Valorant’s latest addition to the map pool, Corrode, has plenty of new opportunities and quirks for players to pick apart.
Here’s what you need to know, from Corrode’s entrance to the map pool to navigating the sites.
Patch 11.00 – June 25th
Patch 11.00 covers Corrode’s addition to the map pool, Agent updates, new competitive map rotation, and more.
Waylay, Reyna, Phoenix, and Neon have ability adjustments, while Breach, Sova, Clove, Killjoy, Cypher, Omen, and Brimstone are the subjects for clarity and consistency improvements.
However, the highlight of the Patch is the addition of Corrode.
How will Corrode be introduced into rotation?
Corrode will be in rotation immediately from the patch in both Swiftplay and Competitive.
Swiftplay
For the first five days (June 25th to 30th), the Corrode Only queue will be live. Corrode Only will be restricted to Swiftplay only. Escalation will be temporarily disabled for these five days.
This has been introduced to help players familiarise themselves with the map before queueing in Competitive.
Competitive
Corrode has entered competitive rotation alongside Bind. Pearl and Split are leaving competitive rotation.
For the first two weeks of the Competitive Act, any RR losses on Corrode are reduced by 50%. Wins still grant players 100% RR gain.
Three lanes, two sites… what sets Corrode apart?
At face value, the map may not appear unique. However, it has been designed with a specific goal in mind.
Valorant game designers, map designers, and concept artists have discussed their intent to channel a more classic FPS (first-person shooter) format. They wanted to homage the genre and move away from ability-heavy gameplay.
The team even directly referenced a viral clip taken on the map Bind. A cluster of abilities clouded the map’s B-side to a comical extent, and they used that as direction for better channelling gunplay on Corrode.
Therefore, Corrode zeroes in on layered defences, strong rotation options, and better opportunities for defenders to play on-site. Developers hope this will relieve Valorant’s utility pressure and reward well-executed strategy.
An abundance of corners, combined with several long straights of vision, will hopefully provide a balanced availability of strategies and gunfight styles in Corrode.
Navigating A and B sites
Corrode’s A and B sites are both relatively small.
A site has only two true entry points, but the surrounding walls have high bangability with heavy weapons which may assist defenders.
The lack of entry points makes A site particularly difficult to retake if defenders lose possession to attackers, emphasising a need for Sentinel agents on the map.
B site is more open and features the classic heaven spot for defenders to utilise.
Heaven on Corrode allows players to jump down to the top of a three-walled shelter on B site. This movement is possible with any Agent. It doesn’t require specific movement-based utility, reflecting the intention to move towards a more traditional FPS gunfight strategy.
When each round starts, both attackers and defenders also have good corner angles to work with on the site approaches.
Furthermore, on mid, long sights and mixed elevation will provide excellent opportunities for scoped weapons or a dangerous Chamber. There is also increased cover to work with, potentially resulting in interesting smokes and fights.
Questions over Corrode wall bangability
A site is surrounded by walls on Corrode, with two small entrances. In what can be assumed to be an attempt to balance the advantage of attackers versus defenders, these walls have heavy bangability against heavy weapons.
This means that players using weapons such as an Odin or Ares can shoot through the wall to hit players on the other side.
If the spike is planted in a location where the trace of the spike can be seen on the outside of the site, attackers can plant and prevent defusing without being on site at all. Instead, they can shoot someone diffusing from afar, out of sight.
Heavy bangability on a different map, Ascent, forced changes to the maps design. Players frequently described the wall-shot gimmick as “boring,” or even “infuriating.”
Nevertheless, it will take some time before developers know if this is an issue requiring a patch.
Following the Corrode showmatch at the VCT Toronto Finals, teasers, developer interviews, and content creator previews, players have much to look forward to. Corrode’s entrance to the map pool will kick off Act IV with a bang.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.
