When Valorant first released on the 2nd of June 2020, we had but four maps as our glorious playing fields. But now, the number of Maps on Valorant have doubled! Yes, with the addition of the Eighth Map Pearl on the 22nd of June 2022, we finally have our very first venue on Omega Earth. 

     Spatially existing in Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal, this haywire Map offers up two Spike Sites and is already included in the Competitive Que. As such, this map is unavoidable if you’re hoping to ascend the Ranks and plays a crucial role in Valorant account boosting as well. We all tend to run around like headless chickens whenever a new map comes out and this couldn’t be more true for Pearl. This beautiful battlefield was confusing AF to say the least, but following some getting used to players started to realize all the wild possibilities it presented for epic plays! 

So without further ado, let’s take a short and sweet look at Pearl!

Pearl Layout 

     This unique Map is a network of numerous small corridors connected to both spawns and both sites. As such, mid-control proves to be of vital importance on Pearl and because of this utilities are far more game-changing here. 

     Pearl is special due to the absence of any dynamic elements or mechanics, unlike in the rest of the maps. But it does have something to fill the void: openings on structures scattered across the map. 

The first is the Window on A Site, which paves the way for many plays by Attackers and Defenders alike. 

The second are the two Cracks on the Wall between Mid and A Long

     These provide key opportunities for maximizing the use of your team’s utilities and for taking a few sneaky peeks. Why, it’s not impossible to secure kills through these either, like after a Jett Updraft. Players are discovering new possibilities everyday, so do not hesitate to experiment with these!

The A Site

     Similar to another good ol’ map we all miss these days, Split, this site itself is quite defender sided, especially if you know what you’re doing. The counter-terrorists have three diffrent routes through which they can defend or retake the site, not to mention all the edgy corners they can hold. Attackers who aren’t careful will find themselves easily sandwiched in their desperate attempts to maintain site control.

     As always, Early picks will benefit either team immensely. While the Defenders can choose to play Passive, the Attackers definitely need to go on the initiative if they don’t want all the odds stacked against them in record time. Post-plants work well for them though, especially if planted for A Long from where they can maintain adequate control (if not flanked, of course), use well-timed line ups and deny the plant. 

The B Site

     If you love long-range Gun fights, B is your site! This is a very long, spacious and open area which can get easily dominated by long-range weapons, like the Operator and even the Marshal during eco-rounds. Defenders love holding this site with Operators, which gives them an uncanny advantage over early picks. Needless to say, Chamber with his Ultimate is right at home here.

     There’s more though; because the overhead B-Ramp also opens the field for some intense counter attacks for both the Attackers and the Defenders. It’s a great place to hold the site from, especially if you have an unobstructed view all around you. 

     As for post-plant strategies, Attackers can choose to largely remain on the Site itself, holding a number of its angles to guard against the two entryways for the Defenders. Don’t forget to leave one person at B-Main to watch the flank though, because it’s over if they get you from there. On the other hand, Attackers can plant for B-Main or B-Ramp, abandon the site and deny the diffuse from a safe distance. 

Epilogue

     Thus concludes this brief overview of the newest addition to Valorant’s Map family. Pearl is an absolute gem of a map, crawling with rich Lore, Easter eggs and References in every nook and cranny. Whether you’re a Lore enthusiast or not, Pearl opens up so many creative possibilities for every Agent released to date. So buckle up and prepare for an underwater experience of thrilling Gunplay!