Valorant Episode 6 is almost here and weâve got plenty of thrilling updates to look forward to. One of which is the arrival of the new map Lotus, bringing a new three-site experience to Valorant for the first time since the gameâs launch.
Developer Riot Games will debut Lotus on the Valorant Episode 6 Act 1 release date, which is the ninth map to drop for the popular competitive FPS. According to the developer, Lotus is set within the âWestern Ghats of Omega Earthâs India.â To bring Lotus to life a wide range of inspirations have been used, such as âIndian step-wells, rock-cut architecture, and Dravidian style structure.â
Like one of the gameâs launch maps, Haven, Lotus utilises three-sites for maximum action thrills rather than the standard two. Around the map, players will be able to experience ânew environmental mechanics such as rotating doors and destructible wallsâ as they strive for victory.
âWe aimed to make a map with high flexibility and movement for both teams,â says level designer Joe Lansford. One of the mapâs biggest influences, to our surprise, is the fictitious legendary adventurer Indiana Jones.
Lansford explains that âIndiana Jones was one of the thematic inspirations we drew from. Visually, we found the rock-cut architecture fascinating because it evokes a mystical and ancient vibe to the theme.â
However, Lotusâ more fantastical aesthetic almost wasnât to be, as Lansford reveals that Riot was âoriginally envisioning a space station and [it] had an airlock mechanic that shut down large areas of the map.â Though this idea was scrapped, who knows, maybe weâll be going galactic in the future.
The year ahead for Valorant is already shaping up to be promising, with Valorant finally gaining approval in China signposting big changes going forward. Esports stars are having their say too, as they detail what they want to see in 2023âs season. In the meantime, keep in the loop with the latest Valorant Night Market dates.
