Map bans are a crucial part of competitive strategy in any map-based game, and VALORANT is no exception. In fact, a team’s familiarity with a map can heavily influence agent compositions, utility lineups, and set plays, all of which can ultimately decide the outcome of a match.
Read More: Cubic Odyssey Class Guide
So, which maps are teams avoiding the most in 2025?
Let’s break down the most frequently banned maps across S- and A-tier VALORANT tournaments so far this year.
Most Banned Valorant Maps This Year
1. Fracture — 199 Bans
To start, Fracture’s signature “H-shaped” layout, with multiple attacker entry points and a central zipline, makes it one of the most complex maps in the pool. This level of unpredictability often pushes teams to avoid it entirely. After being removed in August 2023, it returned in November 2024 with Patch 10.0. However, it was removed again on April 29, 2025, with Patch 10.08, a move welcome by many pros.
2. Pearl & Haven — 182 Bans Each
Next, we have a tie between Pearl and Haven.
On one hand, Pearl offers a traditional two-site layout, but it plays much tighter than expected. Narrow corridors, extended sightlines, and risky mid control make it punishing, especially for teams lacking coordinated utility.
On the other hand, Haven stands out as the only map with three bomb sites. This forces defenders to spread out and attackers to pressure multiple zones at once, creating chaotic and mentally taxing rounds. Therefore, one mistimed rotation can quickly cost a team the round.
3. Split — 180 Bans
Close behind is Split, known for being heavily defender-sided. Its tight entryways, vertical choke points, and tricky sightlines make attacking especially challenging without coordinated utility. Because of this, teams that struggle with structured play, or don’t favor agents like Raze, Sage, or Omen, frequently ban it.
4. Lotus — 162 Bans
Moving on, Lotus continues to be a divisive pick. With rotating doors, wide connectors, and a three-site layout, the map disrupts traditional play styles. Consequently, teams unfamiliar with its rhythm or lacking strong coordination often choose to veto it.
5. Ascent — 142 Bans
In contrast to the earlier maps, Ascent isn’t banned due to complexity, but due to how well-known it is. Its iconic status means veterans know every timing, angle, and strategy. Therefore, newer or less confident teams often avoid it in matchups where experience could be a deciding factor.
6. Icebox — 135 Bans
Similarly, Icebox demands sharp mechanics and strong team coordination. With vertical angles, tight site entry points, and high execution requirements, any weaknesses in preparation become painfully obvious. As a result, many teams steer clear unless they’ve mastered its pace and agents.
7. Bind — 60 Bans
From here, the ban numbers drop significantly. Bind’s teleporters, lack of mid control, and tight choke points make it rigid and unforgiving. Accordingly, teams without solid site anchors or meta-specific agents often choose to ban it instead of adapting.
8. Abyss — 56 Bans
Still relatively new, Abyss introduces some fresh (and risky) mechanics: open fall zones, vertical layers, and dynamic rotations. Since many teams haven’t had time to fully study or practice it, they opt for the safer route—ban it and focus on what they know.
9. Sunset — 6 Bans
Finally, Sunset rounds out the list with just 6 bans. It’s a methodical, mid-heavy map that demands patience and coordination. However, since it was only reintroduced on April 29, 2025, it hasn’t seen enough play to provoke strong opinions—yet.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with the most-banned VALORANT maps so far in 2025? Are there maps you always dodge—or ones you’d love to see removed from the pool entirely? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you.
