Corrode is the next Valorant map to be released. A tactical look at it shows that attackers will have to get creative to score points here – and aggression could be rewarded.
Valorant’s newest location, “Corrode,” was unveiled in a show match ahead of the Masters Toronto Grand Final. The game’s largest map to date features a French castle aesthetic with an industrial twist and will be playable in just a few days.
Focus on multi-layered defensive options
The focus during the design of the map was particularly on defense, explained game designer Diego Varona during the broadcast: “When defenders engage in an aggressive duel, do they have options to fall back without completely abandoning the site?” was one of the guiding questions.
The result is a winding map full of boxes and niches – perfect for Judge and Bucky. Added to this is a center with long sight lines. The size of the map makes control particularly important there, otherwise a short rotation quickly turns into a marathon.
Two sites with very different challenges
The B site offers defenders numerous positions at different distances and heights from the entry points. A small hut on the site can protect attackers while placing the spike, but capturing it without support from the center seems very risky.
On the other side of the map, the A site is located in a room closed off from above, with two access points for attackers. One challenge here will be the sensible use of abilities to clear the site – the direct route is a small round window: Homework for line-up specialists.
It is expected that the meta on Corrode will be characterized by control of the center and proactive attempts by the defense to take space on one of the sides. Once attackers have made it to the site, further aggression will be rewarded—for example, the tower on the B site is an optimal position for post-plant.
Experimentation also welcome in the rankings
With Patch 11.00, Corrode will be playable, even in ranked mode. Riot Games is testing a new system here: defeats will be punished less harshly to encourage experimentation on the new map. There will also be a separate search for Swift Play.
In addition to the map design, which is based on the experience of the last five years, Riot Games has also tackled visual challenges. “Corrode will feel like key art come to life,” said environment designer Tobias Koepp.
“It feels like we’ve taken the experience of the last five years and turned it into a modern classic,” Varona emphasized. Now it remains to be seen what players think. In any case, the first Ace has already been awarded: ‘Disguised Toast’ scored five kills during the show match – and with the Judge, no less.
