The eagerly awaited moment has arrived for Valorant enthusiasts, as Riot Games officially unveils the new map, “Sunset,” during the Valorant Champions 2023 Grand Finals. With players eagerly anticipating a fresh addition to the map pool, Sunset promises to bring new challenges, strategies, and experiences to the competitive first-person shooter. Here’s a closer look at what awaits players in this vibrant virtual world.
A Cityscape Adventure
Sun’s up, guns up. Take a tour of L.A.’s vibrant sites on our new map: Sunset. pic.twitter.com/wwG0lwN7j3
— VALORANT (@VALORANT) August 26, 2023
The new map, aptly named “Sunset,” draws inspiration from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, serving as the backdrop for the Valorant Champions 2023 event. Designed to capture the essence of the City of Angels, Sunset introduces players to its brightly illuminated streets, replete with iconic elements such as bustling food trucks, a busy freeway, captivating graffiti artwork showcasing local talent, and of course, a stunning sunset.
A Welcome Addition
Valorant fans have been eagerly anticipating a new map, and Sunset couldn’t have come at a better time. This is the first map to grace the game’s rotation in seven months, with the previous addition being the Lotus map in Episode 6 Act 1. With Episode 7 Act 2, the battlegrounds will expand as Sunset becomes the tenth playable map in Valorant.
Three Lanes, Two Sites, One Showdown
Sunset adheres to the classic three-lane, two-site layout familiar to Valorant players. However, what sets Sunset apart is its emphasis on controlling the central mid area. This zone is designed to provide both teams equal opportunities to establish dominance, making mid control a pivotal aspect of strategy. Unlike some of Valorant’s previous maps, Sunset does away with gimmicks like rotating doors and teleporters, ensuring that the focus remains on skillful strategy and tactical execution.
A Glimpse of the Future
While Sunset initially joins the Unrated queues and short-game types, Riot Games plans to introduce it to the competitive pool in a subsequent patch cycle, set for September 12, 2023. Players can expect to face off on Sunset in the highly competitive environment soon after its introduction.
Mark Your Calendars
Sunset’s release date is set for August 29th as part of Valorant Episode 7 Act 2. The map will join the active pool alongside Breeze, while maps Fracture and Pearl will make their exit.
With Sunset’s arrival, the battlefield expands, new strategies emerge, and the ever-evolving world of Valorant continues to captivate players. As the sun rises on this new chapter, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in the streets of Sunset? Prepare to embark on thrilling battles, adapt your tactics, and make your mark on Valorant history.