Valorant Episode 3, Act 2: Start time, Fracture, battle pass, patch notes, more

Each new Act in Valorant is the time when the biggest changes are made to the game, Act 1, which kicked off Episode 3, brought a new Agent, KAY/O, a weapon price overhaul, and even a new account progression system into Riot Games' tactical shooter, just to name a few of the things that are spicing up the experience for old and new players alike.

Act 2 is not offering up a new Agent but instead a brand map and it is unlike anything that has been seen before. Called Fracture, the map pushes the world of Valorant both narratively and from a gameplay perspective with a map that spawns attackers at either side of the map with defenders in a pinch point in the middle.

The devs admitted it was one of the hardest maps yet to get right and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Players will also have a new battle pass to get their teeth into, offering up the usual selection of new weapon skins and other cosmetics.

Valorant Episode 3, Act 2 - Start date

Act 2 was originally set to start on the 25th of August, but a two-week delay prompted by developer Riot Games' summer holiday and issues creating the new map, Fracture, causing the release to be delayed.

The new release date for Episode 3 Act 2 is the 8th of September.

New map - Fracture

The latest map to enter the game, Fracture is something that hasn't been seen before. 

With an 'H' shaped layout and with attackers spawning at either side of the map, sides connected by a zip wire that runs underneath the map.

The map also pushes the game's narrative further with players able to learn more about Agents and the mirrored worlds that they inhabit.

• Read more: Fracture, Valorant's seventh map brings players to the Mirror Earth Kingdom

Episode 3 Act 2 battle pass

The battle pass, like those that have come before, will offer both a free and paid track for players.

The paid track includes three separate skin collections; Varnish, Artisan, and Nitro.

It will also be the first battle pass that offers a Phantom, Vandal, and Operator skins within.

• Read more: Valorant Ep 3 Act 2 battle pass: Release date, all skins, cost, more
  

Don't forget to keep up with all things Valorant in our dedicated section.