In June 2025, Riot Games once again shook up Valorant’s competitive landscape by removing Split from the active map rotation, alongside Pearl, during the Season 2025: Act 4 patch update.
While the decision disappointed many fans, it follows Riot’s now well-established philosophy of rotating maps to keep the tactical shooter fresh and strategically dynamic.
Why Riot Rotates Maps
Riot’s map rotation system has become a cornerstone of Valorant’s competitive design.
The developer keeps the active pool limited to seven maps, swapping them periodically to ensure variety and balance. Split’s removal fits into this broader plan, serving several purposes:
- Prevent staleness: Constant exposure to the same maps risks making gameplay repetitive. By rotating maps out, Riot forces players to adapt and keeps the competitive experience fresh.
- Promote strategy development: Changing the pool gives both pros and casual players time to master different layouts, explore new agent compositions, and evolve tactics.
- Spotlight new or reworked maps: Split’s exit created space for Corrode, a new addition, and the return of Bind, ensuring the spotlight shines on evolving environments.
- Esports balance: Maintaining a seven-map pool gives professional teams strategic variety during pick-ban phases, enhancing the depth of competitive play each season.
Is Split Gone Forever?
Despite its removal from ranked and pro play, Split is not gone completely. Players can still access it through custom games and select non-ranked modes.
Importantly, Riot has a history of reintroducing rotated maps. Fan-favorites like Bind and Breeze have previously left and then returned after adjustments. This means Split could easily resurface in future acts, especially if community demand and professional feedback support its re-entry.
Community Reaction
Split has long divided the Valorant community. Many players appreciated its tight chokepoints and vertical play, considering it one of the most balanced maps in the pool. Others welcomed its removal, eager for the challenge of learning new setups on fresher maps.
The change sparked debate, but most players recognize Riot’s approach: the evolving map pool reflects a deliberate effort to prevent stagnation and ensure the game remains engaging for both pros and casuals.
A Strategic Pause, Not an End
Split’s removal is part of Riot’s broader strategy to treat the map pool as a living system. By rotating maps in and out, Valorant maintains its reputation as a dynamic, ever-evolving shooter. While Split is sidelined for now, its history and popularity make a future return likely. For fans, it’s not a farewell—it’s a waiting game.
Written by:
Christian