By Jackober, Diamond 2 Valorant Player with 1,000+ hours of gameplay
Haven: The Unique Three-Site Map
As a Diamond 2 player with over 1,000 hours in Valorant, I’ve played hundreds of matches on Haven and watched it evolve through numerous updates and meta shifts. When I first encountered Haven during the beta, its three-site design immediately stood out as a bold departure from traditional tactical shooter map design. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how this unique layout creates a dynamic strategic environment that rewards creativity, map control, and adaptability.
Haven holds a special place in Valorant’s map pool as the only map featuring three distinct bomb sites. This fundamental difference changes everything from agent selection to rotational strategies, creating gameplay patterns you won’t experience anywhere else. Whether you’re a newcomer who has just created a Valorant account or a veteran looking to refine your approach, understanding Haven’s intricacies is essential for competitive success.
In this expert guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about mastering Haven – from its layout and callouts to advanced strategies for both attacking and defending. I’ll cover optimal agent selections, utility usage, economic approaches, and how the map’s meta has evolved over time. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and strategies to confidently navigate this three-site tactical playground and turn it into one of your strongest maps.
Haven’s Layout and Key Areas

Let’s start by understanding Haven’s fundamental layout and key areas, as this knowledge forms the foundation for all strategic decisions.
The Three-Site Structure
Haven’s most distinctive feature is its three bomb sites:
- A Site: Located on the eastern side of the map, featuring a large open area with multiple entry points
- B Site: A compact central site with tight angles and limited entry options
- C Site: Positioned on the western side, featuring a two-level design with long sightlines
This three-site structure creates unique strategic dynamics:
- Defenders must spread thinner than on other maps
- Attackers have more options for site executes
- Mid control becomes less crucial than on two-site maps
- Rotations and timing are especially critical
Key Areas and Callouts
A Site Area:
- A Long: Extended pathway leading to A site from attacker side
- A Short: Shorter, alternative route to A site
- A Lobby: Area where attackers gather before pushing A
- A Site: The actual bomb site area
- A Heaven: Elevated position overlooking A site
- A Link: Connector between A site and mid
B Site Area:
- B Main: Primary entrance to B site from attacker side
- B Site: The compact central bomb site
- B Window: Elevated position with visibility into B site
- B Back: Deeper position within B site
- B Link: Pathway connecting B site to mid
C Site Area:
- C Long: Extended pathway leading to C site from attacker side
- C Lobby: Area where attackers gather before pushing C
- C Site: The actual bomb site area
- C Garage: Enclosed area connecting mid to C site
- C Window: Window position overlooking C site
- C Link: Connector pathway near C site
Mid Area:
- Mid Courtyard: Central open area
- Mid Doors: Entrance to mid from attacker side
- Mid Window: Elevated position overlooking mid
- Mid Boxes: Cover elements in mid area
Other Key Areas:
- Attacker Spawn: Where attackers begin each round
- Defender Spawn: Where defenders begin each round
- T Spawn: Alternative name for attacker spawn
- CT Spawn: Alternative name for defender spawn
Map Control Zones
Understanding the key control zones on Haven is crucial for effective play:
- Mid Control: While less dominant than on two-site maps, mid control still provides rotational flexibility
- Garage Control: Critical for C site executes and defender rotations
- A Lobby Control: Important for maintaining A push options
- Heaven Control: Provides powerful overwatch positions for both sites A and C
- Connector Control: The various link pathways between sites enable rapid rotations
These control zones form the foundation of both attacking and defending strategies on Haven.
Attacking Strategies on Haven
Haven’s three-site design offers attackers unique opportunities and challenges. Let’s explore effective strategies for the attacking side.
