‘Valorant’ launches a new map and reduces defeat penalties for two weeks
Riot Games has announced the release of ‘Corrode’, the new map for Valorant, available from 25 June 2025. This setting is inspired by medieval French architecture, but merged with industrial machinery and an environment devastated by the First Light, the key climatic event in the game’s universe. The result is a post-apocalyptic arena within Omega Earth, with an artistic design that blends past and future in a single structure.
The map features:
- Two Spike sites
- Three main lanes
- Layered defence
- Retreat zones
- Design limiting the aggressiveness of abilities
Additionally, animations in the distant environment have been added to reflect recent lore events, such as radianite storms.
Reduced penalty for defeat: play without fear
For the first two weeks after launch, Riot will implement a more forgiving progression system:
- There will be a 50% reduction in lost RP (rank points) for matches lost on the Corrode map.
- Victories will still grant 100% RP, as on any other map.
This approach aims to allow players to practise strategies and adapt to the environment without worrying about losing rank. It will also be available in swiftplay mode, with an exclusive queue until 30 June.
New collection: Phaseguard
This act also introduces the Phaseguard skin collection, with a futuristic design and tactical focus. The included weapons are:
- Vandal
- Outlaw
- Ghost
- Bulldog
- Divisor (new melee weapon)
The battle pass also gets an update, including:
- 5 Years: Death to the Radiants card
- Bonsai charm
- Vandal ATLAS // CMD skin
- And more commemorative cosmetic items
Valorant: a phenomenon since the pandemic
Launched on 2 June 2020, Valorant became one of the standout titles during the pandemic. Its blend of 5v5 tactical action, agents with unique abilities, and a recognisable visual style captured millions.
Since its inception, Valorant has generated viral plays, “ace” compilations, and unforgettable moments across social media. Its competitive community quickly grew, giving rise to a solid professional circuit.
The professional scene keeps growing
One of the most memorable milestones is the final of the Champions Tour 2021, where Acend defeated Gambit Esports in an epic five-map series. The broadcast reached over 1,089,000 viewers, solidifying Valorant’s status as one of the world’s leading eSports.
