Riot Games has once again shaken up Valorant’s competitive landscape in 2025 with another round of map rotation. Each act, certain maps are cycled out of the ranked and Premier queues to keep gameplay fresh and encourage players to master new strategies.
The latest changes for Act 4, and patch 11.00+, are some of the most significant this year.
Which Maps Are Leaving Rotation?
- Split and Pearl: Starting June 24, 2025, with Act 4, Split and Pearl have both been removed from the competitive map pool. Both of these maps had been available since Patch 9.08 but are now moving to the inactive pool, meaning you can no longer queue for them in ranked or Premier modes—though they may still be playable in other modes, customs, or return in the future.
- Icebox (Upcoming): Patch 11.04, releasing August 19, 2025, will see Icebox rotated out. Abyss is set to return to the map pool at that time, making Icebox one of Valorant’s most frequently cycled maps.
Which Maps Are in the New Active Competitive Pool?
As of Act 4 (late June 2025), the following maps are in the competitive and Premier rotation:
- Ascent
- Haven
- Lotus
- Sunset
- Bind (returning after being out for three months)
- A new map, “Corrode” (referenced in patch notes)
- Icebox (until August 19, then Abyss re-joins the pool)
With these changes, the seven-map system remains in effect: as a new map is added or one returns (e.g., Bind, Corrode), another must leave to keep the rotation at seven.
Why Are Maps Rotated Out?
Riot routinely rotates maps to:
- Maintain game freshness and reduce staleness.
- Allow for more map-specific strategy development and improvement.
- Give new or reworked maps a chance in the spotlight.
- Provide pro and ranked players with optimal variety for pick-ban phases.
Not Leaving Forever
Maps rotated out of competitive play like Split, Pearl, and soon Icebox are not removed from the game entirely—they remain available in Unrated, Custom Games, Spike Rush, and may eventually return in a future act or after balance changes.
Community Reaction
Fans and pros often have mixed feelings when favorites leave the pool, but most recognize the importance of a dynamic rotation. Some are already clamoring for the return of maps like Breeze, while others are eager to try out the new environments and revisit classics like Bind.
For the most up-to-date map rotation and details on new or returning maps, players should always check official Valorant patch notes or trusted tracker platforms.
In summary: Split and Pearl are currently out of rotation, Icebox is next, with Bind, Corrode, and other existing maps making up the competitive pool for Act 4 and the months ahead.
Written by:
Christian