A Site Execution Strategies
A Standard Execute:
- Smoke Placement: Block Heaven and CT entrance sightlines
- Flash Through Main: Use flashes to blind defenders watching the entrance
- Take Site Control: Establish presence in the bomb site area
- Plant Default: Plant in the common default position while teammates cover
- Post-Plant Positions: Hold crossfires from site, long, and short
A Split Push:
- Send 1-2 Players A Long: Apply pressure from the long entrance
- Main Group A Short: Push through short with utility support
- Coordinated Timing: Execute from both directions simultaneously
- Utility Division: Split utility between both entry points
- Plant Safe: Use the divided attention to secure a safe plant
A Heaven Control:
- Smoke CT Approach: Block defender vision from CT
- Flash for Heaven Push: Use flashes to enable a push to Heaven
- Establish Heaven Control: Take this powerful position
- Drop to Site: Drop from Heaven to site when appropriate
- Plant Protected: Plant with Heaven player providing overwatch
B Site Execution Strategies
B Standard Execute:
- Smoke B Window: Block defender vision from this elevated position
- Flash Through Main: Blind defenders as you enter site
- Clear Close Angles: Methodically check close corners
- Default Plant: Plant in the standard position
- Post-Plant Crossfires: Establish crossfires covering the plant
B Contact Play:
- Quiet Approach: Move silently toward B without using utility
- Wait for Rotations: Capitalize on defender rotations to A or C
- Burst onto Site: Suddenly commit with coordinated utility
- Quick Trades: Be positioned to immediately trade kills
- Hold Tight Angles: Utilize the site’s compact nature for defense
B as a Fake:
- Show Presence B: Make noise and use limited utility
- Rotate Quickly: Move to A or C after drawing rotations
- Execute Real Target: Hit the undermanned site with full utility
- Plant Safely: Take advantage of the rotation advantage
- Prepare for Retake: Set up for the inevitable retake attempt
C Site Execution Strategies
C Standard Execute:
- Take Garage Control: Secure garage to cut off rotations
- Smoke C Window: Block defender vision from window
- Flash Through Long: Blind defenders watching long
- Clear Site Methodically: Check corners systematically
- Default Plant: Plant in the common default position
C Through Garage:
- Smoke Mid Window: Block vision from mid window
- Take Garage Control: Secure garage with utility support
- Smoke C Link: Block vision from site to garage entrance
- Burst from Garage: Enter site with coordinated utility
- Plant Safe: Plant in a position covered from garage
C Split Push:
- Main Group C Long: Apply pressure from long entrance
- Secondary Group Garage: Take garage control
- Coordinated Push: Execute from both directions simultaneously
- Trade Effectively: Be prepared to trade kills from both angles
- Plant Default: Plant while maintaining crossfire control
Default Setups and Map Control
Effective defaults are crucial on Haven due to its three-site design:
- 1-3-1 Split: One player A, three mid/garage, one C
- 2-1-2 Split: Two players A, one mid, two C
- Information Gathering: Use utility to gain information without committing
- Adaptation Potential: Be ready to collapse on any site based on information
- Rotation Awareness: Understand defender rotation timings to exploit gaps
For more specific agent strategies, check out guides like how to use Clove or how to use Tejo for detailed approaches with these agents on Haven.
Defending Strategies on Haven
Defending Haven presents unique challenges due to the need to cover three sites with only five players. Let’s explore effective defensive approaches.
Standard Defensive Setups
2-1-2 Setup:
- Two A: One player Heaven, one player site
- One B: Solo player holding B with utility support
- Two C: One player garage, one player site
- Rotation Priority: B player rotates to whichever site is hit
- Utility Usage: Focus utility on delaying pushes to enable rotations
1-3-1 Setup:
- One A: Solo player often playing retake from Heaven
- Three Mid/B: Heavy mid control with B coverage
- One C: Solo player often in garage
- Information Priority: Focus on early information for rotations
- Mid Control: Leverage the strong mid presence for fast rotations
Aggressive 1-1-3 Setup:
- One A: Solo player playing passively
- One B: Solo player with escape options
- Three C: Strong C control with garage presence
- Surprise Factor: Unexpected stack can catch attackers off-guard
- Rotation Plan: Clear plan for A/B players if C isn’t hit
Site-Specific Defense Strategies
A Site Defense:
- Heaven Position: Powerful angle covering multiple approaches
- Site Crossfire: Complementary angle from site
- Utility Layering: Use slows, alarms, and other utility to delay pushes
- Fall Back Options: Plan positions to fall back to if overwhelmed
- Retake Coordination: Coordinate utility for retakes if site is lost
B Site Defense:
- Off-Angle Positioning: Hold unexpected angles due to site vulnerability
- Utility Maximization: Heavy utility investment to compensate for vulnerability
- Information Focus: Prioritize information over engagements
- Rotation Callouts: Clear communication for rotation support
- Delay Tactics: Focus on delaying rather than holding at all costs
C Site Defense:
- Garage Control: Contest and maintain garage control
- Window Utilization: Use window position for information and picks
- Site Crossfire: Establish crossfires between site and garage
- Utility Coverage: Use utility to cover vulnerable approaches
- Retake Preparation: Have clear retake plans if site is lost
Rotation Strategies
Effective rotations are the key to successful Haven defense:
- Rotation Timing: Understand when to commit to rotations
- Rotation Paths: Utilize the fastest paths between sites
- Partial Rotations: Sometimes rotating just one player is sufficient
- Rotation Communication: Clear callouts for coordinated movements
- Fake Rotation Sounds: Sometimes make rotation sounds without committing
For sentinel players looking to lock down sites, our guide on how to use Sage in Valorant offers valuable insights that apply particularly well to Haven’s defensive requirements.
