Exactly one year ago, on June 11, 2024, Riot Games added Abyss to Valorant. Back then, Abyss was the first brand-new map released to Valorant's competitive map pool since Sunset, which was added to the game in August 2023.
It's fair to say Valorant's competitive map pool is constantly changing. That's mainly because Riot Games wants to refresh the players' experience, making the competitive experience feel less stale and monotone. If maps rotate, players' day-to-day experience doesn't only feel a bit better but also offers developers and map designers the chance to improve potential flaws in the maps.
With a new map coming to Valorant in the upcoming months, Riot Games has already confirmed that the new map will be added to the competitive map pool straight away. Considering that this map is completely new and players will be playing it competitively before having time to learn it, Riot Games has already confirmed that during the first two weeks of Season 2025 Act 4 all defeats on the new map will handle half of the usual RR loss.
However, Valorant's new map won't be the only map being added to the competitive map pool in the upcoming months, as Abyss could be making a return.
According to the popular leaker VALORANT Leaks and News, Abyss will return to Valorant's competitive map pool in Season 2025 Act 4. Therefore, Valorant's upcoming Act will bring two changes to the competitive map pool, with Abyss and the new map replacing two maps that are yet to be announced.
Unfortunately, the news haven't been kindly welcomed in the Valorant community. The reactions to the leak have been quite negative, with the majority of players expressing their frustration. But, why?
Although the Valorant community welcomed Abyss with open arms when the map was released to the game in June 2024, players quickly realized the map was too big to be played at a competitive scale. When a map is too big, it makes it really difficult for players to rotate sites and retakes are a nightmare.
Despite the overall negative thoughts regarding the map, Abyss offers unique possibilities as it has no outer boundaries and a death drop in Mid. This allows players to eliminate themselves in economy rounds, a move that has been seen a handful of times at important esports competitions. Additionally, Abyss feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other maps, as the map has a dark vibe that other maps like Lotus, Sunset, Haven, or Split don't possess.
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