Ascent and Sunset are out with new VALORANT map pool change in Patch 10.0

Brandon Moore

Brandon Moore

Expect a big shakeup in the VALORANT map pool as the rotation changes in January with the Patch 10.0 update.

Huge news coming in from the world of VALORANT, everyone. We are finally getting rid of Ascent after years of players crying out to Riot Games. No, it isn't gone forever, but change in the game's map pool rotation with VALORANT Patch 10.0 sees Ascent and Sunset switched out for Fracture and Lotus.

This comes with the information that the map pool will rotate with every Act. Let's go over everything we've learned.

VALORANT Patch 10.0 brings Fracture and Lotus back into the map pool

(Image via Riot Games)
(Image via Riot Games)

Riot Games released a short on the official VALORANT YouTube channel. They detailed the upcoming map pool rotation coming in VALORANT Patch 10.0. When Episode 10 begins, expect some fan-favorites to return.

This goes for the Competitive queue in the game, as well as the competitive settings for any esports tournaments such as the VALORANT Champions Tour, Game Changers, Challengers, Premier, and any other events.

So, it is official that VALORANT Patch 10.0 ushers Ascent and Sunset out of the map pool. In their place comes Lotus and the long-awaited return of Fracture. This should definitely shake up the meta going into the 2025 VCT season.

When is VALORANT Patch 10.0?

If you were hoping to see the map pool change right now, you'll have to wait a bit longer. We won't see the change go into effect until VALORANT Patch 10.0. Per Riot Games, that will happen on January 7, 2025 when Episode 10 Act 1 launches.

In addition to that change, they also state that every new Act will see a rotation of the map pool. And they will deliver the news of what the next map pool is shortly after the prior Act has begun. So keep your eyes peeled for more map rotation changes.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and VALORANT coverage.