VALORANT Players Predict Next Map Location Based on Battle Pass Rewards
In the past year, Riot Games has introduced new maps to the VALORANT map pool, resulting in a rotating map pool system. However, players believe they have discovered a trend that helps them predict the location of the next map.
According to analysis of the Episode Seven, Act One battle pass rewards, specifically the player cards earned through leveling up, players suspect that the next map will be set in Los Angeles, the location of the upcoming VALORANT Champions 2023 event.
The Golden Hour player card features a sunny street adorned with palm trees and houses that exhibit similarities to the popular Mission Revival architectural style found in California. Overlooking the houses on a hill is a building reminiscent of the iconic Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Additionally, a street vendor can be seen, although their wares are not discernible.
This player card, known as Golden Hour, is believed to be a teaser for a future map release, as Riot has previously used player cards to hint at upcoming maps. The introduction of Pearl in Episode Five was foreshadowed by the Yellows On Rails player card from Episode Four, Act Three, which hinted at the underwater city. Similarly, the Astral Conduit player card provided clues about the Lotus map.
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Moreover, in addition to the battle pass player card trend, VALORANT players have noticed that several Riot team members have promised additional content to be released when the game heads to Los Angeles for the Champions 2023 esports event. It is likely that some of this content will be related to the event’s location. Fans can expect more information in August.