This unique layout does require a bit of adjustment to understand, but it is a fun and original experience once you learn the ropes. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind for Fracture that will help you and your team stay ahead of the curve and use the map’s layout to your advantage. Use these tips to learn how to play Fracture and carry your team to victory.
A confusing layout
The first thing most players notice when loading into Fracture is its H-shaped design. Other VALORANT maps spawn players on opposite sides from each other, and the sites are spread out in the center. However, Fracture completely changes this concept and significantly changes the spawn systems.
Let’s start with the defenders. Defending players spawn directly in the center of Fracture and have access to both sites. Instead of pushing towards the center of the map, defenders spread out to the east and west to cover each site. Attackers spawn on the southern part of the map but can use ziplines to cut through the center. This introduces another unique concept: the ability to push each site from two directions by default.
Normally attackers will need to push through a disputed area to attack a site from two directions. This typically requires abilities and significant effort, especially if multiple players are pushing from the second direction. This is not the case on Fracture, as attackers immediately have access to two sides of both sites.
This means almost every round defenders must protect two different entrances into sites and cannot prevent the split attack. Defenders cannot gather intel on a split attack like on other maps, as attackers can use the ziplines before the round starts. Other maps typically require one player to watch the middle lane, where enemies can break through to push a site from multiple directions. Fracture negates this strategy and puts a team’s defense to a true test.
However, Sentinels can still cover both entrances with abilities and utility. It just takes a bit more coordination. Attackers are also not required to push from multiple directions and can still commit to pushing full force from one entrance. But players should always expect enemies coming from multiple directions. Coordination is already important in VALORANT, and Fracture ensures that only teams that work together will succeed.
The nontraditional spawn setup on Fracture also turns each spawn point into a viable route when rotating between sites. The defenders spawn directly connects both bomb sites, and attackers can use this to their advantage if taking one bombsite goes wrong. Defenders can also use the attackers’ spawn to rotate between sites and surprise the enemy. However, the defender spawn is the faster route and should be your first choice.
Flanking and rotating play a significant role on Fracture. Teams can easily adjust their plan mid-round to attack another site or from a different angle. Always remember to check your spawn for flanks as they are not safe areas like most other maps.
Understanding the sites
Both sites on Fracture have four entrances. This can be overwhelming when retaking a site, but coordinating with your team can help cover all angles. The spawn areas on Fracture are much closer than other maps, meaning players will encounter enemies much sooner each round. This keeps the game fun and exciting, but it can also be jarring.
There is a hallway connecting A site from the attacker’s spawn, and agents with high mobility can close this gap with ease. For example, Jett can dash towards the site and almost immediately engage enemies at the start of a round. Raze players can also use her blast packs to overwhelm defenders holding an angle. But defenders with a proper setup can stop a rush in its tracks. B site is also in close proximity to the attacker’s spawn, although slightly further away. However, mobile agents can also close this gap with ease.
While sites on other maps also have multiple entrances that attackers can use, Fracture does cause defenders to be surrounded more frequently. If an attacking team pushes from both sides of a site, there is only one way to retreat: to the defender spawn. However, crossing into this area can be tough, meaning players will need to successfully hold the site to survive. Don’t be afraid to use your abilities and utility to cover your retreat or stay in a spot that does have access to escape. A split attack also means either side will have fewer enemies, and players can use their abilities to even the fight.
Another element you should remember when learning how to play Fracture is that it has four ultimate orbs around the map. Players can access these orbs almost every round thanks to the unique layout, meaning you can unlock your ultimate ability more often. Don’t be afraid to get greedy and hunt for the orbs. A correctly used ultimate can change the pace of a round and potentially the match.
Select the proper Agent
There are already agents that thrive in their respective roles and are usually a popular pick across all skill levels. Jett is arguably the best Duelist in the game and, despite being slightly nerfed in Patch 3.06, is still an excellent choice. Astra has also become the most selected Controller, leading the way in the VCT Masters Berlin tournament.
While these Agents will continue to thrive on Fracture, other agents might become viable thanks to the unique layout. We already mentioned the short distance between each site and the attacker’s spawn, and multiple duelists can easily overwhelm a position. Teams with a triple Duelist composition can use their flashes and mobility to their advantage.
Sentinels like Cypher and Killjoy can also hold down each site with their abilities. Although, they will likely need assistance from a teammate. Controllers can easily block one entrance with smoke to help isolate the attacking team, making a split attack less effective.
While we can see multiple Agents thriving on Fracture, don’t expect less viable options to find success. Omen is still less effective than Astra, and Brimstone is still the worst Controller available. Yoru might see more use as his flash and teleporting abilities can be effective in Fracture’s tight corridors. But most players, including professionals, are still learning how to play Fracture. The most important concept to remember is that all players will need to adapt to Fracture, especially when using utility and abilities. But learning how to play Fracture is easy with a bit of practice.
