Valorant Patch 1.08 Makes Map Selection Even More Random

Valorant Patch 1.08 makes map selection even more random…

Now, I’ve been wanting to discuss Riot Games map design decisions for a while. Before I do so, let’s view the new patch. There are only a few changes on this patch, which can be seen in this highlight graphic by Riot Games themselves:

As you can see, the main highlight is “Map Rotation Changes” and under it is “Lower chance of playing the same map twice”. They’ve also reverted Guardian back to its beta state, and Raze got nerfed again. To clarify exactly what they did with the Valorant map rotation here is exact patch notes on this specific change:

It’s happening! The possible pool of maps you can get placed on is now ‘pseudo-random’ rather than pure random. What that means is if you just played, say, Haven, the matchmaker will deprioritize that map in your next game.

Matchmaking queue for all modes has been updated to measure all your recently played maps, throughout all modes, so that for any given queue you:

• Have a better chance of playing on a map you haven’t played recently
• Are much less likely to play on the same map several games in a row

Alright, now that you’ve seen the patch notes before I point out the main issue with Valorant Map Rotation, I can go forward now. Not being able to select the maps you want to play (Like CS:GO) is terrible considering the map design is so bad. What makes it even worse, is that now they made it even more random.

Why Valorant Map Design Matters

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to what map they are best on, but all of these maps are heavy Defender sided. Haven is the only map that actually puts stress on Defenders because of how far they have to rotate. Being a Diamond player myself, I would know considering how much I play on these maps.

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Every time I hopped into a match during my time in ranked, all the maps were bad but I’d rather play Split out of the four. The reason why I chose Split as my favorite was because of how easy it was to hold it on the Defender side. Even if the attackers were pushing the other site, rotations are very quick on that map. That’s the problem right there, notice how there is always a better side.

You will hear Valorant players often say “This map is Defender Sided”, and the fact that there is no balance means the map needs improvement. Everything needs balance, but Riot Games doesn’t seem to know what that is in First Person Shooters.