Ascent is a symmetrical map with two bombsites, A and B, separated by a mid area. It offers various opportunities for both attackers and defenders to strategize and outplay their opponents.
Understanding the map’s layout and key points of interest is crucial to formulating successful gameplay strategies.
Map Overview
Ascent Valorant consists of three main areas: A Site, B Site, and Mid. Each area presents its own challenges and opportunities for players. The A Site is characterized by narrow corridors and tight angles, making it ideal for defenders.
On the other hand, the B Site features more open spaces, allowing attackers to execute aggressive strategies. Mid serves as a pivotal control point, enabling teams to rotate quickly between bombsites.
Attack Strategies
Mid Control
Gaining control of mid is essential for executing successful attacks on both bombsites. By taking control of mid, you limit the defender’s rotations and open up opportunities for split pushes.
Coordinating with your team and utilizing smokes and flashes can help you secure mid control and gain a significant advantage.
A Site Execution
Executing a well-coordinated attack on the A Site requires careful planning and execution. Smoke grenades can be used to block the defender’s line of sight, allowing your team to plant the spike safely.
Utilize agents with abilities that can disrupt defenders, such as Sova’s Shock Darts or Phoenix’s Curveballs, to create chaos and catch opponents off guard.
B Site Execution
Attacking the B Site demands a mix of aggression and patience. Flashes and smokes can be utilized to blind defenders and deny their vision. Coordinating with your team to push together can overwhelm defenders and create openings for successful bomb plants.
Utilizing agent abilities like Raze’s Paint Shells or Brimstone’s Incendiary can flush out defenders from common hiding spots.
Split Push
A split push strategy involves dividing your team to simultaneously attack both bombsites. This strategy can put defenders in a difficult position, forcing them to divide their attention and resources.
By applying pressure on multiple fronts, you increase the chances of successfully planting the spike and catching defenders off guard.
Defense Strategies
Holding Mid Control
Defending mid control is crucial for preventing attackers from executing successful strategies. Coordinating with your team to hold mid and establishing crossfires can make it challenging for the enemy team to gain control and execute split pushes.
Utilizing agent abilities like Cypher’s Spycam or Killjoy’s Turret can provide valuable information about enemy movements.
Defending A Site
Defending the A Site requires keen map awareness and positioning. Holding angles and utilizing agent abilities like Sage’s Barrier Orb or Viper’s Toxic Screen can stall attackers and force them into unfavorable engagements.
Communicating with your team to coordinate rotations and crossfires can effectively shut down attacks on the A Site.
Defending B Site
The B Site presents unique challenges for defenders due to its more open layout. Coordinating with your team to establish strong crossfires and using agent abilities like Killjoy’s Alarmbot or Cypher’s Trapwire can deter attackers and delay their progress.
Additionally, agents like Omen or Viper can utilize their smokes to limit attacker’s visibility and create opportunities for successful defenses.
Rotations and Flanking
Being proactive with rotations and flanking can catch attackers off guard and disrupt their strategies.
Coordinating with your team to set up flanking routes and timing rotations can apply additional pressure on attackers, forcing them to divert their attention.
Utilizing agent abilities like Jett’s Tailwind or Reyna’s Dismiss can help you quickly rotate or escape unfavorable engagements.
Agent Selection and Roles
Choosing the right agents for your team composition is essential for success on Ascent. Agents like Sage or Killjoy excel in defending bombsites, while duelist agents like Jett or Phoenix can be effective in aggressive pushes.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each agent and ensure that your team composition is well-rounded and complementary.
Map Control and Timing
Understanding map control and timing is crucial for both attackers and defenders. Coordinating with your team to secure key areas, gather information, and time your pushes can catch opponents off guard and create advantageous situations.
Communicate with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page and make informed decisions based on the current state of the round.
Utility Usage and Lineups
Mastering the effective usage of agent abilities and lineups can give you a significant edge in battles. Experiment with different utility combinations and practice lineups that allow you to control specific areas of the map.
Whether it’s smokes, flashes, or crowd control abilities, understanding how to utilize them strategically can disrupt your opponents’ plans and create opportunities for success.
Communicating and Team Coordination
Clear and effective communication is key to successful teamwork on Ascent. Use voice chat or in-game pings to relay important information to your teammates, such as enemy positions, rotations, or utility usage.
Establishing a strong communication system within your team will improve coordination, increase map control, and lead to more successful rounds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To improve your gameplay on Ascent, it’s crucial to identify and avoid common mistakes. Some common pitfalls include overextending on defense, failing to adapt to opponent strategies, neglecting map control, or misusing agent abilities.
Reflect on your gameplay and analyze your mistakes to continuously improve and refine your strategies.
Conclusion
By mastering the intricacies of Ascent and implementing effective strategies, you can gain a competitive edge in Valorant. Understanding the map layout, executing well-coordinated attacks and defenses, and utilizing agent abilities strategically are key to achieving success on this map.
Remember to adapt your strategies based on the evolving dynamics of the game and constantly communicate and coordinate with your team to secure victory on Ascent.
