Blooms of the New Year: Valorant’s newest map teaser trailer has launch, Map Nine Arriving Soon
Valorant’s Newest Map is Coming Out
On the 5th of Jan, already Valorant fans are treated to the latest cinematic for the game from Riot Games. Two years in, and already the game is famous for the spectacular and rich cinematics that Riot Games releases with each new Episode. Moreover, each new episode’s launch also typically coincides with the launch of a new map.
Episode 2 showcased Icebox and Episode 5 had Pearl. Now Episode 6’s cinematic showcases Map 9, codenamed Lotus. According to data miner Mike, Valorant’s latest map will feature 3 bomb sites as well, similar to Haven. In the trailer, viewers were treated to a brief look at the new map, including the temple-like aesthetics of the map and the vine-covered hallways and entrances.
Spectacular as Always
As per usual, Riot Games’ cinematics never fail to wow, and this time, the ensemble is a large one, featuring Astra, Harbor, Omen, Sage, Raze, Killjoy, and Jett. Featuring a new song as well, Visions, by eaJ (Park Jae-hyung), the video shifts between calming, comforting elements of friendship and darker aesthetics of creeping, from both Astra and Harbor inserting themselves deeper into the jungles of Mumbai, and Fade casting horrors on some unsuspecting mercenaries.
Interspersed between these shots are Omen and Sage at Valorant HQ. Omen’s zen-like concentration while tending to his bonsai mingles with violent and furious fighting from Sage as she trains in the range against robots. Visions plays on all these images with a mingling of wistfulness and soul struggling, very fitting for the imagery displayed as the different scenes play out. The former Korean singer and guitarist has been releasing solo music since 2021 and his departure from Day6. He has most notably worked on pieces for Riot Games’ products before, having written a song for League of Legends organization Gen.G’s roster (click here for a listen).
Nearly There
The map aesthetics and teasers have been released in several capacities prior to this cinematic release, however, this is the first time a full shot of the map has been seen, as well as a holographic projection of the map. An extended teaser can also be found in the Valorant in-game range, where in a corner office, an audio tape can be interacted with. On it, we hear that Skye, Astra and Harbor have gone to Mumbai in search of a ‘Valley of Flowers’. Despite best efforts, they would be ambushed on the way and Skye stayed behind to delay.
Screengrab from Riot Games' Ep6 cinematic: Revelations
According to the tape, Astra and Harbor hold the keys to activating the secrets with their twin ‘artifacts’, ancient technology in the form of Astra’s arm and Harbor’s bracelet. In the latest battlepass, Astra, Harbor and Yoru’s artifacts have all been teased in separate player cards as well. A background of flowers can also be found on another playercard, hinting at Lotus.
Image credit: Riot Games Valorant