Split is one of the most challenging and unbalanced maps in Valorant, requiring players to think strategically and make quick decisions under pressure. It features a compact structure. This guide from bo3 provides the best strategies for the Split map in Valorant, optimal agent selections, and other tips, including map callouts, all to help you dominate your opponents.
In this article:
Overview of Split Map in Valorant
Split Valorant is one of the game's original maps and, as of November 2024, remains in the active pool. It stands out for its compact design with narrow and numerous pathways. The two main points, A and B, are small and located at opposite ends of the map, with Mid being a crucial position for gaining a team advantage, allowing swift transitions between points through Tower A and Tower B. Control over the center can be a decisive factor in both attack and defense, as it enables quick movement between points and keeps opponents on edge.
Purpose of the Guide
In this guide, we aim to provide players with detailed information on how to effectively leverage the Split map's design, choose suitable agents, and optimal positions, and present advanced tactics.
Split Map Overview
Location
Split is located in a futuristic megacity inspired by Japanese cities, filled with Easter eggs, including references to other Riot Games projects. The map features narrow passages and closed spaces that limit maneuverability. A defining characteristic is its verticality—different height levels make players stay alert and focused.
Map Layout
Mid is a key position on Split. Control over this central spot allows a team to move swiftly between A and B and gain an advantage, not only because it provides elevated positions (Tower A and Tower B) over the Spike plant sites but also because it offers more tactical options and the ability to adapt plans quickly. Another unique feature is the ropes, enabling vertical movement, giving players a height advantage and the ability to surprise opponents with sudden position changes.
Environmental Obstacles
Tight corridors and vertical positions require players to be more precise with agent abilities. Players should use utilities thoughtfully to maintain control on the Split Val map and avoid losing important positions. Proper and timely use of smokes, traps, and other abilities is critical here, as narrow corridors are easier and safer to control with agents' abilities than with direct engagement.
Split Map Callouts
The Split map has numerous unique positions with individual callouts that haven’t changed much throughout the map’s update history. These may be unfamiliar to new players, so below, we’ll explain where each one is located.
Callouts on Point A
- A Main — main entry for attackers on point A and A Ramp.
- A Ramp — sloped path connecting A Main to A Tower.
- A Tower — elevated position above A, convenient for controlling the site and observing attackers.
- A Rafters — annex to A Tower.
- A Screens — narrow passage in front of point A from the defender's side.
- A Site — Spike planting area on A.
Callouts on Point B
- B Garage — main entry for attackers on point B.
- B Tower — elevated position above point B, offering an excellent view and access to B Rafters.
- B Rafters — annex to B Tower.
- B Back — rear section of point B.
- B Alley — narrow corridor leading to B from the defender's side.
- B Site — Spike planting area on B.
Callouts on Mid
- Mid Top — main position in the middle of the map, with a view of Mail and approaches to A and B.
- Mid Mail — located closer to B Tower.
- Mid Vent — narrow path with ropes leading to A Tower.
- Mid Bottom — lower section of Mid.
Best Agents for Split Map
Below is a table listing the best agents for Split. A detailed overview of each one and several strategies for effective gameplay are found below the table.
| Role | Agent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Omen | With smokes and teleport, Omen easily blocks views and defends narrow areas |
| Sentinel | Cypher | His traps are ideal for securing passageways and tight corridors on Split |
| Duelist | Raze | Raze’s explosive abilities suit aggressive control of narrow paths |
| Initiator | Breach | His blinding and stunning abilities are effective for clearing passages |
| Controller | Viper | Her large wall and poisonous abilities block visibility and hinder enemies |
Omen
- Overview: Omen excels on Split with his smokes and teleportation ability, allowing him to hold horizontal positions and move quickly across the map.
- Strategies: For attacking, smoke A Tower and A Screens when pushing A, or B Tower and B Alley for B. For defense, listen to the team and place smokes where they're needed.
Cypher
- Overview: Cypher’s traps are perfect for controlling narrow passages, defending critical areas from sudden attacks.
- Strategies: Place traps on narrow paths like B Garage and A Main, and set up a Cage nearby to effectively eliminate trapped enemies.
Raze
- Overview: With explosive abilities, Raze is an ideal duelist for Split, with its abundance of narrow corridors.
- Strategies: Throw grenades at A Ramp and Main or in B Garage to push enemies back. Save Paint Shells for players trying to defuse or plant the Spike. Use Boombot to scout dangerous positions instead of going yourself.
Breach
- Overview: Breach’s abilities are effective on maps with tight corridors, where he can maximize his utility.
- Strategies: Use stuns on Mid Mail or Vent to take control of the map’s center, or on key positions held by enemies at points A or B, such as A Ramp, B Garage, B Tower, A Tower, etc.
Viper
- Overview: Viper’s abilities effectively block enemy sightlines and create safe passages on the map.
- Strategies: Use Toxic Screen on A Tower or B Tower, depending on your team’s position. For defense, cover both Mid and A Main, and place Poison Cloud at B Garage to block all potential exits.
