Tips For Valorant's Pearl Map

With Valorant Episode 5: Dimension finally showing a means to travel to the Omega Earth dimension, fans are treated to not just a publicly-celebrated Omega VALORANT Protocol but also its first Omega Earth location: the Pearl Map. Boasting one of the largest map areas in the game, the Pearl Map offers equal levels of intensity with its multiple chokepoints and rather open battlefields. As such, Valorant players have to reassess their combat approach when fighting on this larger map.

However, just because the Pearl Map seems complicated doesn’t mean it’s impossible to study. In fact, just a few guidelines and an in-depth understanding of an Agent’s lineup can enable players to dominate any aspect of the Pearl Map quite easily. However, just how should players approach this new location?

The Pearl: Big Is The Norm

Added to Valorant as of the June 2022 patch, the Pearl Map is a unique nighttime setting with a rather expansive area. Located in Omega Earth’s version of Lisbon, Portugal, this map is canonically an underwater city. Aside from the rather imposing central monument of a person holding a large smoking globe, the rest of Pearl is comprised of houses and structures of European architecture, like that of a crowded city street.

Key Notes: Normal Is Dynamic

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Pearl is how it’s the first post-release map in Valorant to not have any dynamic mechanics or special rulesets that change the flow of battle. However, this “ordinary” nature of the Pearl Map makes it all the more flexible, giving players a blank slate to make into their personal battleground. Here are other notable components:

Open is deadly: One of the more notable elements of Pearl is its openness, with a distinct lack of extremely tall roofs, making throwables quite a more dynamic gameplay element in Valorant.
Wide mid: Another interesting component of Pearl is its rather open mid-section, particularly with multiple exits that could reveal surprise attacks. Compared to Breeze which has a cylindrical structure at the center of its mid-area, Pearl is rather more open.

A-Site: All In That Corner

Perhaps the most attacker-friendly position in the Pearl Map, the A-Site side of the map is rather notable for its straightforward appearance. Extremely prominent on the A-Site side are areas such as the rather decorative A-Restaurant, the open but tight corner of A-Main, and the multiple openings of A-Dugout, A-Flowers, and A-Link, perfect for Valorant's full-auto weapons.

Features: Note That Chokepoint

Of all the areas in the Pearl Map, it’s the A-Site side that is the most “direct” in terms of its approach. Outside a Mid-Area approach, going through A-Restaurant and A-Main is the most straightforward way of getting to the A-Site, making assaults and defenders extremely apparent. Here are some notable elements:

A-Restaurant: In the area closest to the Attacker Side Spawn, players should be wary of the rather decorative nature of A-Restaurant. Unlike other props in other maps, the “restaurant” area in A-Restaurant is actually a bit traversable, making it a rather healthy disguise zone for Agents in the right angle.
A-Main: The most crucial corner of the A-Site side, the A-Main is an open area that features a rather tight central corner and a rectangular column. This is an expected incursion point, as snipers from the Defender Side Spawn can position themselves on the edge of the A-Site.
A-Dugout: A rather deep alley beside the A-Site, this is a prominent rat-spot for defenders who want to wait for overconfident attackers to plant the Spike.
A-Secret: This is a narrow alleyway that bridges A-Dugout, A-Site, and the Attacker Side Spawn.
A-Flowers: A rather narrow pathway leading the Attacker Side Spawn into the A-Site, this is a popular retreating site for defenders as it gives a clear vantage point of the A-Main.
A-Site: The highlight of the A-Site side, the A-Site is a rather open area surrounded by houses, with a mausoleum at its center. Given its open area, A-Link, A-Flowers, A-Dugout, and A-Main have a clear view of this point.

