Image: Riot Games
Riot is removing Icebox from VALORANT’s map pool in Episode 6 Act 3, and bringing back Bind to make up for it.
VALORANT players who happen to like the game’s Bind map can rejoice, as Riot is bringing it back to the map pool for Episode 6 Act 3. What Riot giveth however, they also taketh away in the form of Icebox - a somewhat divisive map that will be rotated out in the upcoming Act.
Icebox first launched as a playable map in 2020 and outside of Viper mains, has seen a pretty divisive reception from the playerbase thanks to its unique layout that demands specific strategies compared to other maps. Viper mains do well on this map and as such, will feel its removal from the map pool the most. The icy map will likely be worked on while it’s rotated out, so perhaps players can look forward to a better version of it when it returns.
Bind on the other hand, is a welcome return for most players. The map will replace Icebox in Competitive and Unrated map playlists, and it comes with a few changes. For example, the Teleporter Exit right outside A Bath is now nearer the A Bath entrance, and further away from the Attackers’ spawn. Other small adjustments include wider A Bath interiors, rearranged objects and new environmental additions to open up gameplay opportunities depending on the Agent you’re playing.
Bind was previously replaced by Lotus, which is here to stay for now. The upcoming Patch 6.08 will bring Bind back, but you’ll get to try out the updated version of the map early in other game modes when Patch 6.07 drops. Valorant Episode 6 Act 3 will launch on April 25, 2023.
