What’s New in VALORANT Episode 6 Act I

Welcome to 2023 VALORANT. Read on to see what’s new in Episode 6 Act I (including a new map).

New year means new Episode and Act—and this time around we’re at Episode 6 Act I. We’ve got a bunch of new stuff for you to play around with: our newest map called Lotus, the Araxys skinline, new Battlepass, and refreshed ranks. 

Also, how’d you like Swiftplay?

NEW MAP: LOTUS (JAN. 10 SWIFTPLAY-ONLY QUEUE, JAN. 18 COMPETITIVE)

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Venture into VALORANT’s newest map, Lotus—a lost city complete with revolving doors, destructible walls and doors, and a silent drop. Inspired by traditional Indian stepwells and rock-cut Dravidian architecture, this lost city is located in the Western Ghats of Omega Earth’s India. Players will have three sites to attack and defend—plenty to keep you busy. 

The first week of Lotus, we’re giving you a surprise Lotus-only Swiftplay Beta queue, then the new map enters Competitive queue one week later, with Patch 6.01. Another surprise—we are also extending the standard Swiftplay Beta queue so that there's more time to get your feedback!

NEW SKINLINE: ARAXYS (JAN. 11)

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Weapons forged by a (possibly) hostile, alien race—arms made of incredible materials and dangerous energy. Pick up the Araxys weapons skinline featuring a Vandal, Operator, Shorty, Bulldog, and the Bio Harvester (melee)—and watch your enemies cower at the sight.

EPISODE 6 ACT I BATTLEPASS (JAN. 11)

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Ready for the first Battlepass of 2023? If so, start playing and get your hands on the 9 Lives Classic Gun Skin, Big Announcement Gun Buddy, PlayZilla Dan Card, and Shock Heart Spray.

Thinking of purchasing the Act I Premium Battlepass? If that’s the case, you can earn even more VALORANT goods, like the Venturi Vandal, Rift Rider Card, Perfectly Roasted Spray, and Folded Wish Gun Buddy.

New to the Battlepass? Learn how it works here.

NEW RANKED ACT (JAN. 11)

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New year, new you, right? Ranks have been refreshed— so get out there, prove yourself, and start your upward climb.