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Fracture and Lotus Rejoin VALORANT Map Pool for V26 Act 2
Two iconic VALORANT maps are set to return to the game in V26 Act 2, arriving with the Patch 12.05 update on March 17, 2026. Fracture and Lotus will rejoin the Competitive map pool, replacing Abyss and Corrode, the most recently added maps. Both maps are expected to arrive with changes, though Riot has yet to confirm specific details.
Fracture Returns After Nearly a Year
Since its release in September 2021, Fracture has had a polarizing effect on the VALORANT community. The map initially drew criticism for its complex design, but as players grew accustomed to it and as the game's esports scene produced memorable moments on it, Fracture gradually carved out a small but lasting place in fans’ hearts.
The map was last featured in the Competitive map pool during patch 10.08, after which it was rotated out in favor of Sunset. While it remains unclear whether Fracture will receive any design changes this time around, some adjustments are likely, given how long the map has been absent and how much VALORANT's meta has evolved since then.
Community Reaction to Map Rotation
The VALORANT community has had a mixed response to the latest map pool changes. As noted earlier, Fracture has received its fair share of criticism over the years, though often driven more by player sentiment than by any inherent flaw in its design or the quality of the map. This was on full display in the comments section of Riot's map rotation announcement, where players eagerly shared their thoughts.
Sharing their thoughts on Fracture, one X user, @SomethingChill4, said:
“My 2 favourite maps gone. Just like that. For what, for fracture to return?”
Similarly, user @Aqza_49 commented:
“My beloved maps abyss and corrode🤧and fracture got added😭😭”
User @PopTartDuck also had a similar opinion:
“I’m glad corrode is out but fracture comming back is a nightmare…”
Some players also criticised the inclusion of Fracture over a fan-favorite and more balanced map like Ascent. User @jvxinoe stated:
“Why is the best comp map Ascent not in rotation what are we doing??”
Similarly, user @aloofryypaglu commented:
“take pearl and give me ascent, and my soul is yours Riot games”
The response wasn't one-sided, though. Alongside the criticism, a number of players voiced support for Riot's decision and welcomed the return of the two distinctive maps. With the patch set to arrive in a week, the community now waits to see whether the updated versions of Fracture and Lotus will resonate with players and hold their own in the evolving meta.
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Featured Image Credit: Riot Games
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