With the release of the third VALORANT act, we’ve seen several additions and changes to the game, one of them being a new map, Icebox. In this featured article we’ll be going over a basic tutorial of the map, with some tips and tricks depending on the agent you’re using.
Introduction to Icebox
If you still haven’t logged into VALORANT or seen any footage of the new map, worry not. Icebox is set in an icy atmosphere (as the name suggests) and has quite a standard layout. It features 2 bomb sites, A being a much larger site than B and it also has the standard three lane layout which most maps have. Some of Icebox’s core features are the zip lines which are attached on both bomb sites, as well as the verticality of the map. Here below are images of Bombsite A and B:
Map Callouts
With regards to names of locations on Icebox, it shouldn’t be too complicated. Most of the areas have standard in-game callout names, such as: Garage, Screen, Rafters, Back, Kitchen, etc… And to make it easier, in most of the B bombsite area, there are coloured containers which you can refer to by their own colour (Blue, Green, Yellow and Orange). Here below is an image of the map layout:
Ultimate Orbs
With regards to ultimate orbs, there is the standard amount of 2 orbs spread around the map. One being in the pathway to the B bombsite, just next to Green, and another orb in the middle of A site. Here below are images of both orb locations:
The best way to gain access to these orbs and obtain them safely are by using smokes. In the video below easy lineups are shown for both orbs.
ICEBOX Tutorial – Best agents
With the verticality of the map, it is very easy to identify which agents will shine the most on Icebox. This is because agents like Omen, Jett and Raze have movement-based abilities which allow them to get to high places. Omen has his Shrouded Step, Jett has her Updraft, and Raze has her Blast packs. Here below is a video identifying the advantages you get when playing one of the above agents.
ICEBOX Tutorial – Tips and Tricks
Omen
Omen is by far the most strongest agent on this map. Not only does he have 2 short ranged teleportation abilities, but also his Paranoia ability can be used in many spots around the map due to its huge flash range. Here below is an example of the flash being used in Mid ramp.
Omen is also excellent at getting into places really quickly due to his Shrouded step. In the video below you can see an example of 2 tips and tricks you can use to startle your opponents.
Raze
Raze is also a great agent when it comes to surprising your enemies. Her Blast packs are an excellent piece of utility which can be used to get into high places, very quickly. In the video below there are 3 examples of where and how her Blast packs can be used.
Sova
Here’s an easy Recon Bolt lineup for a quick A site push. Simply line yourself on the corner outside A main, aim above the 3rd arrow from the right, and release when the bar hits the half. This recon bolt lands exactly on top of A site, and reveals most of the corners that the Defenders might be sitting at.
How will Icebox impact the current Map pool
With Icebox being the 5th map being added to VALORANT, the options are quite narrow. I personally feel like Icebox is a far more tactical map due to its size and verticality, and will most probably be preferred over Split. The important thing that comes with Icebox is that now, in tournaments that have a best of 5 format, teams will not have to play a map twice in the same series if it goes the distance. This will not only be better for the players participating in events, but will also aid the spectator / viewer experience.
Overall, the map is quite different from any other map we currently have in the map pool. As mentioned above, it will certainly aid the competitive side of VALORANT due to its uniqueness and availability in a best of 5 format. All in all, we’ll just have to wait and see how the community develops and adapts to Icebox.
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