Valorant map Split returns, here’s everything we know about it

TL;DR

  • Split returns with potential B-site layout changes to address attack-side difficulties
  • Jett, Omen, Skye, KAY-O, and Killjoy form the optimal agent composition for map control
  • Phantom outperforms Vandal in 70% of Split’s close-quarters engagements
  • Balanced aggression and passive play is crucial for success on this enclosed map
  • Strategic positioning and utility usage determine round outcomes more than raw aim

Valorant map Split

Valorant’s Episode 6 Act 1 marks the triumphant return of Split, replacing the desert-themed Bind in the competitive rotation. This strategic comeback demands players master the map’s unique verticality and tight corridors to secure consistent victories.

Originally developed during Project: A’s early stages, Split earned recognition as one of Valorant’s most tactically sophisticated arenas. Despite its design excellence, professional tournaments saw surprisingly limited Split appearances. When Riot introduced Pearl as the eighth competitive battleground, one existing map required removal from the active pool, and unfortunately Split was temporarily retired. Following extensive community feedback and competitive demand, developers have reintegrated this Japanese-inspired location, making comprehensive knowledge essential for ranked success.

The distinctive urban environment blends corporate plazas with traditional Tokyo neighborhoods in Alpha Earth’s Japanese setting. Before Kingdom Corporation established its technological footprint, this area maintained peaceful residential communities. Currently, it presents an intriguing fusion of modern commercial centers and historic housing districts, creating diverse combat scenarios.

Valorant agents

Split presents unique tactical challenges that punish both overly aggressive pushes and excessively passive positioning. Achieving the perfect balance between these extremes proves critical for consistent performance on this multi-level battleground. Given the map’s specific choke points and elevation changes, certain agents naturally excel while others struggle to find impact.

We’ve curated the most effective agent lineup for Split based on professional play patterns and statistical performance data. Each selection addresses specific map control requirements while complementing team compositions.

  • Jett (Duelist): Her mobility enables rapid rotations between sites and aggressive peeks on Split’s many elevated angles. The dash ability provides essential escape options after securing opening picks in tight spaces.
  • Omen (Controller): Teleportation and smokes create unpredictable attack routes and defensive setups, particularly effective for controlling mid and B site entries.
  • Skye (Initiator): Reconnaissance capabilities and healing support make her invaluable for gathering information in Split’s complex layout.
  • KAY-O (Initiator): Ability suppression neutralizes defensive utility, crucial for executing on notoriously difficult B site attacks.
  • Killjoy (Sentinel): Defensive setups dominate Split’s choke points, with turret coverage and alarmbot traps creating formidable defensive networks.

For players seeking comprehensive agent mastery, our Class Guide provides detailed breakdowns of ability usage and positioning strategies.

Split’s compact design and numerous close-quarters engagement zones heavily favor spray-control weapons. The map’s average engagement distance falls between 15-25 meters, creating ideal conditions for Phantom dominance. Players should prioritize this rifle for approximately 70% of combat situations encountered.

Vandal remains situationally effective at specific long-angle positions like A site heaven to A ramp, but requires exceptional spray control for consistency. The Phantom’s larger magazine capacity and superior spray pattern make it significantly more forgiving during extended firefights.

Common mistakes include overestimating Vandal’s one-tap potential and underestimating Phantom’s time-to-kill in close range. Advanced players should master both weapons and develop instinctive switching based on planned positioning and anticipated engagement distances.

For comprehensive weapon statistics and unlock strategies, reference our detailed Weapons Unlock guide covering all available armaments.

Split’s reintroduction brings anticipated layout modifications addressing previous competitive imbalances. Community speculation and unofficial sources indicate substantial redesign elements, potentially creating an unfamiliar combat environment for returning players.


While the core visual identity required minimal adjustments, attacking B site presented disproportionate challenges due to extremely narrow approach corridors. These areas became virtually impassable against coordinated defensive setups featuring agents like Killjoy.

Similar to Icebox’s historical site imbalance issues, Split’s B site likely receives layout reworks to create additional attack avenues and reduce defender advantages. These changes aim to balance the map for competitive integrity while preserving its distinctive tactical identity.

For players transitioning between maps, our Complete Guide provides cross-map strategy translations and adaptation techniques.

Action Checklist

  • Practice Phantom spray patterns in custom games focusing on 15-25 meter distances
  • Learn Omen teleport locations for unexpected flanking routes
  • Study B-site execute strategies using KAY-O’s suppression knife
  • Master Jett dash peeks on A ramp and mid vent angles
  • Develop Killjoy setup variations for different defensive scenarios

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