How Abyss Transforms Valorant with Free Fall

Valorant has become one of the most popular shooters of our time. The unique mix of Counter-Strike and Abilities has propelled Valorant to mainstream success. The developers at Riot Games are constantly evolving the game, so the audience does not get bored with gameplay. This is why the game constantly introduces new Agents and Maps to keep the players engaged.

However, in my opinion, the recent map has to be one of the biggest changes made to the game. With Valorant coming to Console, it was only time that a map more in line with console gameplay was released. Abyss ditches the traditional map designs in favor of a much more unorthodox map design.

Abyss is one of the first Valorant maps that completely removes boundaries so players can simply fall off the map.

A Map Without Boundaries

Abyss is one of the most unique maps in Valorant. The map finally removes the invisible wall from the edge of the map. Therefore, the map no longer has a wall protecting players from their ultimate fall. All you have to do is simply jump over and you will fall under the map, dying.

That is not the only place players can fall off. The Abyss carefully utilizes this mechanic to create some unique angles. You have a rope right in the middle of the map that leads to nowhere. So players can simply hang from it, however, be careful. If you go too far down the rope, you will ultimately reach the end of the boundary and die.

If that isn’t completely bonkers, there is a bridge on Plant Site that is just floating. One wrong step on either side and you will drop below. This allows for some truly unique plants and post-plant strategies that still challenge the meta. 

I was skeptical when I first heard about the map, but, from my experience, the map can be quite entertaining. This map has unique flanks and angles, like a small ledge leading to the Plant Site.

However, this ledge has claimed many lives. While reaching these high points isn’t inherently difficult, the fast-paced nature of the game can disorient players, leading to accidental falls.

With less horizontal space to maneuver, Abyss throws the spotlight on strategic positioning. Teams must utilize verticality effectively, controlling high ground and exploiting blind spots created by the map’s uneven terrain.

The Console Update

I do believe the timing of the map and the release of the Console version are closely tied. Console FPS titles like Call of Duty and XDefiant, both have maps that can plunge players to their untimely demise. This can be tied to the player movement which can be very different for players on Console.

As Console players are using their thumbs to move around, they can be quick at flicking and moving around. Therefore, a map that favors careful movement is right in line with that.

Plus, console players favor close fights, which this map successfully creates. You have sharp corners and high ground that can create a lot more blind spots.

This focus on positioning translates well to consoles, where aiming precision might be slightly lower, but strategic thinking remains paramount. The map design feels very planned out to favor fast rotations and quick flanks. The map encourages players to use their abilities to win fights.

I do believe this is the case with most Valorant maps, however, this time around it feels very intentional. This can be attributed to Console players not only depending on their aim but also their abilities to create plays that allow them easy pickings.

Strategies for Conquering Abyss

This map without any boundaries can create some very out-of-pocket strategies. As there are no wall-holding players, you can sometimes jump around and enter sites from angles your opponents would never expect. This works especially well with Jett, as you are granted much more control in the air. 

I was recently playing with a friend who is a Jett main. We were trying to enter a site, although, the opponents were holding a cross, so entering the Site would kill us both. So what he did sort of blew my mind. He used Jett’s updraft to get some elevation and then used Dash to enter the site from behind them.

The enemies were caught completely off-guard allowing us to enter the Site from two different angles and win the round. Many strategies like these can add more excitement to the game.

Imagine your opponent defusing the Spike you strategically planted at the edge of the map. You can use Breach’s ult to simply throw them off the map because that’s something you can do now.

This strategy is going to make the enemies mad but, will guarantee you rounds. The strategies are endless and all depends on player creativity. There are already some incredibly creative Cypher trips that guarantee players fall off the map, so also keep an eye open for that. Just the Agent’s abilities to your advantage.

Conclusion

More than a map, Abyss is a signpost to Valorant’s future. Its emphasis on verticality, positioning, and abilities hints at a smooth console transition. As Valorant welcomes a new generation, Abyss serves as a thrilling initiation. This map is a testament to the game’s core: tactical depth and boundless creativity.

The descent into chaos may be perilous, but for the victors, the rewards are infinite.