10 stunning sights from Valorant’s new Pearl map

Sneak Peek Plus some insight from developers. by Jess Reyes Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: June 16, 2022 Riot Games

Riot Games Pearl is Valorant ’s eighth map and the first set in Omega Earth, one of the alternate Earths in the game’s setting.

Riot Games It’s based in Portugal , so the Valorant team sourced the murals and traditional Portuguese music from real Portuguese artists.

Riot Games The devs were especially excited about Pearl because of the “historical and architectural visual potential” from Portugal’s older structures.

Riot Games Also, see that little bar and tiles across the sky? It’s apparently a map completely underwater. Probably best to not tap the glass too hard.

Riot Games “We wanted to explore how Omega Kingdom would approach climate change and how we would convey this idea visually,” said Bryan Yam, the art lead on the project.

Riot Games “The idea of showing the sustainment of cities underwater seemed to be the right visual direction that everyone was excited about.”

A new map not only means another place to explore but also another place to discover new lore through the game’s environment.

Riot Games Museu do multiverso translates to “museum of the multiverse.” Hard to say whether or not the multiverse is like what we know in reality...

Riot Games Kingdom Industries, the Omega version of Kingdom Corporation, has a construction site on the map. We have yet to read the covered slogan. Could it mean something?

Riot Games As for the specs, Pearl is a three-lane map (like Split) with a “small mid” and “long wings.” Attackers “descend” into Defenders’ territory at the start of each round.

Riot Games “Pearl demands committed engagements, without the rotation and mobility support of doors, ascenders, or teleporters,” said Joe Lansford, level designer.

Riot Games “What you get is something deceptively simple, strategically speaking.”

Riot Games Lansford listened to The Body while designing Pearl, particularly the track “Nothing Stirs.” He encourages fans to find the result of his inspiration.

Riot Games “It inspired a specific spot on the map. See if you can figure out which.”

Riot Games You can see the titular “pearl” from the loading screen, upheld by a mysterious statue at the city’s center.

Riot Games In addition to the Pearl map, Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 introduces a new Battle Pass and Prelude to Chaos skin line for purchase.

Riot Games “What would edgelords who love sci-fi want in a skin? What would it feel like to kill a demon?” As per Associate Art Director Sean Marino, these are real questions the artists asked themselves when designing the Prelude to Chaos bundle.

Riot Games Just look at these babies.

Riot Games Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 starts on June 22, 2022. Look forward to the Pearl map and Prelude to Chaos then!

10 stunning sights from Valorant’s new Pearl map

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head home for more!