t shared what changes are coming to Icebox but gamers are expecting some big updates. Icebox hasn’t been in the rotation since April and it was controversial back then thanks to its sight lines.

To create better balance between attackers and defenders, developers may be looking into new pathways as well as making existing pathways less open. There may be more spots for hiding and peaking.

VALORANT Episode 8 will go live on January 9, 2024.

Olivia Richman Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

View full profile
Read Also
MIBR vs Leviatán Esports Match Preview & Predictions – Saturday 8 August Valorant
MIBR vs Leviatán Esports Match Preview & Predictions – Saturday 8 August Owen Harsono Two of the top VCT Americas squads are set to clash in Stage 2, as the star-studded roster of MIBR will take on the reigning international champions LEVIATAN in a Best of 3 series. Here are our MIBR vs LEVIATAN VCT Americas Stage 2 predictions. If you’re planning to make a trade on this match, be sure to use our Kalshi promo code WINGGPREMAR for up to $500 in bonus ...
Kalshi Promo Code for T1 vs DRX – VCT Pacific Stage 2: Get Up to $500 Bonus with “WINGGPREMAR” Valorant
Kalshi Promo Code for T1 vs DRX – VCT Pacific Stage 2: Get Up to $500 Bonus with “WINGGPREMAR” Owen Harsono This Saturday at VCT Pacific Stage 2 will see a highly anticipated South Korean derby between flagship squads T1 and KIWOOM DRX, with both teams desperately needing this win if they want to top their group. We have looked at the prediction market Kalshi app to try and make sense of what could happen — if you're planning to trade for yourself then be sure to use our Kalshi promo ...
MLBB is the most-watched game from the EWC, and it’s hard to see another game beating it Esports Betting
MLBB is the most-watched game from the EWC, and it’s hard to see another game beating it Michael Hassall The Esports World Cup 2026 has officially passed its midway point and viewership figures for the tournament have surpassed many expectations so far, as per Esports Charts. The viewership tracking site revealed new statistics for the event on Aug. 6, showcasing just how many games had set new records in viewership, including one name leading the way in views: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. MLBB leads the viewership charts with the ...
Top 10 Best Valorant Players to Have Never Won an International Event Valorant
Top 10 Best Valorant Players to Have Never Won an International Event Owen Harsono We’ve seen countless talented Valorant players, but the reality is that not everyone can win an international trophy. Some are world-class players who have cracked aim and insane utility usage, but are still missing that one big win in their careers. Below, we take a look at the top 10 Valorant players who have never won a VCT Masters or Champions title. Cryocells has been one of North America’s best ...
These Are The Top 5 Most Broken Valorant Agents on Release Valorant
These Are The Top 5 Most Broken Valorant Agents on Release Owen Harsono Riot Games releases new Valorant agents from time to time, and let’s just say some of them were completely broken when they were first released. Of course, Riot quickly took measures and balanced them accordingly, but it was hilarious how insanely strong some of them were when they were first released. Below, we’ll take a look at the top five most broken Valorant agents upon their launch. Coming in fifth ...
Opinion: Is Esports Tracing the Same Evolutionary Path As Traditional Sports? News
Opinion: Is Esports Tracing the Same Evolutionary Path As Traditional Sports? Cecilia Ciocchetti What happens when an industry compresses centuries of sporting evolution into less than a decade or two? Communities become global audiences overnight, rivalries spread through social media within minutes, and tournaments turn into entertainment products faster than ever before. And so what took traditional sports centuries to build has taken esports a fraction of that. From local communities to sold out arenas, and from informal matches to Olympic-style events, the ...
OBS Game Capture isn’t working on Valorant and League of Legends? Here’s why and how to fix it Valorant
OBS Game Capture isn’t working on Valorant and League of Legends? Here’s why and how to fix it Khizar Mundia Several reports suggest that OBS Game Capture is broken, with Valorant and League of Legends streamers only being able to broadcast a black screen. OBS has responded to the issue, confirming that it exists and also provided a way to fix it. Valorant and League of Legends are two of Riot Games’ most popular titles, and they are being streamed on streaming platforms by creators regularly. On July 21, 2026, ...