Guide to the Valorant Icebox Map: Layout, Callouts, Tips & Tricks, and More

In the realm of Valorant, opinions on Icebox have always been divided among players. While the map boasts balance in terms of strategies and tactics, the choice of agents can significantly influence the gameplay, rendering it either effortless or challenging. Icebox has undergone several adjustments in an effort to mitigate its one-sided nature, making it perplexing for many players. If you’re among those seeking guidance on mastering this map, read on for the ultimate Icebox map guide in Valorant.

Release Date and Setting of Valorant’s Icebox Map

Initially introduced to the game on October 13th, 2020, during Episode 1, Act 3, Icebox underwent minor modifications until v8.0, when it received a substantial overhaul and reentered the rotation of Valorant maps. According to official Valorant lore, Icebox is set in the homeland of Sova, located in Russia.

Icebox retains the ascenders, or vertical ziplines, from the beta map Split. Similar to Split, players can utilize the walk button while using them to ascend or descend to elevated areas silently.

Furthermore, Icebox introduces a unique feature: horizontal ziplines, marking the first appearance of such elements in Valorant maps. While only one exists on the map, its impact is significant. Icebox is replete with elevated positions, yet it also presents numerous corners and chokepoints, contributing to mixed sentiments among players regarding its suitability for ranked gameplay.

Overview of Icebox Minimap Layout

Icebox stands out as a three-lane map, but its layout diverges from the traditional tactical map design. The routes from the attacker’s spawn to both sites are lengthy and obstructed by various obstacles. In Valorant’s Icebox, attackers approach A site via the belt and nest, while they access B site through the crane and yellow pathways.

However, the central focus of Icebox lies within the mid-area and kitchen. These zones serve as vital connectors between attacker and defender spawns, offering expedited traversal. Additionally, the mid area holds particular significance as it provides proximity to both sites, with both A and B sites visible from beneath the tunnel and broiler.

Both A and B sites feature distinct nest and rafter areas, each accessible via ziplines or ascenders. Additionally, A site boasts an extra nest that links with A belt and A main.

Despite its seemingly compact size, Icebox is akin to a one-way journey, with each lane leading to multiple corners or obstacles before reaching its destination. Familiarizing oneself with these twists and alternate routes is crucial to navigating the map effectively and avoiding unpleasant surprises lurking beneath the kitchen.

Callouts for the Valorant Map Icebox

Properly spotting enemies on Icebox can prove challenging, making familiarity with key callouts crucial for effective gameplay.

Icebox A site Callouts

In Icebox, the A site consists of two distinct sections. Let’s begin with the entry portion. The callouts from A main to A site are:

• A Main
• A Nest
• A Belt
• A Cubby
• A Pipes

The callouts for the plant locations on A site are:

• A Box
• A Raftars
• A Zip
• A Site Nest
• A Screens
• A Top Screen

Icebox Mid Callouts

The essential callouts for the mid area of Icebox are:

• Mid Pallet
• Mid Broiler
• Kitchen
• Tunnel
• Mid Blue

Icebox B site Callouts

The callouts for the front view from the entrance of B Site on Icebox are:

• Green
• B Cubby
• Yellow
• B Default
• Ascender

The major callouts for the backside of the Icebox B site are:

• Orange
• B Nest
• Snowman

Top Agents for the Icebox Map in Valorant

Icebox demands quick reactions and adaptability, constantly challenging your preconceived strategies. However, one constant remains: the inclusion of Jett in your lineup. Jett excels on Icebox, leveraging the Operator defensively from nearly any off-angle. Pairing her with Raze adds utility for corner control, although Jett alone suffices.

For information gathering, Sova reigns supreme, offering versatility for any team composition on Icebox. Alternatively, Gekko proves a solid choice, boasting excellent plant coverage with the Wingman.

As for sentinels, Sage and Killjoy excel on Icebox. While Killjoy leans towards defensive prowess, Sage provides crucial cover for planting and defusing. Opting for both in your team is a sound decision.

To round out your team composition, Viper emerges as Icebox’s sole dominant controller. While pairing her with Clove or Omen is viable, Viper is indispensable. Here’s a breakdown of the top agents for Icebox in Valorant:

• Jett
• Sage
• Sova
• Gekko
• Viper
• Killjoy
• Clove
• Omen

Effective Tactics and Strategies for the Icebox Map

In the ever-unpredictable landscape of Icebox, sticking together and maintaining a default position can prove advantageous. While attacking, gathering as much information about the site as possible is paramount. Conversely, on the defensive front, delaying the plant can significantly influence the outcome of the round. Beyond these foundational strategies, here are some additional tricks to capitalize on your successes and lead your team to victory on the Icebox map in Valorant:

1.Utilize Varied Sage Wall Strategies

Sage’s wall offers versatile utility on Icebox. During attacks, it can be deployed to obstruct opponent entry points, facilitate retakes, or block common lines of sight. Alternatively, it can serve as a barrier to safely plant the spike.

On the defensive side, reserving the wall for spike defusal tasks proves invaluable. Additionally, the wall can effectively block entry points to sites or mid-tunnels, further enhancing defensive capabilities. In essence, Sage’s wall finds optimal use on Icebox, offering strategic advantages in various scenarios.

2. Go for Mid Lurks

While lurks aren’t typically recommended on most maps, Icebox presents a notable exception. Its layout allows for easy sightlines from mid to the sites, making it conducive to executing effective lurk strategies. Holding mid-rotations for the enemy while your team secures a solid backup becomes feasible with this approach.

Icebox particularly favors the lurk strategy due to the presence of Viper. With her abilities, Viper excels at lurking while still providing valuable assistance to the team. Leveraging this strategy can yield favorable results on Icebox.

3. Play Safe Post-plants

Moreover, beyond her lurking capabilities, Viper proves invaluable in post-plant situations. Whether executing a backstab during post-plant or utilizing her toxin to delay defusal, Viper’s versatility shines in these scenarios. Additionally, her Ultimate covers a significant portion of the site area, making it ideal for controlling the battlefield on Icebox.

Agents like Sova, Gekko, and Killjoy complement this post-plant strategy effectively. Utilizing abilities such as nano swarm, shock dart, and moshpit enables denial of spike plants or defusals, ensuring their relevance in critical moments. Therefore, it’s imperative to save these abilities for opportune moments during the match.

4.Implement Aggressive Tactics on A Site

One of the most effective strategies for dominating Icebox is to adopt an aggressive approach on the defensive half. The A side of Icebox, in particular, caters to aggressive peekers. If you’re playing as Jett, utilizing your dash ability can help secure the first blood and swiftly retreat to safety.

As an operator or outlaw carrier, Jett players should prioritize holding aggressive off-angles on A site. Even if no enemies are spotted initially, this proactive approach can provide valuable early intel on enemy movements.

With these tactics in mind, mastering Icebox becomes crucial for competitive success in Valorant. However, opinions on its impact and suitability for the rotation vary among players. What are your thoughts on Icebox’s influence on competitive games? Do you believe it should remain in the map rotation? Let me know in the comments below!