Valorant strategies hinge on map selection and tactical execution. Among the various maps available in the competitive queue, Ascent stands out as a favorite among professional teams. However, mastering its nuances requires the right tips and tricks, akin to our comprehensive Lotus map guide. To aid you in your journey, we’ve crafted an in-depth guide specifically for navigating the Valorant Ascent map. Let’s dive in.
Valorant Ascent Map Overview
Ascent Release Date and Location
Riot introduced Ascent with patch 1.0 as Valorant’s official map on June 2, 2020, marking the game’s first official map release following the beta maps such as Split, Bind, and Haven. Set in Venice, Italy, Ascent’s design is rooted in Valorant’s lore, with its practice location, known as The Range, situated on an extended island of the same name.
Following the common principles of tactical shooters like CS:GO, Ascent features three lanes connecting attacker and defender spawns to the A and B sites. Notably, Valorant deliberately crafted Ascent to be more straightforward compared to other maps in the roster, aiming for accessibility and ease of strategic planning.
This simplicity contributes significantly to Ascent’s popularity among players, as it facilitates clearer tactical strategies. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the straightforward layout also means easier predictability and counterplay, aligning with Valorant’s aim for balanced gameplay.
Valorant Ascent Minimap Layout Overview
As mentioned earlier, Ascent follows a three-lane layout. From the attacker spawn, B main lies to the left, while A main is to the right. Accessing A site from A main is relatively straightforward due to the absence of chokepoints and tight corners.
The mid section offers a direct path from defender spawn to the mid courtyard. However, attackers typically navigate around mid-top to access the catwalk or courtyard.
The catwalk leads to a tree connecting to A garden, near defender spawns and A site. Alternatively, the courtyard leads to mid-bottom, flanked by cubbies on the left and right, along with the pizza corner and market. The market pathway leads to B site, while the right path connects to defender spawn.
Overall, Ascent presents clean and open-fight scenarios, with its design facilitating adaptability and strategic planning. Its Italian-inspired aesthetics add to its allure, but players should remain focused amidst the map’s visual appeal.
Valorant Ascent Map: Callouts
Now, let’s explore the key callouts that are commonly used and crucial for communication on the Ascent map in Valorant.
Ascent A Site Callouts
Beginning with the A site on Ascent in Valorant, the map is segmented into two distinct areas.
- A Main
- A Peek
- Wine
- A Switch
- Tree
- Generator
- Hell
- Heaven
- Heaven pillar
- Double box/ Tetris
- Pillar
As depicted in the images provided, these callouts serve as the most common and valuable references on the Ascent map in Valorant.
Ascent Mid Site Callouts
The Mid callouts are straightforward due to the simplistic structures in the Ascent map, which lack intricate corners typically found in Valorant. Beginning with the attacker side of the mid, the callouts are as follows:
- Mid Cubby
- Catwalk
- Mid Top
- Subroza
- Courtyard
- Screens
The defensive side of the mid area in Ascent offers limited gameplay opportunities, consequently resulting in restricted callouts within this specific section of the map.
- Market
- CT Spawn Wall
- Pizza
Ascent B Site Callouts
Ascent’s B site holds significant prominence in the professional Valorant scene, particularly renowned for its robust defensive capabilities. As a result, the callouts for Ascent’s B site are categorized into two primary sections. The first segment encompasses the B entry section.
- B Switch/ Button
- Workshop
- CT/ Spawn
- Platform/ Market stairs
- Market Doors
- Wood/ Log cubby
The second part of the Ascent B site in Valorant is the planting area. The callouts within this region are as follows:
- Boathouse
- Camp Pillar/ Long boxes
- Triple Box/ Default
- Stairs
- Spam Box
- Alley
Best Agents for Ascent Map in Valorant
Before delving into gameplay, let’s discuss the optimal agents for the Valorant map, Ascent. Ascent is renowned for its balanced gameplay on both sides, catering to both attackers and defenders. While a variety of agents can be effective on this map, certain picks shine particularly bright due to their strengths on Ascent. Here are the most recommended choices:
- Jett stands out as a top pick due to Ascent’s ample opportunities for sniper play. With her exceptional mobility, Jett can swiftly relocate after securing a kill, maximizing her impact on the battlefield.
