The Importance of Map Understanding and Communication in VALORANT
If you want to climb the ranks in VALORANT, it’s not just about pure aim and ability. Effective in-game communication and map understanding are key to reaching your full potential.
One map that requires a good understanding is Ascent. Control of unique chokepoints with closeable and destructible doors, as well as a long and open mid corridor, are crucial on both sites.
Layout and Callouts for Ascent
Here’s a full guide to the layout of Ascent, including general and specific callout locations, along with some basic tips and strategies for attacking and defending each site.
A Site Callouts, Strategies, and Tips
These are the basic callout locations you should know for Ascent’s A site. Keep in mind that most of these surfaces are spammable. Additionally, there are a few other A-related callouts you should be aware of:
- Bricks: In the corner to your right if you enter the site through the A main entrance.
- Door and Panel: In the corner to your left if you enter the site through the A main entrance.
Smokes and Strategies for A Site on Ascent
To cut off defenders’ ability to peek from corners and to gain control of the site, use smokes or a Viper wall. You can also rely on flashes to push from A main. Closing the door once you have site control is crucial, as it eliminates a retake angle for defenders. It’s recommended to spam through smoke when sitting in the corner.
On defense, set up crossfire placements on A site. Post players behind Door, Pillar, Generator, Hell, or Bricks, and time your peeks for when attackers enter the site. For retakes, come through Heaven, use smokes to block the A main entrance, and clear out Hell first.
B Site Callouts, Strategies, and Tips
Here are the basic callout locations you should know for Ascent’s B site. Just like on A site, many of these surfaces are spammable. The spot in the second image is called Boathouse or Back Site.
Smokes and Strategies for B Site on Ascent
Similar to A site, the goal on B site is to choke off defenders’ angles and gain control of B Lane or Workshop. Use flash, grenade, or molotov abilities to clear out hiding spots like Wallbang, Double Box, and Back Site. In post-plants, smoke off B Lane and B Stairs to force retakers to play aggressively through your smokes.
On defense, maintain control of the B main entrance using recon abilities or by playing aggressively. For retakes, clear out potential lurkers in B main or Market before committing to a retake. Spam the Wallbang spot and through Double Box.
Mid control is crucial on Ascent. It provides flexibility for attackers to set up attacks on any site or plant lurkers in the defender spawn. Defenders can gather information by pushing up to Mid Top or Mid Link, allowing for quick rotations and stacking.
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