Riot has secretly buffed smokes on Valorant map Pearl

Pearl presents unique defensive challenges with its expansive layout and wide entry points that traditionally favored attacking teams. The recent strategic rework significantly amplifies controller effectiveness through intelligent map geometry adjustments.

Valorant’s latest update, patch 6.11, introduces comprehensive map refinements that enhance navigational flow for both teams while particularly benefiting defenders. Beyond the obvious defensive improvements, these changes create substantial indirect power increases for controller agents across all skill levels.

Post-update, Valorant controllers can achieve superior area denial with reduced smoke expenditure, fundamentally altering resource management strategies for bomb site control.

Pearl is now easier to defend

Patch 6.11 implements multiple structural modifications designed to optimize combat encounters. The B site’s central screen now extends significantly further, resulting in substantially narrowed entry corridors that redefine defensive positioning.

Previously, defenders needed dual smoke deployments to completely obscure attacker sightlines into the site. This utility-intensive approach severely strained economic resources, often necessitating double controller compositions on Pearl to maintain defensive integrity.

The redesigned geometry now enables complete platform coverage with just a single well-placed smoke. The B main entrance contracts due to the expanded screen structure, dramatically improving controller viability on this previously challenging map. These adjustments prove particularly impactful at elite competitive tiers where players maximize every utility investment. Additionally, Pearl transitions toward defensive balance, countering the traditional attacker advantage common to larger-scale maps.

Long-term competitive implications require further observation, but initial indicators suggest promising meta developments for strategic diversity.

Why was Night Market disabled?

On June 10, Riot Games temporarily removed Night Market functionality after identifying a critical bug causing game instability and crashes.

“We’re receiving multiple reports concerning Night Market and rotating store offer complications. Consequently, we’re disabling Night Market temporarily while developing a comprehensive solution. We anticipate restoring this feature promptly following thorough testing,” Riot’s development team clarified.

Strategic Smoke Placement: Master single-smoke blocks at B main using the extended screen as natural cover. Position smokes slightly forward to capitalize on the narrowed sightlines.

Economic Advantage: The 300-credit smoke savings per round enables earlier full buys, additional utility purchases, or operator investments that previously weren’t feasible.

Agent Composition Flexibility: Teams can now experiment with single-controller setups without sacrificing B site control, opening composition diversity previously unavailable on Pearl.

Common Mistake Avoidance: Don’t over-commit smokes to B site—the geometry changes make one smoke sufficient. Avoid the temptation to double smoke out of habit, which wastes crucial economic resources.

Future Meta Development: Expect increased controller pick rates on Pearl as players recognize the enhanced value. Watch for emerging strategies that leverage the economic savings for aggressive defensive plays.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Riot has secretly buffed smokes on Valorant map Pearl Valorant Patch 6.11 transforms Pearl's defense dynamics and explains Night Market's temporary removal