On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (Japan time), a new map " Abyss " was implemented in the tactical FPS " VALORANT " developed and operated by Riot Games, Inc.
A new map "Abyss" has been implemented in "VALORANT"!
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (Japan Standard Time), a new map "Abyss" was implemented. The Abyss is located in the secret base of the mysterious assassin group "Scions of Hourglass"...
- Two sites
- 3-lane layout
- Death Drops
- Creative "jump shortcuts
- Diverging central routes
The "VALORANT" is the first map without boundaries. In addition, for the first time in VALORANT, the map has no boundaries! Players will be able to think more creatively about their tactics, and find new and different ways to utilize the terrain in order to win. Be careful not to die from falling...
Hidden at the end of the world, deep in a chasm, this field allows players to experience the thrill of high and low gameplay and the thrill of falling. Try out many tactics on the new map "Abyss" for a different experience!
Lead Map Designer Joey Simas on the new Abyss map
- What were your goals in designing the Abyss?
With Abyss, we wanted to reimagine utility and mobility and encourage players to think about more exciting ways to utilize them. We kept this goal in mind when designing the map, eliminating boundaries and allowing players' creativity to shine through. For example, dropping enemies with Raise's blast packs or bypassing structures with Omen's shrouded steps come to mind, but the map also allows other agents to take higher-risk routes around the site. Other than this, we were also aware of the relatively long range firefights, but at the same time we were careful not to sacrifice the clarity of the concept and the memorability of the layout. In a more subtle way, we also explored various ways to develop the battle over and around smoke. This is an attempt to change the feeling that smoke can "completely block off a narrow space.
- What was your inspiration for the design of the Abyss? What are the key concepts you wanted this map to convey?
Since many players are looking to "clip" their way through the map, we left a lot of room for creative freedom in the map itself. We love high-risk, high-reward gameplay, so we tried to add a "dangerous thrill" to VALORANT without going overboard.
- Are there any unforeseen challenges that arose during the development of "Abyss" or any behind-the-scenes stories about its development?
The original "Abyss" was actually a map with more elevation differences. The death drop element was there from the beginning, but we wanted to emphasize it more. In fact, we were testing other game elements besides the death drop. We were actually testing other game elements besides the death drop, like a jump pad that allows you to leap to great heights in an instant, or a crash pad that allows you to land with no damage. In the end, we decided that they were unnecessary for the "Abyss" gameplay experience and removed them, but they may see the light of day someday!