Offense: Rush With Speed

Due to the straightforward nature of the A-Site, it’s expected for defenders to anticipate attackers to come from either A-Main or A-Art. As such, players on the offense are encouraged to either overwhelm the Site with a direct assault with Valorant Duelists like Jett or do a rush-plant with an Initiator like Fade on the flank to disrupt the defense. Here are some things to pay attention to:

A-Restaurant: Instead of heading directly to A-Main, it might help to instead check out the small cubby-like corner at the edge of A-Restaurant before going into A-Main. Waiting out roamers from this cubby makes this location an ideal rat-spot, securing an opening towards A-Site easily.
A-Main: When in a firefight in A-Main, consider using the central column as a way for quick rotates. Doing this instead of having a straightforward shootout can give quick-footed Duelists a chance to outpace and outmaneuver foes.
A-Art: Those who want to flank A-Site should aim to secure the A-Art location as soon as possible. Its tight corner has a small opening that leads directly to the last corner of A-Main, allowing projectiles to come through and disrupt defense. Securing A-Art also allows flankers to get into the side of A-Site or rotate to B-Site via Mid Connector.
A-Dugout: This is a likely defensible position in A-Site due to its nature as a lowered platform. Projectiles and blinds headed here will likely hit targets.

Defense: Consider Flanks

Again, due to the straightforward nature of A-Site, it helps to consider flank defense as part of the protection methods in this area. Aside from anticipating an assault from A-Main, a mid-based approach might happen due to the relative “safety” of A-Site compared to the open area of B-Main on B-Site side. Here are things to consider:

A-Dugout: Despite the convenience of A-Dugout as a rat-spot, staying here for too long will invite A-Site attackers to bombard this area with projectiles and flashes. To avoid this risk, it helps to jump the gun on people just after they penetrate the A-Site proper, instead of post-plant.
A-Flowers: The windowed segment of A-Flowers allows defenders to peek into A-Site and snipe incoming attackers, while at the same time becoming a convenient way of accessing Defender Side Spawn to rotate into B-Site if necessary.
A-Art: Defenders who want to secure mid would want to use their detection skills here and aim towards Mid-Plaza. Detecting people here would immediately note a flank via mid, allowing the rest of the team to prepare.

Mid-Area: Sneaky Centerpoint

One of the most interesting parts of the Pearl Map is its Mid-Section, primarily because there are not just one but rather two “middle” areas available for players to traverse. There’s the Mid Plaza for the attackers and their flanking, and Mid Connector for defenders and their rotation. Understanding the quick ways of traversing these areas or even smoking them with the likes of Brimstone can make quick work of traveling the large map.

Features: Shortcuts Are Key

Given the rather “large” Mid-Section of the Pearl Map, it helps to strategically understand the quickest ways to reach certain points in the map, especially when rotating from one site to the next. Here are some callouts to consider:

Defender Site Water: A rather unique area in the Pearl Map is the Defender Side Watter, notable for a small crawlspace that leads access to an upwards slope leading into Mid Connector.
Mid Connector: The defender-side mid-point in the map, the Mid Connector is an upwards slope of an open street. It's most notable for its southern entrance: the crawl-space in Defender Side Water that looks straight ahead into the elbow leading into A-Link and A-Art. Turning right would have it head straight to a small crossroad leading into either Mid-Doors or B-Link.
B-Link: Another sloping area, B-Link is a crucial access point towards B-Site. It’s notable for its southern corridor with a dead-end, essentially a potential rat spot. The B-Link ends in an elbow and a tight corridor that ends in B-Site. Alternatively, going from Mid Connector, players can skip B-Link and head straight ahead to Mid Doors, accessing Mid Plaza.
Mid Shops: Going to the B-Site from the Attacker Side Spawn gives access to the Mid Shops, characterized by its street-like view, as well as a middle hiding spot similar to Haven’s Cubby. Heading to Mid Plaza from Mid Shops gives access to Mid Doors but blocks the A-Side view of the Plaza. From the defending side, Mid Doors gives access to the narrow elbow heading into Mid Shops but blocks access to the A-Side view.
Mid Top: Going to Mid Plaza from Attacker Side Spawn gives access to the Mid Top. This area gives convenient access to the view of Mid Doors and A-Art, making it a reliable spot for sensors. This is the mid-area closest to the A-Site route, courtesy of A-Restaurant on the edge and A-Art in the middle.

