The New Competitive Map Pool & Patch 11.02
Big changes are on the horizon for Valorant, as Riot Games prepares to shake up both the map pool and the game engine with the release of Patch 11.02, arriving July 29th. The update is not just another balance patch, it marks the game’s transition to Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) and brings back a fan-favorite map that many players have been waiting for.
New Map Pool: Abyss Makes Its Return
In the upcoming patch, Valorant’s competitive map rotation is getting a fresh update. Riot has announced that Abyss is returning to the pool, giving players a chance to revisit the verticality and chaos of this unique battlefield. The new map pool will include:
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Abyss
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Ascent
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Bind
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Corrode
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Haven
To make room, Lotus and Sunset are being rotated out for the time being. The return of Abyss is expected to shake up team strategies and bring some high-stakes moments back into play, especially given its distinct design and playstyle.
Patch 11.02 Brings Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade
Arguably the biggest news with this patch is Valorant’s full transition to Unreal Engine 5. There’s been a lot of speculation in the community about what this means for performance, but Riot is putting concerns to rest: rather than slowing the game down, UE5 is actually expected to improve FPS for many players, thanks to better optimization tools and rendering improvements.
This upgrade goes beyond just performance, though.
UE5 gives Riot a more powerful foundation for future development, which means features like a revamped replay system could be on the way. Improved replays would give players better tools to analyze matches, sharpen their skills, and review critical moments more accurately.
A New Era for Valorant
Patch 11.02 isn't just a technical update, it's a step forward in Riot’s long-term vision for Valorant. With a refreshed map pool and the power of UE5 under the hood, the game is setting itself up for a smoother, smarter, and more exciting future.
