Corrode: VALORANT’s New Battlefield Brings a Tactical Twist This Season

VALORANT is stepping into a fresh chapter with a brand-new map, Corrode, launching alongside Season 2025 // Act IV. This time, the battle moves to a decaying French fortress on Omega Earth, now turned into a gritty Radianite salt mine. Imagine medieval walls clashing with modern mining rigs — it’s a visual treat and a strategic playground rolled into one.

Corrode is designed to challenge players to think tactically rather than relying purely on overwhelming ability spam. The map sticks to a tight 3-lane layout, has two Spike Sites, and plenty of layered defensive angles and fallback spots. Expect tense retakes and nail-biting standoffs instead of chaotic sprays of abilities.

For those worrying about losing rank while learning the ropes, Riot has thrown in a safety net. From launch, players will lose only half the usual RR on Corrode losses, while keeping full RR gains on wins. There’s also a Swiftplay queue focused entirely on Corrode for its debut week, so everyone can get familiar with the new terrain before diving headfirst into ranked matches.

On the style front, Act IV rolls out the sleek Phaseguard Collection. This new skinline shows off futuristic tech vibes and includes weapon skins for the Vandal, Outlaw, Ghost, Bulldog, and a shiny new melee piece called the Splitter. For the collectors out there, the latest Battlepass packs the 5 Years: Kill All Radiants Card, a Bonsai Gun Buddy, and the ATLAS // CMD Vandal, among other goodies.

Mark your calendar: the action kicks off June 25 with Corrode ready to test your map knowledge, and the Phaseguard Collection goes live the day after, on June 26. Get your squad ready — Omega Earth’s fortress-turned-mine is open for business.