Layout, screenshots, and release date of Sunset, new Valorant map, inspired by Los Angeles

TL;DR

  • Sunset launches August 29, 2023 with Episode 7 Act 2 update
  • Features two bombsites with three attack lanes and complex mid-area design
  • Replaces Fracture and Pearl in competitive rotation alongside Breeze return
  • Los Angeles-inspired urban environment with strategic flanking opportunities
  • Ninth Valorant map requiring new tactical approaches and team coordination

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Riot Games has officially unveiled Sunset as the latest tactical arena joining Valorant’s expanding battleground collection. The strategic reveal occurred during the championship finals of VALORANT Champions 2023, creating a memorable moment for the global competitive community. This urban combat environment draws direct inspiration from the vibrant streets and architecture of Los Angeles, mirroring the host city where the prestigious tournament unfolded.

Sunset represents Riot’s continued commitment to diversifying the tactical landscape, offering players fresh strategic challenges that demand innovative approaches to site execution and map control.

When will Sunset come out? Valorant Sunset release date

Mark your calendars for August 29, 2023, when Sunset officially deploys alongside the comprehensive Episode 7 Act 2 content rollout. This significant update introduces not only the new combat zone but also delivers a fresh Battle Pass filled with exclusive cosmetic items, weapon skins, and additional content designed to enhance your gaming experience throughout the new competitive season.

The timing coincides perfectly with the natural rhythm of Valorant’s content cycle, ensuring competitive players have adequate time to master the new environment before it potentially enters professional tournament rotations. Understanding map release schedules is crucial for strategic planning, much like studying our Weapons Unlock strategies in other tactical shooters.

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Valorant new map Sunset layout

Sunset employs a classic two-bombsite configuration but revolutionizes gameplay through its intricate three-lane attack structure. The mid-section emerges as the strategic heartbeat of the map, featuring multiple intersecting pathways that create dynamic engagement opportunities and unpredictable flanking maneuvers. Teams must prioritize mid-control to establish map dominance, as losing this central territory often leads to compromised site defenses and limited rotation options.

Strategic positioning in Sunset’s narrow corridors and elevated platforms requires precise agent selection and coordinated team play. The map’s design encourages aggressive pushes while punishing careless positioning, creating a balanced environment that rewards both strategic planning and mechanical skill. This complexity mirrors the depth found in comprehensive tactical guides like our Complete Guide for mastering advanced combat scenarios.

Common mistakes include overextending without proper utility support and neglecting to control the connecting pathways between sites. Advanced players should focus on establishing early map control through calculated aggression and information gathering.

Sunset becomes the ninth official battlefield in Valorant’s growing arsenal, following Lotus which debuted on January 10, 2023. The competitive landscape undergoes significant restructuring with this release, as Sunset and the returning Breeze displace Fracture and Pearl from the active map rotation. This strategic reshuffling forces professional teams to adapt their playstyles and develop new strategic approaches to maintain competitive dominance.

VALORANT Champions 2023 unfolded from August 6-27 as a LAN spectacle in Los Angeles, California, featuring a massive $2.25 million prize pool. The grand finals witnessed Evil Geniuses securing victory over Paper Rex with a decisive 3:1 match result.

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Sunset Screenshots

Source: twitter.com/ValorINTEL
Source: twitter.com/ValorINTEL
Source: twitter.com/ValorINTEL
Source: twitter.com/ValorINTEL
Source: twitter.com/ValorINTEL

The visual presentation showcases Sunset’s distinctive Los Angeles aesthetic, blending urban decay with vibrant street art and detailed environmental storytelling. Each screenshot reveals strategic sightlines and key positioning areas that will become crucial for competitive success. The map’s color palette and lighting conditions create unique visual challenges that players must overcome through map knowledge and situational awareness.

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Action Checklist

  • Study the three-lane attack structure and identify optimal agent compositions for each pathway
  • Practice mid-control strategies in custom games to understand flanking routes
  • Analyze screenshot sightlines to pre-aim common defender positions
  • Coordinate with your team to establish default executes and post-plant positions

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » Layout, screenshots, and release date of Sunset, new Valorant map, inspired by Los Angeles Complete guide to Valorant's Sunset map: release date, strategic layout analysis, and gameplay tips