- Icebox map is slightly changing with Valorant Episode 8 Act 1, releasing on January 9, 2024.
- The Icebox update brings quality-of-life (QoL) changes to the Mid, Kitchen, and B side of the map.
- These map changes aim to address issues developers think existed in this fan-favorite map.
When we talk about competitive gaming, the quality of a map is usually a matter of personal preference. However, the Valorant map Icebox is an exception in this case. First released with the Episode 6 Act 3 update, Icebox has been appreciated by both pro players and casual gamers. After being removed from the map pool temporarily, Icebox is set to return with some updates.
The new Icebox map update is not a huge change, but minor modifications have been made to the Mid area and B site. No changes have been introduced for the A site in this update. That said, let’s dive right in and check out these changes.
When Will Icebox be Back in Valorant? Icebox will be coming back in Valorant’s map rotation with the Episode 8, Act 1 update on January 9, 2024. The update will also include a changed Lotus map. Haven will be removed from the map pool after the update.
Valorant Icebox Map: B Site Changes
1. B Main
![Valorant Icebox old B main](https://i0.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Valorant-Icebox-old-B-main.jpg?ssl=1)
![Valorant Icebox New B main Changes](https://i2.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Valorant-Icebox-New-B-main-Changes.jpg?ssl=1)
The Jett’s heaven on Icebox is now ruined, thanks to this change in B main. The green box outside the B main section is now lifted, making an open space for peeking and dashing in. B main will also be a good attacking place for all the Gekko mains with all the corners and choke points.
2. Kitchen Drop
![Valorant Icebox B Kitchen Drop Old](https://i0.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Valorant-Icebox-B-Kitchen-Drop-Old.jpg?ssl=1)
![Valorant Icebox B Kitchen Drop New](https://i0.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Valorant-Icebox-B-Kitchen-Drop-New.jpg?ssl=1)
This kitchen drop update will benefit sentinels who control mid from lower tunnel or drop. The boxes are now adjacent to the kitchen wall and will provide additional cover. There is an additional layer of large containers added to the orange containers, closing the space on the right of the drop.
Valorant Icebox Map: Mid Changes
1. Attacker Spawn
![Old Icebox Attacker Spawn](https://i1.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Old-Icebox-Attacker-Spawn.jpg?ssl=1)
![New Icebox attacker spawn change](https://i2.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/New-Icebox-attacker-spawn-change.jpg?ssl=1)
Finally, the attacker spawn marshal campers will be gone from the game with this important Icebox update. The blue container right below the ramp will now have another container on top of it. This will block the vision of those who peek mid from attacker spawn.
2. Outside Tunnel
![Old Outside tunnel mid](https://i0.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Old-Outside-tunnel-mid.jpg?ssl=1)
![New Icebox mid tunnel window](https://i2.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/New-Icebox-mid-tunnel-window.jpg?ssl=1)
Two slight changes have also been introduced in the tunnel area in mid that leads to the kitchen in Icebox. From the outside, you will notice that there is now a high window to the kitchen, which can be reached by some agents.
Moreover, this change will be good for quick rotation for duelists or attackers to take a peek or rotate after taking control of the kitchen.
3. Tunnel Interior
![Old mid tunnel inside](https://i2.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Old-mid-tunnel-inside.jpg?ssl=1)
![New Icebox mid tunnel changes](https://i1.wp.com/beebom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/New-Icebox-mid-tunnel-changes.jpg?ssl=1)
When you get inside the tunnel, you will notice two small boxes right beside the window. These boxes will provide additional cover to Sage walls if you think about strategies. It’s also a good cover for Raze or Jett too if they want to jump inside the tunnel through the window.
These are all the small changes coming to Icebox in Valorant Episode 8 Act 1. What do you think about these changes? Do you think Icebox was good already? Tell us in the comments section.