Riot wanted a ‘deceptively simple’ VALORANT map in Pearl, but considered adding a hole in the ground

After unique takes on maps on Icebox, Breeze, and Fracture, the VALORANT level designers and developers wanted a more “straightforward” design for the eighth map, Pearl. That’s why they ended up scrapping their original idea for a dangerous open hole in the ground.

In a short Q&A with the VALORANT dev team, level designer Joe Lansford explained why the newest map went by the codename “Pitt” prior to its release. Originally, the underground cylinder in mid used to be an open pit that players could fall down and die in, reminiscent of the Well stage of the Overwatch map Ilios. Early on in development, that pit was actually located in the center of the B site, which would have proved especially daunting to mobile agents like Jett, Raze, or Neon.