Valorant: The Best Smokes on Ascent

Ascent, one of Valorant's most iconic maps, demands precise smoke placements for both attackers and defenders. Knowing where and how to place these smokes can give your team a significant advantage, controlling key areas and denying information to the enemy. Here’s a detailed guide on the best smokes for Ascent in Valorant Episode 8.

Ideal Controller Agent: Omen

While various controller agents can dominate Ascent, Omen is often the top pick due to his versatility. His fast smoke deployment, ability to recharge them, and the strategic use of Paranoia make him an essential choice. Although agents like Astra, Brimstone, Viper, and Harbor have their uses, Omen’s toolkit offers unmatched flexibility and control on this map.

Ascent Smokes for Attackers

A Site Push

• A Heaven: Smoke A Heaven to block off defenders who might hold an angle from the high ground. This is crucial as it limits their visibility and reduces the risk of getting picked off while entering the site.
• A Short: Place a smoke near the doorway of A Short. This will obscure vision from any defenders playing from A Site or rotating through A Link, allowing your team to push more safely.

Tip: When pushing A Site, securing A Main control is critical. Make sure to communicate with your team and clear out close corners before executing.

B Site Push

• Market: Smoke Market to deny defenders’ vision and cut off rotations. This is essential for preventing a quick retake or a crossfire setup between Market and B Site.
• CT (Defender Spawn): A smoke here will block defenders from peeking through CT, giving your team a safer path to plant the spike on B Site.

Tip: Mid control is often key on Ascent, offering attackers a strategic advantage. Combining a B push with mid control can overwhelm the defenders.

Mid Control

• A Link: Smoke A Link to prevent defenders from peeking mid and gaining information. This smoke also supports a mid-to-A split by providing cover for your team as they push towards A Site.
• Market: Smoking Market is crucial when attempting a mid-to-B split. It cuts off the defender's vision and makes it harder for them to rotate effectively.

Tip: Controlling mid opens up multiple avenues of attack, forcing defenders to spread thin and react to multiple threats.

Ascent Smokes for Defenders

A Site Defense

• A Main: A standard smoke in A Main can effectively stall an attack or provide cover during a retake. This choke point is crucial for attackers, and denying vision here can delay their push.
• One-Way Smoke: Omen can use a one-way smoke in A Main, allowing him to see enemies' feet while remaining hidden. This can give you an early pick or force the attackers to reconsider their push.

Tip: Early aggression with a one-way smoke can be risky but rewarding, as it can give your team an early advantage.

B Site Defense

• B Main: Smoke B Main to prevent attackers from rushing into the site. This smoke also comes in handy during retakes, forcing attackers to push through or wait out the smoke, buying your team time.
• B Lobby One-Way: Similar to A Site, you can use a one-way smoke in B Lobby to catch attackers off guard as they try to gain control of the area.

Tip: Positioning an Operator in B Main with a defensive smoke can provide early control, but be ready to fall back if pressured.

Mid Control: The Decisive Factor

Mid control is vital on Ascent, influencing how attackers and defenders rotate and engage throughout the round. As an attacker:

• Top Mid (A Link): Smoking A Link blocks the defender's sightline, making it safer for your team to advance towards B or pivot to A.
• Market: Again, smoking Market ensures that defenders cannot easily rotate or challenge mid control.

As a defender:

• Top Mid: Smoking Top Mid can stall attackers' advances and give your team more time to set up defensive positions.
• A Link: If you suspect an A push through mid, a smoke in A Link can slow them down, forcing them to clear more angles.

Tip: Use your smokes not just to block vision but to control the pace of the round. Aggressive smokes can pressure attackers into making mistakes, while defensive smokes can buy crucial time.

Conclusion

Mastering smokes on Ascent requires more than just knowing where to place them. It’s about understanding the flow of the game, anticipating your opponent's moves, and using your smokes to create opportunities for your team. Whether you’re attacking or defending, precise and strategic smoke placement is key to gaining the upper hand on this classic Valorant map.