- Sova proves invaluable on any map, but Ascent grants him an additional advantage with its penetrable walls, ideal for his reconnaissance and spamming abilities.
- Killjoy and Cypher are both stellar choices as Sentinels for the defensive side. However, employing both in the same composition is preferable. As Ascent often witnesses fast-paced attacks, having a mix of Killjoy’s aggressive traps and Cypher’s passive surveillance enhances defensive capabilities.
- Lastly, a controller is indispensable, and Omen reigns supreme among professional players. Omen’s agility allows for swift movement across the map, while his ability to provide cover and disrupt enemy vision further solidifies his role in Ascent’s gameplay strategy.
Best Ascent Map Tactics and Strategies
Keep in mind that Ascent boasts the highest defensive win rate among all Valorant maps. Therefore, players often encounter challenges primarily due to attacking strategies. To aid players in overcoming these obstacles, let’s delve into the best tips, tricks, and tactics for developing effective strategies on this map.
1. Fast A split
The fast A split strategy on the Ascent map proves effective for mid to average ranks in Valorant. Its execution is straightforward, with the aim of disrupting defenders on the A site. The initial objective falls to the controller, tasked with smoking off mid-entry and the tree area.
Subsequently, three attackers advance through the catwalk, bypassing the tree, to clear the site. Meanwhile, the remaining two agents move in from A main after securing A peek and wines. This strategy mirrors the approach favored by team NRG, showcasing its reliability and success.
2. Mid-rush to B
Another swift attack strategy involves a mid-rush to B. Begin by having the controller smoke off the mid cubby. Then, proceed with all teammates through mid until reaching pizza. Utilize the initiator’s abilities to clear the market and deploy another smoke to cover the CT wall.
With the market cleared, breach the B site and promptly close the market door. This aggressive push is a common tactic found in the playbooks of North American professionals.
3. Default and Peeks
This tactic revolves around playing a Default and Peeks strategy on Ascent, leveraging the map’s fast-paced nature and agent abilities. Unlike the traditional 2-1-2 setup, this default approach allocates players strategically across the map to gather information and apply pressure.
Assign one player to B main, another to screens or B link, one to mid-top, and two to A main. The primary objective is to gather intel while refraining from committing to engagements until securing the first kill. A successful elimination prompts enemy rotations, which can be exploited by swiftly transitioning to the opposite site for a coordinated site execution.
4. The Lurker Strat
While it may seem unconventional, employing a lurker on a map like Ascent can yield remarkable results. Ascent’s inherent design often predisposes players to adopt a default defensive stance, leaving one player alone on either B or A site. A passive lurker can exploit this isolated space, securing an early kill and creating valuable map control. Additionally, this strategy can deceive opponents into debating rotations or diverting attention to cover the flank.
These tips serve as invaluable assets for mastering the attack on Ascent in Valorant. Now, let’s delve into defensive strategies for this map.
5. Killjoy B Defense
Many of you may already be acquainted with the various defensive setups Killjoy offers for the B site. This particular variation has the potential to catch enemies off-guard without disclosing your location.
The first setup involves deploying double mollies in the alley. This configuration proves highly effective against fast B rushes by opponents. Simply position your alarm bot at the entrance of B alley, followed by the swarm grenades. Additionally, place your turret at the end of the alley to further fortify the defense and deter heavy B pushes.
6. Crossfires and Baitplays
A straightforward yet highly effective method to secure a defense round is by baiting your teammate. While the term “baiting” may sound negative, when executed correctly, trading kills for your teammate’s sacrifice, defending on Ascent becomes one of the simplest strategies in Valorant. However, it’s crucial to always position yourself in the crossfire or engage in double-peeks during fights to maximize your chances of success.
7. Sova Spam Defense
Sova earns a spot among the best agents for Ascent due to his ability to spot enemies across the map and effectively spam them down. As many walls on Ascent are destructible, Sova can easily eliminate enemies hiding behind cover. This creates a formidable obstacle for opponents attempting to push any site without a well-thought-out plan, as they risk being swiftly taken out by Sova’s odin spray.
And with that, we conclude our dedicated map guide for Ascent in Valorant. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, we hope you find the next winning strategy to implement. Have additional crucial insights to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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