Offense: Easy Flank, Easy Attack

One of the highlights of Valorant's Pearl Map is how advantageous it could get for attackers, particularly for its flanking-friendly Mid-Section. After all, accessing Mid Plaza alone is more than enough to dictate whether an original Site assault is possible or if there’s a need for a quick flank. Here are things to take note:

Mid Plaza: A crucial open area in mid, this is the attacker-side mid-point in the map. It’s notable for having four access points, and a central sloping column that conveniently blocks visual access to the full mid area unless entered.
Mid Top: When accessing Mid Plaza from Mid Top, the elbow portion of A-Art is easily visible but there has to be a tight turn to access Mid Doors. The tight elbow of A-Art means enemies might be defending from its corner.
Mid Shops: When accessing Mid Plaza from Mid Shape, it leads straight to Mid Doors. Given how this is a typical rotation spot for defenders, this is a good place to wait for any defending flankers.
B-Link: The back-side access of B-Site, this narrow corridor leads to a tight corner that leads to the Site area. It has a pretty tight exit, so projectiles are tricky to pull off here. However, this isn’t an often-defended area, making this prone to backline attacks.

Defense: Long Way Home

While the Pearl Map is heavily attacker-friendly, it doesn’t mean the defense is impossible here. Due to the straightforward nature of Sites in the area, it’s also relatively easy to rotate to Sites should the Spike be planted in either location. Here are things to take note:

Mid Connector: The defender-side open mid area, Mid Connector is the best possible fork that could lead into either the main A-Site or B-Site areas. Those who plan on defending from mid would want to hang out here so they can quickly access the backline areas of both sites through their respective Link areas.
B-Link: This area is crucial when it comes to a straightforward defense. Those with a penchant for long-range would want to go around B-Tunnel and B-Tower and then head to the B-Site doorway of B-Link to stop the opponent’s assault from Mid Doors. Likewise, a shotgun user can be positioned here for the corner surprise.
A-Link: Another straightforward but sloping pathway, A-Link is a shorter alternative to B-Link with a tight elbow from A-Art. This is a great way of meeting opponents from Mid Plaza at close-to-mid-range.
A-Art: This particular area is interesting as there’s a particular opening on a corner that accesses the A-Main corridor. A well-timed projectile throw from the likes of Raze could delay the enemy assault on the A-Site here.

B-Site: An Open Walkway

Contrary to the more open A-Site is the more complicated B-Site, a rather narrower option for attackers to assault and defend on the get-go. Notable in the B-Site is the stretch of the B-Main that includes the B-Ramp and the B-Screen, already inviting intense firefights. Not only that, but the traversable second-floor tunnels of B-Tower and B-Tunnel add a unique level of verticality to matches.

Features: Note The Straight And Narrow

Players who tour around Pearl would immediately identify that the ideal strategy in B-Site is to secure either its open areas or vertical points. Compared to the more direct A-Site side, players can approach B-Site side in a multitude of ways depending on their priorities. Notable areas include:

B-Club: The area closest to the Attacker Side Spawn, the B-Club is a rather neat chokepoint against rotations due to its rather odd corner divide.
B-Ramp: Characterized by a small structure that leads into the ramp on the downwards slope that is B-Main, the B-Ramp is perhaps the “entrance” to one of the highlights of the B-Site side.
B-Main: One of the key highlights of the B-Site side, is a long but open corridor that leads to a narrow corner of the B-Site. Sniper showdowns with Valorant's Operators and Marshals are expected in B-Main unless defenders immediately guard the narrow corner of the B-Ramp and surprise enemies.
B-Screen: One of the more defensible endpoints of the B-Site side, the B-Screen is at the end of the B-Main, notable for a covering column that makes it an ideal ambush zone.
B-Hall: A back-access point to the B-Site, this corridor leads into the B-Tunnel or leads players to encircle the Site from behind.
B-Tower: Accessible only from the B-Tunnel or Records, the B-Tower is a second-story opening that gives vertical access to both the B-Site and the other half of the B-Main.
Defender Side Records: The area closest to the Defender Side Spawn, the Records is a relatively open area that gives access to the B-Tunnel and B-Tower areas. Despite its open nature, it’s recommended to flank from here to get to the A-Site as going Mid is much longer.

