Valorant: Icebox and Ascent Return with Patch 10.04

With Patch 10.04, Valorant is gearing up for one of its biggest map pool updates to date. Delivering on the developer’s earlier commitment, Icebox and Ascent are returning to the competitive lineup. Furthermore, the schedule for the next map rotation—just one week after Season 2025 Act 1 begins—has already been confirmed.

On the cosmetic front, the game is releasing refreshed VCT 2025 Team Capsules, now purchasable in the in-game store with Patch 10. The new season boasts a variety of updates and additions, and Riot has shared details regarding when the VCT 2025 Capsules will be available, as well as which teams they’ll include.

Additionally, Riot has showcased the brand-new FLEX system, fresh Battle Pass skins, and 2025’s first premium skin collection, dubbed EX.O.

Alongside the updated Battle Pass and a new Initiator named Tejo, Riot is introducing a fresh cosmetic type called FLEX. These items can be displayed in the middle of matches and between rounds, letting players “flex” their aesthetic flair.

We’ve compiled the details and pricing for everything in the EX.O bundle, including its futuristic katana—a design that takes cues from the Valorant Champions 2024 pack’s animations.

Valorant Icebox and Ascent Return with Patch 10.04

Once the update goes live, Icebox and Ascent will make a comeback, while Abyss and Bind will exit the competitive map rotation. This patch is slated for late February or early March, marking the first time Abyss, introduced in 2024, will be removed from the rotation.

Interestingly, Ascent was pulled from the lineup just a week ago with Patch 10.00, but news of its imminent return has already surfaced.

Riot’s primary reasons for these map rotations are twofold:

• Preserving Freshness: Regular map pool shifts keep the game feeling dynamic, encouraging players to adapt and evolve their strategies.
• Maintaining Balance: Information gathered from rotations helps Riot evaluate map performance and make necessary gameplay adjustments.

That’s all we currently know about Patch 10.04. Riot Games is expected to reveal more information as the release date approaches, so stay tuned for additional details in the coming weeks.