Agent Selection for Haven

Choosing the right agents for Haven significantly impacts your success on the map. Let’s explore optimal agent selections for this three-site map.
Top Controllers for Haven
Controllers are essential for managing Haven’s multiple sites:
- Omen: Global smoke placement perfect for covering three sites
- Brimstone: Precise smoke deployment for executes
- Astra: Global presence valuable for the three-site layout
- Viper: Strong for specific site control, particularly A
Effective Duelists
Duelists who excel on Haven include:
- Jett: Mobility allows for quick rotations between sites
- Raze: Satchel movement valuable for covering ground quickly
- Reyna: Dismiss allows for aggressive plays with escape options
- Phoenix: Curved flashes work well with Haven’s architecture
Valuable Initiators
These initiators provide particular value on Haven:
- Sova: Recon abilities cover large portions of sites
- Fade: Haunt can gather information across multiple areas
- Breach: Flashes and stuns effective in Haven’s corridors
- Skye: Information gathering and flash support
Sentinel Selection
Strong sentinels for Haven include:
- Killjoy: Setups effective for site control, particularly B
- Cypher: Tripwire placement options abundant
- Chamber: Teleport valuable for covering multiple areas
- Sage: Wall creates powerful position denial, especially on B
Recommended Team Compositions
Based on Haven’s characteristics, these compositions work well:
Standard Composition:
- Controller: Omen
- Duelist: Jett
- Initiator: Sova
- Sentinel: Killjoy
- Flex: Second duelist or initiator
Information-Focused Composition:
- Controller: Astra
- Duelist: Reyna
- Initiator: Sova
- Initiator: Fade
- Sentinel: Cypher
Aggressive Composition:
- Controller: Brimstone
- Duelist: Jett
- Duelist: Raze
- Initiator: Breach
- Sentinel: Chamber
Understanding your team’s composition and how it interacts with Haven’s layout is crucial for developing effective strategies. Different compositions may require adjustments to standard approaches.
Essential Utility Usage on Haven
Understanding optimal utility placement is crucial for success on Haven. Let’s explore key utility usage for both attack and defense.
Smoke Placements
A Site Attack Smokes:
- Heaven smoke: Blocks elevated position
- CT smoke: Cuts off defender rotation
- A Link smoke: Controls connector vision
B Site Attack Smokes:
- B Window smoke: Blocks elevated position
- B Back smoke: Controls deeper defensive position
- CT smoke: Prevents crossfires from spawn
C Site Attack Smokes:
- C Window smoke: Blocks elevated position
- Garage-to-C smoke: Controls connector vision
- CT smoke: Cuts off defender rotation
Defensive Smokes:
- A Long/Short smokes: Delay initial push
- Mid Courtyard smoke: Controls mid presence
- C Long/Garage smokes: Force attackers into predictable paths
Wall Placements (Sage/Viper)
Attacking Walls:
- A Site entry wall: Creates safe plant opportunity
- B Main wall: Divides site for controlled entry
- C Long wall: Blocks window and site angles
Defending Walls:
- A Main block: Forces attackers through choke points
- B Main denial: Creates one-way situations
- C Garage block: Prevents garage control
Information Gathering Utility
Attacking Information:
- Sova recon for A Site: Reveals Heaven and site positions
- Fade haunt for B Site: Covers multiple angles in compact site
- KAY/O knife for C Site: Reveals utility-dependent defenders
Defending Information:
- Cypher camera positions: Hidden spots with wide visibility
- Sova recon for push detection: Covers main entrances
- Fade prowlers for flank detection: Controls multiple pathways
Flashes and Blinds
The most effective flash points on Haven include:
- A Long entry: Flash through the corridor
- B Main push: Pop flash around the corner
- C Garage entry: Flash from garage to site
- A Heaven retake: Flash for retaking Heaven control
- B retake flashes: Coordinate for site reentry
Post-Plant and Retake Strategies
Mastering post-plant and retake scenarios is essential for success on Haven. Let’s explore effective approaches for each site.
