Lotus is returning to the map pool rotation in VALORANT patch 2.05.
Lotus is coming back to the map rotation pool with some updates, especially for the A site. In the VALORANT patch 12.05 notes, both Lotus and Fracture will enter the competitive queues and replace Abyss and Corrode. We also have some updates for the Premier stage.
Lotus A site updates
All of the updates on Lotus are happening on the A site. Even though the Riot Games team is happy with “where Lotus is at as a map,” there is still a bigger goal to “reduce spam when the barrier drops.” So, they are working to reduce it and not to stop it completely. “We feel moving the jump up to vines will give attackers a better chance to fight for rubble,” Riot explained.
Attacker lobby
The attacker lobby will be thickened to prevent wall penetration as soon as the barrier drops. This will allow attackers to not be so exposed to threats as soon as the round begins, especially Odins and Guardians that could easily wall bang the lobby.
As you can see, the rocks have also changed in the main entry. Before, the attackers didn’t have much space to work with on A, since very mobile agents such as Raze or Omen could easily get closer to the entry and prevent attackers from taking space. With this update, attackers will now have a little bit more space to work, with the addition of new angles and places to hide and reorganize.
A main
Another major opportunity for attackers will be in the A main area near the door. The wall outside the tree area will be reinforced to remove wall penetration. Defenders will no longer be able to sit down on tree and use an Odin to kill the enemies trying to grab the orb or just initiate a play.
A site
The updates will also benefit the defenders. On the A site, Riot will add more room outside of the stairs to help defenders reposition or play further back. There will also be some interesting off angles that defenders can use to try to stop attackers.
On the other side, attackers will no longer be able to play for A main. The planting will be smaller, being concentrated on the back site and right side of the area. Post-plant plays from the tree area will be prioritized.
Map pool rotation and Premier schedule
Lotus will enter the map pool rotation in Act II alongside Fracture. Abyss and Corrode will be out of competitive and deathmatch queues.
Additionally, Premier matches will kick off on March 18. However, the stage will run for six weeks instead of the usual seven. Teams with at least a 500 Premier score will qualify for the Playoffs, set to happen on April 26.
In Contender and Invite, qualification will still be based on your placement, so don’t forget to check out the standings for more information. Your awards hub will temporarily display that you haven’t unlocked any rewards. This bug will be fixed in the patch 12.06 notes.
You can find the complete VALORANT patch 12.05 breakdown on Riot Games’ official page.