The collection of maps for Valorant is changing. New maps titled Pearl in Valorant and the removal of an older one in Split, respectively, were released with the release of Episode 5, Act 1. Valorant Pearl is far more focused on attacking than the one it replaces. Split has some similarities to Split, however Pearl is bigger and has a lot more acute angles and small areas. Our early access experience has so far taught us a lot. Our tutorial teaches you through Pearl’s map layout, callouts, and fundamental strategies so you can get the most of the game.
About Pearl
Valorant Pearl appears to be a reasonably reliable substitute. It has some features in common with Ascent and Haven, two other maps in which mid-control is important for both assailants and defenses.
Valorant Pearl differs from other maps in that firstly there are openings in the walls and secondly, it is not one large space like most other maps.
Instead, it is constructed out of numerous smaller passageways that link to both spawns and both locations. Gaining and maintaining mid-control over Pearl will depend heavily on smokes and damage usefulness.
The Callouts & Layout of the Map
The picture up top shows Pearl’s standard callouts. Like any Valorant chart, some of the titles gain popularity while others are forgotten. A Dugout and A Flowers are commonly used, according to our experience with the layout so far, which spans about 10 games. In the future, callouts like Screens, Backsite (Hall), Paradise (Tower), and Stairway on B will probably become standard.
The A bombside
The A-Site side of the Pearl Map is probably the most attacker-friendly location because of its uncomplicated look. Areas like the rather ornamental A-Restaurant, the open but constrained corner of A-Main, and the numerous entrances of A-Dugout, A-Flowers, and A-Link are extremely noticeable on the A-Site side and are ideal for Valorant’s full-auto weaponry.
The A-Site portion of the Pearl Plan is the most “direct” in regards of its approach out of all the regions. The easiest route to the A-Site outside of a Mid-Area approach is through A-Restaurant and A-Main, making attackers and defences very obvious.
The B bombside
The more challenging B-Site, which is a much narrower choice for attackers to strike and protect from the start, contrasts with the more open A-Site. The section of the B-Main that contains the B-Ramp and the B-Screen is notable in the B-Site and is already conducive to fierce firefights. Additionally, B-Tower and B-walkable Tunnel’s second-floor passageways lend a special degree of verticality to matches.
Touring Pearl would allow players to quickly realize that securing B-wide Site regions or vertical spots is the best course of action. Players can approach the B-Site side in a variety of methods based on their priorities, as opposed to the more straightforward A-Site side.
How to Attack the A bombside
Pearl is undoubtedly a map that favors the attacking team. In nearly every match we’ve participated in, the attackers have emerged victorious, often using the tried-and-true strategy of a coordinated 5-man rush. Defenders can find it challenging to counter this tactic without effective use of utility to slow them down. Utilizing split rushes, fakes, and defaults will likely only increase the effectiveness of attacks, especially when employed by a well-coordinated team.
Of the two sites on the map, Site A appears to be the easiest for attackers to capture and maintain control of, while on Site B, the preferred approach is to plant the bomb quickly and then retreat. We’ll delve more into this later.
Site A has two noteworthy features: Dugout, a small trench-like area with walls that can be penetrated by gunfire, and Flowers, which defenders will often use as a fallback position if the site becomes overwhelmed. However, both sides can use a small window in this area to flank each other.
Defenders should expect assailants to approach from either A-Main or A-Art due to the A-straightforward Site’s design. In order to overrun the Site, players on the attack are advised to use Valorous Duelists like Jett or to hurry with an Initiator like Fade on the wing to confuse the defense.
How to Defend the A bombside
As a Defender, holding onto Site A can prove to be challenging, especially if you don’t have a Sentinel Agent like Sage, Killjoy, or Cypher to secure Main. However, Agents with flash abilities such as Kayo and Skye can still disorient enemy Attackers by utilizing unusual and sharp angles like the entrance to Main and Dugout.
Based on our experiences so far, Viper is an outstanding Controller for this site of the map. Her wall can stretch across Main, Link, and even reach Double Doors, making her an ideal pick for the current meta. However, we suspect that a double-controller strategy may also become part of the meta.
When attempting to retake Site A, it’s crucial to coordinate your approach so that you can attack from multiple angles. Players should be retaking space from various locations such as A Link, Backsite, and Flowers, and even consider flanking around Main to catch the attackers off guard.
Again, due to A-simplicity, Site’s it is helpful to take perimeter defense into account when planning security strategies. A mid-based approach might occur in addition to expecting an attack from A-Main because of the greater “safety” of A-Site compared to the unsecured region of B-Main on the B-Site side.
How to Attack the B bombside
What about B site, now? Since Main is such a broad area where your squad can be readily flashed without places to conceal, it is the more difficult of the two locations to assault. Long site lines can be maintained by Guards along with Supervisors and Marshalls. Not to mention that B has a Tower (or heaven) that gives troops a strong viewing position.
Due to the presence of B-Main, attackers would initially view B-Site as being impossible to target, which would call for a rather clear mid-based strategy. However, if players are aware of the type of attack they want to launch, they may be able to take advantage of this regularity.
How to Defend the B bombside
Site B can be quite challenging to defend due to its wide entrance to the main. It’s equally difficult to retake once it has been taken over by the enemy team. Chamber mains will find the long sight lines on this site particularly appealing. With Operators and Marshalls being able to easily pick off targets. His teleport ability can also be useful for relocating from areas like Screen to Tower (heaven). Other Sentinel Agents such as Killjoy might also become part of the meta due to their utility to deny easy plant spots near the attackers’ side of the site. Backside, also known as Hall. Is an essential location and an excellent spot for Skye and Kayo mains to use their flash abilities.
Retaking Site B is possible, but it’s crucial to have a plan in place to counter the currently dominant strategy of planting the bomb at the box and then retreating to the ramp. Using a Sage wall or smoke grenades can be somewhat effective in this scenario.
Even though the B-Site appears to be instantly ineffective for a direct attack. Some assailants might still be bold enough to penetrate the B-Main itself for a straightforward shootout. This is probably a flanking mid-area distraction strategy.
To Wrap it all Up
In conclusion, Pearl in Valorant is a beloved map known for its unique design and challenging gameplay. It offers strategic opportunities for both attackers and defenders, with each site having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Site A requires careful coordination for capturing, utilizing Sentinel Agents and flash Agents effectively. Site B has a dominant meta strategy of planting the bomb and retaking with Sage walls or smoke grenades. Pearl rewards teams with communication, strategy, and skill, providing dynamic gameplay that keeps players engaged. It’s no surprise that Pearl is a favorite among Valorant players and will likely remain a prominent part of the game’s competitive scene.
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide to Mastering ‘Astra’ in Valorant
