Riot devs explain why Valorant’s next maps will be like Icebox

Lauren Bergin
Valorant-Icebox-Art

Icebox has become one of the most hotly debated maps in Valorant, but Riot Games map developer Joe Ziegler has stated that future map designs are likely to follow in its footsteps. 

Everyone and their Valorant grandmother knows about Icebox, Riot Games’ latest addition to the game. Icebox was released into Future Earth on patch 1.11, however since then it has generated a lot of controversy.

Fans are truly divided on this map, some refer to it as “garbage” while others truly seem to love it. The icy location certainly has left some fans out in the cold due to the vast array of angles on offer to pick off enemies from and the countless routes that the map offers.

However, whether or not Icebox has wowed fans or otherwise, Riot map developer Joe Zeigler has told players to expect more Icebox-style locations.

icebox valorant map
Icebox has quite quickly solidified itself as one of Valorant’s most hated maps.

Riot Ziegler confirms that future maps will be more like Icebox

In a recent instalment of Dev Diaries, Ziegler takes the bull by the horns when it comes to the Icebox discussion.

The segment entitled ‘Icebox and the future of maps’ clarifies that Riot’s vision with every new map is to “bring meaningful new changes that ask you to think about how you approach the space. Our four original maps were designed to introduce you to the complexities of Valorant, especially with so much unique agent utility to play against.”

Ziegler goes on to clarify that “moving forward I hope you can see how we’ll continue challenging the basic concepts of map design in order to promote more diverse, strategic play”. Citing Icebox as an example because it’s more complex design forces players to work on their aim as well as skirmishing ability.

Icebox’s layout allows players to “plan more strategically and perform tactically with guns and character abilities,” something that Riot seek to promote moving forward.

So like it or not, Valorant’s map designers will be using Icebox’s complex design as their blueprint moving forward. Hopefully this decision continues to add an element of difficulty to the game that we perviously haven’t seen before. We’ll keep our eyes out for any further Valorant map news.

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About The Author

Lauren was formerly Dexerto's Features Editor and resident Diablo Sorceress. With two Master's degrees under her belt and a lot more Steam achievements, she specializes in all things Blizzard and Riot Games, with some Lost Ark and FFXIV on the side.