Valorant enthusiasts, get ready for a captivating change of scenery as the upcoming Episode 7 Act 2 unveils "Sunset," a map inspired by the vibrant essence of Los Angeles. This new battleground is set to immerse players in the midst of urban shops and artistic murals, reminiscent of the iconic West Coast city. From layout intricacies to the eagerly awaited release date, here's your comprehensive guide to everything related to the Sunset map.
After a wait spanning over half a year since the addition of a new map to the Valorant rotation, the arrival of Lotus in Episode 6 Act 1 back on January 10, 2023, players are now gearing up to embrace a fresh arena in Episode 7 Act 2.
The Sunset map distinguishes itself by sidestepping the "gimmicks" that have often accompanied new maps in Valorant, such as dynamic doors, teleportation portals, or other novel features. Instead, Sunset offers a more straightforward layout, a deliberate choice that may infuse a sense of invigorating simplicity into the gameplay experience.
Curious about when you can jump into this new environment and explore its nuances? Mark August 29, 2023, on your calendar as that's when Sunset will be introduced to the Valorant servers alongside Episode 7 Act 2. Furthermore, this Act will usher in additional game content through an entirely fresh battle pass, promising players an extended journey of engagement and rewards.
Diving into the structure of the Sunset map, it presents a layout that leans towards conventionality in contrast to some of Valorant's other maps. While diverging from the multi-spike site configurations seen in Lotus and Haven, Sunset opts for two spike sites. Nonetheless, the map retains its complexity through the inclusion of three distinct lanes, facilitating strategic maneuvering and tactical confrontations. The map's design deliberately emphasizes mid control, offering a multitude of cover options for both attackers and defenders.
Joe Lansford, Lead Map Designer at Valorant, shares insights into the development process: "Sunset features a mid that is fairly difficult to control and doesn’t really favor one team or another; it’s generally good for rifle ranges and opens up a bunch of opportunities for whichever team can take it. We expect to see both teams make mid control a central part of their strategy on Sunset."
Beyond its structural aspects, Sunset's background narrative draws inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles, evident in its artistic renderings, food truck presence, and even nods to skate culture. Neon sunsets, synonymous with LA's aesthetic, posed a notable challenge during the map's creation. Achieving the desired mood while maintaining optimal gameplay visibility required a careful balance, with Lansford explaining,
"We wanted to hit the mood of an LA sunset with a pink skyline and long shadows, but those aren’t great for gameplay. After a lot of back and forth, we think we found that sweet spot that captures both the tone and clarity we want."
With the release of Sunset slated for the end of this month, the Valorant community eagerly awaits the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fusion of artistry and gameplay sophistication that the map promises to offer.