Offense: Snipe With Backup

At first glance, attackers would look at B-Site as a nightmare to assault due to the existence of B-Main, prompting a rather obvious mid-based approach. However, players could use this predictability to their advantage if they know the kind of assault they want to pull off. Here are things to consider:

B-Ramp: Always anticipate snipers and long-ranged attackers from all the way to B-Screen, which means snipers like Chamber would love using his skills here.
B-Main: Aside from the obvious shootouts that could happen here, it could help using mobile scouts such as Sova and Skye’s tools to check rat-spots, especially those hugging the “hole” in the middle part of the map and the cubby-like section beside it.
B-Screen/Hall: On the off-chance that attackers secure B-Main and into B-Site proper, it helps to whip out a grenade or two before reaching B-Screen and towards the inside of B-Hall. Defenders will likely hug these areas for the surprise ambush.

Defense: Count On The Dare

While the B-Site seems immediately disadvantageous for the direct assault, some attackers would still dare breach the B-Main proper for a straightforward shootout. This is a likely diversion tactic for mid-area flanks, which means defenders should anticipate these things when defending B-Site:

B-Ramp: Given the open nature of B-Main, it’s very likely for attackers to approach B-Ramp extremely slowly. Defenders can use this to their advantage as they can reach the corner of B-Ramp much faster. Waiting on the left-most side of B-Ramp can allow short-ranged specialists to jump the gun on attackers hoping to breach this area of the map.
B-Link: A crucial defensive position in the B-Site side, the B-Link is a nifty blindspot that won’t let anyone from mid immediately see the B-Site and vice versa. Using the very last column along the corner as a point of defense, defenders can jump the gun on both mid-based flankers and B-Site planters.
B-Tower: Adding a unique level of verticality to the map is B-Tower, allowing long-range specialists and projectile throwers to secure the other half of B-Main if enemies decide to penetrate this location.
B-Hall: A neat hiding spot for defenders, B-Hall is a nifty way of encircling the B-Site without exposing oneself to B-Main. Snipers can position themselves here or simply for opponents to breach B-Site for the surprise ambush.

Agents: Maximize Tight Corners

Unlike other maps in Valorant, the Pearl Map features quite a lot of nooks and crannies that complement its rather large floor area. As such, Agents that are capable of maximizing corners are extremely recommended here, instead of Agents that work with larger spaces. Here are ideal Agents that may work well with the Pearl Map:

Sage: One of the best Sentinels in the game, Sage is ideal in Valorant's Pearl Map to enclose tight spaces with her walls. Due to the zig-zag nature of the map, Sage sealing off one portion of a Site can force enemies to choose another, more obvious path, leaving them open for an ambush.
Cypher: One of the trickier Sentinels, the tight spaces of Pearl make Cypher a godsend for teams. His slate of cameras, smokes, and detection abilities allow Cypher to cover areas quickly and ping potential attack sites. Due to the distance of A-Site from B-Site, Cypher being able to detect enemies quickly is essential.
Neon: The quick-moving nature of Neon makes her perfect to navigate Pearl’s corners, allowing her to not just reach areas faster but even evade enemy fire. Her fast-paced combat style allows her to both ambush foes and outpaces them, especially if players who use her become familiar with the map.
Fade: Initiator Fade and her shadowy powers are perfect for Pearl, especially since her detector shadows, pulling abilities, and temporary blinds can allow her to outmaneuver foes who are trying to roam around.