A Site Post-Plant
Default Plant Post-Plant:
- Heaven Control: Maintain or contest this powerful position
- Long Angle Coverage: Watch for retakes from long
- A Link Control: Prevent flanks from mid
- Crossfire Establishment: Set up complementary angles
- Utility for Common Defuse: Place damage utility on the spike
Safe Plant Post-Plant:
- Corner Control: Hold defensive positions in site corners
- Short Containment: Prevent retakes through short
- Utility Layering: Use utility to delay defuse attempts
- Information Gathering: Deploy recon abilities strategically
- Time Management: Play for time when advantageous
B Site Post-Plant
Default Plant Post-Plant:
- Window Denial: Use utility to prevent window retakes
- B Main Coverage: Watch for retakes through main
- Back Site Control: Maintain presence in deeper positions
- Crossfire Positions: Hold from multiple angles
- Utility for Choke Points: Deploy utility at entry points
Safe Plant Post-Plant:
- Corner Positions: Hold tight angles in site corners
- Utility for Common Defuse: Place damage utility on the spike
- Information Utility: Deploy recon abilities to detect retake paths
- Time Management: Play the clock when in advantage
- Crossfire Establishment: Coordinate positions with teammates
C Site Post-Plant
Default Plant Post-Plant:
- Garage Control: Maintain garage to cut off rotations
- Long Angle Coverage: Watch for retakes from long
- Window Denial: Use utility to prevent window retakes
- Elevated Position Usage: Use height advantages when available
- Utility for Common Defuse: Place damage utility on the spike
Safe Plant Post-Plant:
- Garage Crossfire: Establish crossfire between site and garage
- Utility Layering: Use damage utility on the spike
- Information Gathering: Deploy recon abilities strategically
- Time Management: Play the clock when in advantage
- Deep Position Control: Hold from positions with escape options
Site Retake Strategies
Effective retakes on Haven require coordination and utility usage:
A Site Retake:
- Heaven Recapture: Retake the elevated position when possible
- Utility Clearing: Use flashes and recon to clear common spots
- Coordinated Push: Time utility and pushes together
- Multiple Angle Approach: Retake from both Heaven and site entrances
- Defuse Protection: Establish positions to protect the defuser
B Site Retake:
- Window Control: Secure window position for advantage
- Utility Sequence: Layer utility to clear positions systematically
- Crossfire Breaking: Use utility to break post-plant crossfires
- Coordinated Push: Time pushes from multiple entrances
- Defuse Coverage: Coordinate to protect the defuser
C Site Retake:
- Garage Control: Secure garage for retake options
- Window Utilization: Use window for information and picks
- Utility Clearing: Use flashes and recon to clear common spots
- Coordinated Push: Time utility and pushes together
- Defuse Protection: Establish positions to protect the defuser
Economic Strategies for Haven

Understanding map-specific economic approaches improves your consistency on Haven.
Attack Economy
- Three-Site Advantage: The three-site layout provides more options for eco rounds
- B Site Eco Pushes: B site offers better eco push opportunities due to its compact nature
- Save Round Approaches: Use save rounds to gather information on defensive setups
- Force Buy Timing: Consider forcing after winning pistol for momentum
- Ultimate Economy: Certain ultimates like Viper’s or Killjoy’s offer high value on specific sites
Defense Economy
- Resource Distribution: With three sites to defend, prioritize utility for the most vulnerable site
- Mid Investment Priority: Prioritize utility for mid control even on eco rounds
- Retake Economy: Consider saving for retakes when significantly outgunned
- Force Buy Strategies: Forcing with shotguns can be effective in tight spaces like B
- Ultimate Value Assessment: Certain ultimates offer exceptional defensive value
Operator Economy
The Operator has specific value on Haven:
- A Heaven Operator: Strong position for defensive Operator
- C Long Operator: Controls significant sightlines
- Mid Window Operator: Provides information and pick potential
- Attack Operator Positions: Limited but effective in post-plant
For players interested in maximizing their economic efficiency and tracking spending on skins like the Kitty Valorant Skins or watching for deals in the Valorant Night Market, reviewing your Valorant Purchase History can help identify spending patterns.
