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In anticipation of Valorant Episode 8's early 2024 launch, Riot Games' character-based FPS is gearing up for significant changes. Notably, the dynamic three-site layout of Haven will be temporarily replaced by Icebox, a more traditional two-site map.
While Riot Games has officially announced the upcoming modifications to the Lotus map on Valorant's social media, they have yet to release official details about Icebox's changes. However, at present, various sources have leaked images depicting potential alterations to Icebox's layout for the upcoming 8.0 patch of Valorant.
This article provides insights into the expected changes to Valorant's Icebox map, which is set to be introduced with Episode 8 on January 9, 2024.
All changes allegedly coming to Icebox with Valorant patch 8.0
Scheduled for release on January 9, 2024, Patch 8.0 heralds the beginning of a new chapter in Valorant. Anticipation for Episode 8 is high following Riot Games' official unveiling of the map pool for the upcoming rotation and the comprehensive list of alterations coming to the Lotus map.
Following these announcements from the Valorant developers, the community eagerly awaited further details about reintroducing the game's ice-themed map, Icebox, into the map pool after an extended absence. Dataminer @kohteihep on X shared insightful leaks about the alleged changes to Icebox's map layout expected in Episode 8.
Attacker side spawn
By observing the subtle changes made near the Attacker side spawn, we can see that a large crate has been placed on top of the blue crate, effectively removing a common angle used by Attackers with vertical mobility to peek at Defenders.
Mid Tube
A new window has been inserted into the right wall of Tube that connects to Kitchen. This additional window gives Defenders a sightline down the middle of the map, which complicates the attacking lurker's task as they need to keep an eye on Boiler, Screens, and the newly added window in the Tube simultaneously.
Snowpile
The Snowpile area of the map can be reached by Attackers through the Tube or by Defenders descending from the Kitchen and advancing toward the B Site.
Initially, this area had a two-lane layout with crates dividing it. However, it seems that Valorant developers are altering its layout in the next update. The left side of the lane will be removed, and more crates will occupy the space, transforming it into a single-lane path.
B Main
In the upcoming update to Icebox's layout, the green crate attached to a crane in B Main, which previously served as a barrier between the Defenders and Attackers, seems to have been lifted. This change opens up and improves the line of sight for Defenders, making the area less cramped and easier to navigate.
Icebox, a map known for its skirmish-style gameplay, is set to make a comeback to competitive and unrated modes in Episode 8 after being absent for almost 250 days. Replacing Haven, its controversial reintroduction, featuring seemingly minor yet impactful changes, adds an intriguing element as the Valorant meta and player community adjusts to its presence.