Alternative Agents
The agents listed above are some of the best for Split, but sometimes players want to change things up or use other agents who are also effective on this map. Below are agents who can replace the main ones.
Sage
- Overview: Sage provides excellent support to the team with her healing abilities, slowing enemies, and placing protective barriers.
- Strategies: A simple strategy for Sage on defense is to block the central position each round, preventing enemy entry and sequentially blocking entrances to A and B. For defense, she can block A Tower or the Garage exit on B, ensuring a safe passage for her team.
Killjoy
- Overview: Killjoy can easily replace Cypher on Split Val map with her traps that help control and gather intel.
- Strategies: Set up a turret on B Site to cover B Garage, and place Nanoswarm and Alarmbot at the Garage exit to eliminate enemies attempting to breach B.
Attacking Strategies on Split
Focus on Mid Control
The strategy is simple: focus fully on Mid, leaving one player to lurk at A or B. Once Mid is taken, you can easily and quickly rotate to either site, disorienting opponents while the lurker assists from another flank.
Site Entry
- Point A: Smoke A Tower and A Screens, and clear close positions with scouting abilities, flashes, or stuns to safely push forward. Send one or two players to A Ramp, and the rest to A Site to plant the bomb.
- Point B: Place smokes on B Tower and B Alley, and push through B Garage, using flashes or other abilities to disrupt enemies. Once taken, avoid getting trapped on site or retreating to Garage—occupy as many positions as possible if the situation allows.
Defensive Strategies on Split
Prioritize Mid Control
Controlling the Mid on Split map in Valorant grants a significant tactical advantage over the attacking team, allowing for rapid rotation to A or B and keeping pressure on the opponents.
Site Defense
- Point A: Use smokes or Breach’s or other agents' abilities to blind or slow down enemies.
- Point B: Utilize Cypher or Killjoy’s abilities to defend narrow paths like B Garage and B Tower.
Defending Narrow Areas
Assign agents with suitable abilities to hold enemy advances from narrow spots, such as Cypher, Killjoy, Sage, and others.
Tips and Tricks for Split Map
Mid Control and Movement
Use controllers like Omen or Brimstone to smoke Mid and take full control of it. Holding this position will greatly ease rotation to any site on the map. Losing it, however, risks the round, as the enemy will have a significant advantage over you.
Vertical Positions
Use the rope on B and Screens or the Ramp on A to climb to the Tower, where you’ll have a significant advantage over opponents and more freedom of movement than if you stay on site.
Abilities for Tight Spaces
Use Cypher’s traps and cages, Raze’s grenades and Boombot, Sage’s wall and slows, Breach’s abilities, and Omen’s Paranoia in areas like A Main, B Garage, and Mid. These confined spaces maximize their effectiveness and prevent enemies from advancing easily.
Post-Plant Situations
Leverage A Tower and B Tower to your advantage. Plant the Spike in a spot visible from these elevated positions, if the round situation allows. It will be much harder for enemies to defuse while you control it from above.
Pro Strategies
Learning from the Pros
Some of the best teams on Split Valorant include EDward Gaming, DRX, and Sentinels, with win rates above 65%. EDward Gaming’s stats stand out, having played 49 maps and won 34, resulting in a 69% win rate. The team recently won Valorant Champions 2024, making them a valuable source of strategies. We’ll examine their match against Paper Rex at Masters Madrid as an example of effective tactics you can adopt.
- Defensive Pistol Round: EDward Gaming starts on defense, heavily fortifying point A with three players. Viper and Raze buy Sheriffs and hold long positions at A Screens. Paper Rex creates noise at B, then pauses, prompting EDward Gaming’s Skye to rotate and check the area with Trailblazer (Q). When the attack shifts to A, EDward Gaming reacts early, using gathered intel to prevent the attackers from even planting the Spike.
- A Retake Strategy: In round 5, the team fortifies Mid and B, leaving only Skye on A with Viper’s Toxic Screen, where Paper Rex heads. The attackers easily take deep positions, but EDward Gaming times a surprise retake before the Spike is planted, resulting in a favorable 4v1 situation.
- Quick Pistol Round Attack: Leading the match, EDward Gaming goes for a fast-paced pistol round attack. Within 15 seconds, they all reach A Tower, using Omen and Skye to push enemies back from Mid. Viper advances on A Tower via A Ramp under cover from Breach’s Fault Line. They reach A Site as five but lose the round due to Paper Rex’s effective retake.
- Mid Control: At 10:8, EDward Gaming decides to secure Mid, gaining control with ease. They then rotate to A as Viper pushes into A Main and A Ramp. The attackers take the site effortlessly, and the defenders fail to retake it.
These four strategies showcase EDward Gaming’s impressive preparation on Split, contributing to their 69% win rate on this map. The team exhibits strong macro control, choosing optimal positions and timing for attacks when the enemy is least prepared. Read professional players' quotes on playing Split effectively.
Replay Analysis
Watching replays of top teams helps in understanding position selection, agent picks, and proper ability use in critical situations on Split.
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