Haven’s Evolution and Meta Shifts
Since Valorant’s release, Haven has undergone several changes and meta shifts worth understanding.
Map Changes Over Time
Haven has seen several updates since launch:
- A Site Adjustments: Changes to boxes and cover elements
- B Site Refinements: Adjustments to window and site geometry
- C Site Updates: Modifications to garage and site layout
- Visual Clarity Improvements: Changes to lighting and texture contrast
- Sound Propagation Adjustments: Updates to how sound travels between areas
Meta Evolution
The Haven meta has evolved significantly:
- Initial Meta: Heavy A site focus with occasional C executes
- Mid-Control Era: Increased emphasis on mid control for rotational flexibility
- Multi-Sentinel Meta: Period where double sentinel setups were common
- Current Meta: More balanced site selection with sophisticated executes
Professional Play Insights
Observing professional play on Haven reveals:
- Defensive Setups: Pros favor 2-1-2 or 1-1-3 setups with clear rotation protocols
- Execute Sophistication: Highly coordinated utility usage for site takes
- Post-Plant Mastery: Advanced post-plant positions and utility usage
- Agent Selection Trends: Specific agent combinations favored for Haven’s layout
For the latest on how professional teams like MIBR are approaching Haven in competitive play, follow our coverage of the VCT 2025 season.
Improving Your Individual Performance on Haven
Beyond team strategies, individual performance on Haven can be enhanced through specific approaches.
Map-Specific Aim Training
Improve your aim for Haven’s unique engagements:
- Common Angle Preparation: Train pre-aiming common positions
- Flick Training: Develop flicks for clearing multiple angles
- Spray Control: Practice recoil control for common engagement distances
- Elevation Adjustment: Practice adjusting aim for different elevations
For detailed aim improvement techniques, check out our Aimbot Valorant guide (focusing on legitimate training methods, not cheats).
Movement Optimization
Effective movement on Haven involves:
- Silent Movement Paths: Identify paths for quiet rotations
- Jump Spots: Learn key jump spots for unexpected angles
- Peek Techniques: Master different peek methods for various corners
- Quick Rotation Routes: Memorize the fastest paths between sites
Sound Cue Awareness
Haven has unique audio considerations:
- Three-Site Sound Distribution: Understand how sound travels between the three sites
- Vertical Sound Cues: Learn how sound travels between different elevations
- Rotation Sound Timing: Know the timing for rotation sounds
- Fake Sound Usage: Use sound cues to create misdirection
Minimap Usage
Optimize your minimap usage for Haven:
- Three-Site Awareness: Check minimap frequently for activity across all three sites
- Rotation Tracking: Use minimap to track teammate rotations
- Enemy Spotting: Call out enemy positions seen on minimap
- Utility Tracking: Note enemy utility placement on minimap
Communication and Callouts
Effective communication is crucial on a three-site map like Haven.
Essential Callouts
Master these critical callouts for clear communication:
- Precise Location Callouts: Use specific terms like “Heaven,” “Garage,” etc.
- Numbered Callouts: For ambiguous areas, use numbers (e.g., “A1,” “A2”)
- Enemy Utility Callouts: Call out significant enemy utility placement
- Damage Information: Communicate damage dealt to enemies
- Player Count Callouts: Specify how many enemies are seen at each location
Rotation Calls
Clear rotation communication includes:
- Timing Calls: Indicate how quickly you can rotate
- Path Selection: Communicate which route you’re taking
- Support Requests: Call for utility support during rotations
- Enemy Rotation Calls: Share information about enemy movements
- Site Vulnerability: Communicate when your site is at risk due to rotation
Post-Plant Communication
Effective post-plant calls include:
- Position Reporting: Share your post-plant position
- Enemy Location Updates: Communicate spotted enemies
- Utility Status: Report available utility for defuse denial
- Time Awareness: Call out time remaining at key intervals
- Defuse Sound Alerts: Call out when you hear defuse sounds
For players looking to improve their team communication, joining Valorant Discord communities can help you find teammates to practice with.
