Controller Agents have traditionally seen less play in Valorant due to their on-site playstyle limitations. This perception shifted significantly with the introduction of Clove, an Agent who redefines aggression within smoke-covered battlegrounds.
Clove stands out not just for her ability to push through her own smokes but also for her unique skills that allow her to weaken enemies with decay, heal herself, and continue influencing the battlefield posthumously with her lingering smokes. Knowing optimal smoke placements is crucial, particularly on strategic maps like Ascent. This guide will unveil the top smoke spots to leverage Clove’s full potential and dominate in ranked matches on Ascent.
Role: Defender
Primary Objective: Thwart or delay enemy advances on A Site
When playing as a defender on Ascent, choosing A site can be strategically advantageous, given the complex layout and multiple corners that provide ample hiding spots. To enhance your defense, strategic placement of smokes at A Main and Catwalk—typically the primary entry points for attackers when you control the map—can significantly impede their progress.
In scenarios where enemy presence is minimal and you aim to assert more dominance over the site, consider deploying a one-way smoke between A Main and A Lobby. Complement this with an aggressive smoke in Mid Cubby to obscure your movement and position, enabling surprise engagements from less expected locations.
Utilizing a one-way smoke effectively allows you to pick off adversaries attempting to peek through, gaining an upper hand in skirmishes. For battles over the A Main orb, it’s prudent to deploy a full smoke to block the entrance entirely. This tactic prevents enemies from gaining a visual as they respond to the orb’s activation, securing your advantage in securing or contesting the area.
Side: Attackers
Primary Objective: Secure a bomb plant on A Site
Attacking A Site on Ascent often proves challenging, particularly when facing defenders equipped with disruptive agents like Killjoy or Cypher. To navigate this and enhance your team’s chances of securing the site, effective smoke deployment is crucial.
Prioritize smoking off A Tree and Heaven to obstruct common defensive positions. An optimally placed smoke in Heaven can also extend to completely obscure Rafters, denying defenders the opportunity to time their engagements based on your team’s movements.
With these critical areas smoked, your squad should coordinate the use of flashes and other utilities to methodically clear all potential hiding spots. This systematic approach allows for a safer advancement towards the site and facilitates a secure plant position.
Side: Defenders
Primary Objective: Establish dominance over Mid
In Valorant’s Ascent map, securing mid control as defenders is crucial, not just for thwarting site attacks but also for monitoring and intercepting enemy rotations through mid or their spawn. Achieving this requires strategic use of smokes to block key sight lines.
Focus on smoking off the entrances at Catwalk and Mid Link effectively. This tactic is essential to prevent sharpshooters, especially those wielding Operators, from securing early picks in the mid area.
After laying down smokes, position yourself just below the Catwalk while coordinating with a teammate to guard against unexpected pushes through the smoky barriers. It’s important to remember that Clove’s smokes have a duration of approximately 14 seconds, necessitating swift and decisive action once these smokes are deployed. This strategy ensures you maintain tactical control over mid, setting the stage for stronger defense and successful round outcomes.
Side: Defenders
Primary Objective: Block attackers from breaching B Site
As a Controller defending B Site on Ascent, your role is critical in stifling the offensive efforts of the attackers. The primary area to focus your smoking efforts is B Main, the common route for attacking pushes. Placing a strategic smoke here is essential for delaying or disrupting their advance.
Additionally, consider smoking off Market if your team lacks control over the mid-section of the map. This prevents attackers from flanking B Site through this vulnerable area.
If, however, your teammate is effectively covering mid, you might opt to conserve your second smoke for B Main, redeploying it as the initial smoke dissipates. This tactic allows you to extend the smokescreen at B Main up to three times consecutively, providing up to 42 seconds of continuous obstruction. This approach ensures a robust defense, significantly hindering the attackers’ ability to make a successful push on B Site.
Side: Attackers
Primary Objective: Penetrate site defenses via mid
On Ascent, when you’re on the attack and up against formidable Sentinels like Killjoy or Cypher, traditional site entry points can be heavily fortified. This makes a direct approach through standard lanes particularly challenging. To circumvent this, a strategic push through mid can often catch these defenders by surprise, especially since this area typically has less utility deployed.
For an assault aimed at A site, consider deploying smokes at Cubby and Mid Bottom. This tactic clears the path to Catwalk, allowing your team to advance covertly and set up for an aggressive push into the site. Alternatively, if your target is B site, adjust your strategy by extending the smoke from Mid Bottom further back towards Mid Market. This opens a passage to B site, enabling your team to disrupt the defensive setup and initiate a strong offensive.
Side: Attackers
Primary Objective: Secure B site and establish post-plant positions
Executing a successful B site push on Ascent as attackers hinges significantly on strategic smoke placement. The Market area is particularly crucial, as defenders often listen for sound cues there to initiate a peek or pick off advancing attackers. By deploying smoke effectively in Market and towards the defender’s spawn, you can safely advance towards the button to shut the door, blocking a common defensive stronghold.
Simultaneously, coordinate with your team to utilize their abilities to sweep through Boat House and clear out the rest of B site. This sets the stage for a secure plant. Once the spike is down, assess the situation to determine whether to hold positions on-site for defense or retreat to B Main to intercept any flanking opponents. This strategic flexibility ensures control over the site during crucial post-plant moments.
Mastering Clove’s smoke placements on the Ascent map in Valorant is key to enhancing your gameplay and increasing your team’s chances of securing a victory. Whether defending or attacking, knowing where to deploy smokes can disrupt enemy lines, protect your team, and create strategic advantages essential for controlling the map. By practicing these specific smoke spots, you can become a more effective Controller, helping to guide your team to success in both defensive holds and aggressive site takes. Remember, the right smoke at the right time can turn the tide of any round, making mastery of these techniques crucial for any aspiring Valorant player.
Posted On: July 20th, 2024
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