Get the low down on Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 including the brand new battle pass, new map Pearl, as well as the surprising removal of Split.
Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 is set to ring major changes to Riot Games' tactical shooter with a brand new map and the surprise removal of another from competitive playlists. A new rank tier has also been added meaning many readers will be even further from Immortal than they were before.
There is also a new battle pass for players to grind with three skin bundles to unlock.
If you are curious to know more about Episode 5 Act 1, then keep reading, as we have all the info.
When Does Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 Start?
Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 is scheduled to release on Wednesday, June 22 and that has been confirmed to be on track as of today (June 16).
The start time will vary between regions with more concrete times expected closer to launch.
Pearl Added, Split Removed
Pearl is Valorant's eighth map and first to be set on Omega Earth. The developers have famously added one unique mechanic to each and every map, from Bind's teleporters, to Fracture's dual bomb sites, however, Pearl is keeping it simple.
Pearl is an underwater city "directly inspired by Portugese culture" with the map deploying a traditional three-lane structure.
Pearl will not be available in Competitive until two weeks after its launch with players able to play it instead through a Pearl-only playlist.
Riot have also confirmed that Split has been "temporarily" removed from both the Unrated and Competitive map pools. Riot gave their reasons as wanting to preserve a seven-map pool so players aren't required to know so many maps when playing competitively.
New Rank - Ascendant
Valorant is set to get a brand new rank, sitting above Diamond and below Immortal, Ascendant will help "better distribute" players across ranks especially those in Bronze and Silver.
"We believe our lower ranks have a few too many of you, especially Bronze and Silver," explained Riot. "So by adding a new rank we can better distribute you across ranks, keep the prestige of high ranks, while helping better define the skill level of each rank."
So if you were on the cusp of Immortal you are out of luck, just be happy to know you will be one of the first to find themselves in this new rank.
Valorant Episode 5 Act 1 - Battle Pass
Of course, it wouldn't be a new Act without a brand new battle pass and Episode 5 Act 1 is no different.
Once again, there will be three skin bundles for players to unlock. There is both a free and paid track with the full battle pass costing you 1,000 VP (approx. $10).
The skin bundles include Spitfire, Task Force 809, and Shimmer with skins for the likes of the Classic, Melee, Phantom and Operator included.
There is also a host of other cosmetics in the shape of Sprays, Gun Buddies, and Player Cards.
The Battle Pass will be released alongside the launch of Episode 5 Act 1 on June 22.