Photo: Riot Games
The developers described Pearl as a relatively simple map, since there are no special movement mechanics (teleporter, zip line, automatic door, elevator…). With three lanes, one short in the middle and two long on the sides, the skill will be in the spotlight. It’s up to you to hold your lines, click heads and check your angles.
Because after quickly exploring this underwater map, one thing struck us: the presence of many little nooks. The lanes may look deceptively clear, but there are actually ledges, crates, buildings, and double doors. So many decorative elements that can be sources of danger. As always, watch out for campers who like to play with a shotgun. For those who want to play on this new map, you will have to wait for the June 22date of its official release.
Pearl, a story to explore
Riot Games likes to create lore around its games and Pearl allows developers to tell a story. This is Valorant’s first underwater map and players will have the opportunity to evolve in an aquatic city, which has false airs from Atlantis. By exploring the environment a little, we can thus come across a sort of Greek amphitheater or the statutes of agents reminiscent of the heroes of Antiquity. But beware, the city is not only turned towards the past. The whole map seems to belong to a waterproof bubble and there is also another very modern element: an underwater train line.
For those who love detail, also know that a Portuguese artist has created frescoes and murals and that the menu is accompanied by a fado, a traditional Portuguese music. Several coastal countries were weighed in the balance, but a consensus quickly emerged. If the design is inspired by a real country, however, know that in the Valorant universe Pearl is located on the “Omega Earth“. To date, it is the only one in this case.
No special mechanics, but still a lot of strategy?
Each card often introduces a somewhat special mechanic. On Fracture, the zip line made a lot of noise. On Bind, the teleporters allow you to make a lot of rotations in all directions. On Ascent, the sliding doors are also sobering. But for once, Pearl is betting on simplicity. There is no huge madness to point out. This desire is fully assumed by the developers, who wanted to bet this time on a map a little more classic.
Be careful though, if in appearance the card does not seem particularly complicated to handle, there will still be a lot of strategy. The mid grip promises to be very complicated with strong positions to control this key area from a distance. The mid being relatively small, the teams will be able to take duels very quickly, at their own risk. Overall, we expect to see the majority of players waiting passively so as not to be punished unnecessarily. The fight should rather be played on the two side lanes, long and rather clear. Be careful not to peak too much, since the players of snipers may well enjoy these outlines. Hot, several pro players predicted that Omen would surely be excellent on this card.
Valorant continues on its way and even if the game remains a bit apart in the universe of Riot Games (League of Legends), the FPS is not left out. A new game mode, long requested by the community, may soon be added.