With the start of VALORANT Episode 8 on January 10, Icebox returned to the competitive scene after nearly nine months, replacing the Haven map.
This return was strategically planned, and Riot Games developers introduced various map updates that impacted the game’s dynamics. Currently, the meta has taken a new form.
Icebox was the fifth map launched in Riot’s First Person Shooter (FPS), making its debut in Act 3. Set in a frosty environment, clashes unfold amidst snow and Kingdom Corporation (KNG) containers – the organization behind VALORANT agents – situated in an abandoned port of a military base.
The decision to remove the map from rotation and implement modifications occurred in April 2023, with the first significant change dating back to 2021.
Among the notable changes is the window opening in the tube leading to the kitchen. This is one of the most relevant alterations, affecting rotation dynamics through the middle and impacting both defense and attack.
Now, let’s analyze some prominent names in the scene and their approaches to the new Icebox.
SPACCA – Omen
During a live stream, Guilherme “spacca” Spacca emphasized Omen’s effectiveness on this frozen map. Utilizing the character’s teleportation ability in the defensive base provides a privileged view of the bombsite A entrance through the middle of the map.
ZANDER – Viper
Opting for Viper, player and content creator Mr. Zander stood out in playing the B entrance. Creating smokes on the yellow container and a wall traversing the map between mid and defense, Zander secured the entrance for his team, showcasing why the toxic character is a top pick on the map.
C0M (Leviatán) – Sova
Professional player Corbin “C0M” Lee excels with Sova, repeatedly using the arrow in the corner after yellow to enter bombsite B on Icebox. This specific spot can reveal enemies throughout the area.
ASPAS (Leviatán) – Reyna
World champion Erick “aspas” Santos shines representing Reyna. With exemplary movement, the player takes the lead in entrances to both bombsites on the map, worthy of tracking to observe development on Icebox.
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