Implementations of the present application describe updating tile maps in virtual maps, including the following. A central area in which a virtual object is located is determined in a first area. The first area comprises an area of a map that includes tile maps loaded into a virtual map including the virtual object. A border of the central area is located in the first area. A distance parameter is determined after the virtual object moves out of the central area. The distance parameter indicates relative distances of a tile map containing the virtual object relative to the central area in x-axis and y-axis directions. A loading status of a tile map not shared by the first area and a second area is updated based on the distance parameter. The second area comprises a map area determined after moving the first area based on the distance parameter.