Icebox is returning to VALORANT's competitive map pool

Olivia Richman Published 03/01/2024

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:

• Icebox
• Lotus
• Sunset
• Breeze
• Ascent
• Bind
• Split

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.

• Related: Episode 8 introduces new weapon, the Outlaw sniper

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

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

Valorant

Vitality vs LOUD: Best predictions and picks for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Our recommended VCT Champions 2026 match to watch for September 30 has to be the clash between Team Vitality and LOUD for a spot in the playoffs. This is the first time the two orgs are set to face off, and both are going to give it their all. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 Team Vitality vs LOUD predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: ...

Valorant

100 Thieves vs T1: Best predictions for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Two massive esports organizations are set to clash in VCT Champions 2026, as 100 Thieves will take on T1 in the Group A opening match. One of these teams is widely considered the current favorite to win the entire tournament, so here are out 100 Thieves vs T1 predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: 100 Thieves are currently considered the ...

Valorant

Global Esports vs Team Vitality: Best predictions for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono The Valorant action doesn’t stop, as we’re getting a spicy matchup between Global Esports and Team Vitality in the group stage. This is the first time these lineups are going to play against each other, so it’ll be exciting to see which one comes out on top. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 Global Esports vs Team Vitality predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best ...

Valorant

Complexity Gaming shuts down after 23 years – Here’s what we know Khizar Mundia Esports organization Complexity Gaming is ending its 23-year run, as its founder announces its shutdown. Complexity is an organization that has been around since the early days of esports. The organization had rosters in multiple games, including Counter-Strike and Valorant. Despite this, Complexity’s CS roster was the most famous, as it won several major events. This is why it was a surprise for fans to hear that Complexity is shutting ...

Valorant

NRG vs Nongshim RedForce: Best picks for VCT Champions 2026 Owen Harsono Two tournament favorites face off in the first round of the VCT Champions 2026 group stage, as NRG will take on Nongshim RedForce in their opening match. There is no room for slow starts at this event, making it an incredibly important match for both teams. Here are our NRG vs Nongshim RedForce predictions. Tournament: VCT Champions 2026 Stage: Group Stage Game: Valorant Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: These ...

Valorant

Who Will Win VCT Champions 2026? These Are The Top Four Candidates Owen Harsono VCT Champions 2026 is the biggest Valorant tournament of the year. 16 of the best teams in the world will gather in Shanghai, but only one can fly back home with the title. With so many good teams at the event, it’s pretty hard to pinpoint which one is going to win, but Kalshi traders think they have a good idea of what will happen at the tournament, which ends ...

Valorant

VCT Champions 2026 Power Ranking [Best Valorant Teams Ranked] Owen Harsono The biggest Valorant tournament of the year is right around the corner, as VCT Champions 2026 in Shanghai kicks off on September 24. If you’re looking to follow and bet on this esports event, let’s make sure you know which teams to look out for. Here are our VCT Champions 2026 power rankings. These rankings are based on recent results and international experience. Favorites can always fall victim to upsets, ...