Icebox out, Abyss in: VALORANT unveils new map rotation

For VALORANT patch 11.04, Riot Games will be rotating Icebox out of the map pool to bring back Abyss.

While the snowy map will not be part of Competitive, Deathmatch, or Premier mode in-game, Icebox will only be removed from pro play after VCT Stage 2 before the start of VALORANT Champions 2025.

G2 Esports’ favourite map to die on, Abyss, will make its return after nearly five months and here’s the updated map pool VALORANT will feature:

With the in-game map rotation taking place on August 19th, Icebox will tie with Split as the most rotated-out map in VALORANT history.

Despite removing Icebox three times so far, Riot is yet to make any significant changes to the map as demanded by multiple professional players. It’s hard to bring much variety into compositions and the mid area offers little value in late rounds unless a player is lurking.

According to the retired professional player Tyson ‘TenZ’ Ngo, Riot should “reopen the B Alley area and remove the Tube,” which would make mid “a lot more open ground.”

“The map has stayed the exact same since launch,” said TenZ on his stream. “I already know for a fact that this map is gonna be cancer in pro play.”

It’s hard to say if the developers will make changes to Icebox anytime soon, but Esports Insider has reached out to Riot Games and will update this article if a response is provided.

Apart from the updated map pool, VALORANT patch 11.04 will reset competitive ranks, while adding a brand new skinline and a battle pass. Moreover, fans can also expect some agent balance changes as a part of Riot’s wider mission of adjusting abilities that are difficult to counter.