Riot Games has unveiled Valorant's ninth 𝕴map: Lotus.

"Inspired by traditional Indian stepwells, rock-cut architecture and Dravidian style structures", Lotus is described as a three-site map like Haven set in the Western Ghats of Omega Earth’s India. It features new environmental mechanics, including "rotating doors and destructible walls as they navigate this lost city𒈔".

"We wanted🦩 to explore the theme of grand adventure, mysteries lost to time, and a lost ancient structure," explains Brian Yam, concept art lead. 

"Indiana Jones was one of the them🐎atic inspirations we drew from. Visually, we fꦺound the rock-cut architecture fascinating because it evokes a mystical and ancient vibe to the theme. In addition, this also provided a new direction from our existing maps, given that most of our maps are mostly urban or had modern architecture."

It's Valorant's first new map for a while, following on from Pe⛎arl, which dropped last June. It will go live as part of Valorant Episode 6 Act 1 on January 10, 2023, alongside an all-new battlepass and ARAXYS skཧinline. 

"The goal was to create a skinline that embodied the danger, the mystery, and the power of an unknown, possibly hostile, alien race," eꦛxplains art lead, Stefan Jevremovic.

"We wanted to make someth💃ing that seemed technologically advanced, yet too dangerous for mankind to wield safely. We wanted to crea♎te something sleek but aggressive, advanced but dark in nature."

The battlepass - inspired by New Year, ꦕLunar New Year, and Valentine's Day - features a 9 LIVES classic gun skin, as well as a Shock Heart spray and Folded Wish gun budd𓆉y. 

Valorant's former game director Joe Ziegler recently left his role at Riot Games to join Destiny developer Bungie.

"I am departing with a heart full of gratitude for Riot Games and all of you for the amazing memories we've shared together," Ziegler wrote on Twitter.&n♒bsp;

When asked where his next position was taking him, Ziegler added: "Happy to announce my new home is at Bungie working on n✅ew stuff that hopefully will one day get to be played b♛y you all." 

Keep up to date with all the best games set to launch next year with our guide to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:new games 2023.