Haven Across Different Skill Levels
Haven plays differently across the Valorant ranks, and understanding these differences can help you adapt your approach.
Iron to Silver Strategies
At lower ranks:
- Site Rushes: Fast executes often work due to slower rotations
- Basic Default: Simple 1-3-1 or 2-1-2 splits are effective
- Defensive Overcommitment: Defenders often overcommit to sites
- Rotation Timing: Rotations are typically slower and more predictable
- Agent Selection: Focus on self-sufficient agents with clear utility value
Gold to Platinum Approaches
In mid-tier ranks:
- More Sophisticated Executes: Coordinated utility usage becomes more common
- Information-Based Defaults: Defaults focus more on information gathering
- Faster Rotations: Defenders rotate more efficiently
- Post-Plant Strategy: More developed post-plant positions and utility usage
- Agent Synergy: Greater emphasis on complementary agent selection
Diamond to Immortal Tactics
At higher ranks:
- Advanced Executes: Highly coordinated utility sequences
- Adaptive Defaults: Defaults that adjust based on defender patterns
- Rotation Mindgames: Fake rotations and rotation baiting
- Retake Coordination: Sophisticated retake strategies with clear roles
- Meta Awareness: Greater adaptation to current Haven meta trends
Radiant and Professional Play
At the highest level:
- Strategic Depth: Multiple strategies for each site with contingencies
- Perfect Utility Usage: Optimal utility placement and timing
- Flawless Coordination: Precise timing of executes and rotations
- Information Economy: Sophisticated use of information-gathering utility
- Counter-Strategic Play: Adapting to specific opponent tendencies
Understanding these differences can help you develop strategies appropriate for your current rank and prepare for the challenges of higher-level play.
Adapting to Haven on Different Platforms
With Valorant Console development underway and questions about Valorant crossplay emerging, it’s worth considering how Haven might play differently across platforms.
Console Considerations
When Haven becomes available on console:
- Aim Challenges: Certain long sightlines may be more difficult with controller aim
- Rotation Speed: Rotations might be slightly slower due to movement control differences
- Utility Placement: Precise utility might require different control schemes
- Visual Clarity: Different display setups may affect visibility in certain areas
Crossplay Implications
If crossplay becomes available:
- Input Method Advantages: Understand which positions favor different input methods
- Communication Integration: Adapt to cross-platform communication tools
- Pace Differences: Adjust to potentially different pace of play
- Mixed Lobby Strategies: Develop approaches that work with mixed input teams
Conclusion: Mastering Haven’s Unique Challenges
Haven stands as a testament to Valorant’s innovative map design, offering a three-site layout that creates unique strategic dynamics not found in any other tactical shooter. As a Diamond 2 player who’s invested countless hours on this map, I’ve found that mastering Haven requires embracing its distinctive challenges rather than trying to apply standard two-site map approaches.
The key to success on Haven lies in understanding the delicate balance between site control and rotation timing. For attackers, the ability to leverage the three-site design to stretch defender resources and exploit rotational vulnerabilities is paramount. For defenders, developing clear protocols for when to hold, when to rotate, and when to play retake can make the difference between frustration and dominance.
What makes Haven particularly rewarding is how it rewards creativity and adaptability. The multiple pathways between sites, the varied elevation points, and the unique geometry of each bomb site create endless opportunities for innovative plays and strategies. Whether you’re setting up a perfect post-plant crossfire on A, executing a lightning-fast B rush, or controlling garage for a C execute, Haven offers something for every playstyle.
As you continue your journey on Haven, remember that map knowledge is only the beginning. True mastery comes from applying this knowledge creatively, adapting to the ever-evolving meta, and coordinating effectively with your team. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach at higher ranks, I hope this guide has provided valuable insights that will help you turn Haven into one of your strongest maps.
Good luck on your Haven adventures, and perhaps I’ll see you on the battlefield!
– Jackober, Diamond 2 Valorant Player