Leaks suggest Riot may remove Haven from Valorant

Fariha Bhatti Published 29/12/2023

Leakers have discovered that Haven may be removed from the Valorant map pool in Episode 8 to accommodate Icebox. 

Valorant map rotation was introduced in Episode 5 when Pearl was added to the mix. In each episode, Riot would swap out at least one map to make space for a previously removed or recently added location.

In Episode 7, three maps were drawn to make space for Sunset, and now leakers have discovered Riot’s next move, which is subject to change. 

When will Icebox return to Valorant?

According to credible leaker ValorLeaks, Haven will be swapped out for Icebox, but this information should be taken with a grain of salt. This exchange should happen in the upcoming Episode 8.

While ValorLeaks has advised players not to take this leak as gospel, it does make sense for Haven to be removed in the coming episode. The three-sited location has never been replaced since the introduction of map rotation. Now that we have another location in Lotus with a similar layout, it makes sense for Haven to take a back seat. 

Ascent is another map that hasn’t been swapped out yet but is a staple in Valorant. However, that doesn’t exempt it from the rotation. Still, chances of Haven making space for Icebox seem higher, according to ValorLeaks. 

Icebox was removed in Episode 6 and has been on the sidelines for almost two episodes now, which means this map is undoubtedly making a return in Episode 8. The icy tundra is a fan favorite for its verticality and small size, adding a flair of competitiveness to the fast-paced games on this map.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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