When is Split returning to Valorant? Here’s what we think

The removal of Split from Valorant’s active map pool during Episode 5, Act 1 represented a strategic shift in Riot Games’ approach to competitive map management. While the map wasn’t universally popular during its availability, its absence created significant demand among both casual and professional players. This phenomenon demonstrates how scarcity can transform player perception and create renewed interest in previously underappreciated content.

Riot’s decision to cap the active rotation at seven maps addresses a critical learning curve challenge facing the Valorant community. Mastering eight distinct battlegrounds, particularly when new maps introduce unfamiliar mechanics and layouts, creates substantial cognitive load for players across all skill levels. The development team recognized that excessive map variety could compromise competitive integrity by diluting team preparation and individual mastery. This calculated reduction ensures players can develop deeper strategic understanding of each environment while maintaining variety in competitive play.

The seven-map standard represents Riot’s commitment to balancing accessibility with competitive depth. New players face a steep learning curve when entering Valorant, and reducing the initial knowledge requirement helps bridge the experience gap. However, the selective removal of Split specifically generated controversy, as many teams had developed specialized strategies and agent compositions tailored to its unique verticality and choke point design.

Multiple indicators strongly suggest Split’s return is not just planned but actively being prepared. Riot’s transparent communication about their “magic algorithm machine” decision-making process confirms the removal was temporary from the outset. The development team’s specific mention of potential “tweaks” upon return indicates this isn’t merely a reintroduction but potentially a refined version of the classic map.

The Ion 2.0 gun bundle showcase on Split represents more than coincidental placement. Riot deliberately selects maps for weapon demonstrations that will remain relevant in the near future, making this strategic placement a strong indicator of the map’s impending return. Similarly, the Patch 5.06 Kohaku & Matsuba collection featuring Split demonstrates continued development attention and asset maintenance for the environment.

Consistent visual references to the removed map across multiple updates suggest active development work rather than archival preservation. When maps are permanently retired, Riot typically phases out their use in promotional material and bundle showcases, making the persistent appearance of Split particularly telling for attentive observers.

Based on Valorant’s established content release patterns and competitive season structure, Episode 6, Act 1 emerges as the most probable timeline for Split’s return. Each Valorant episode spans three acts with approximately two-month durations, creating natural six-month cycles for map pool evaluations. This timeframe provides sufficient duration for teams to master the current seven-map rotation while allowing strategic meta-development.

The beginning of a new episode represents the logical point for significant competitive adjustments, including map pool changes. This timing ensures professional teams have adequate preparation time for major tournaments while maintaining fresh competitive experiences for the broader player base.

Six months consistently proves adequate for comprehensive map mastery at both casual and professional levels. Players can develop sophisticated strategies, learn precise lineups, and understand nuanced positioning within this timeframe. The calculated reintroduction approximately two months from now aligns perfectly with both the Episode 6 launch and the completion of the current mastery cycle.

This predicted timeline also accommodates potential map modifications Riot mentioned. Development teams require several weeks for playtesting, balance adjustments, and implementation of any structural changes to the returning environment.

Strategic preparation for Split’s return should begin immediately, even without an official announcement. Review VODs from professional matches played on Split to identify successful agent compositions and execute strategies. Pay particular attention to how teams managed vertical control through ropes and mid control through the challenging vent area.

Common mistakes on Split include over-committing to A main without proper utility support, neglecting heaven control on both sites, and failing to establish early round mid presence. Developing counter-strategies for these common errors can provide immediate competitive advantages upon the map’s return.

Agent composition adjustments will be crucial for success on Split’s return. Controllers like Viper and Brimstone regain significant value due to their ability to control narrow choke points. Sentinels with setup capabilities, particularly Killjoy and Cypher, can dominate the map’s multiple entry points. Duelists with vertical mobility, including Jett and Raze, maintain their advantage on this multi-level environment.

Practice specific lineups for post-plant situations and defensive holds. The map’s distinctive architecture requires specialized smoke placements, molotov trajectories, and flash positions that differ substantially from other Valorant maps.

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