Ascent

One of the most recognizable maps in the tactical first-person shooter VALORANT is Ascent. Success depends on your ability to navigate this map's complexities. It has many fans all around the world and people really enjoy playing the map, as shown Ascent's high global pick rate. In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know about Ascent in VALORANT, including its lore, best Agents, map layout, and much more.

Ascent map in VALORANT: Everything you need to know

One of the five maps in Riot Games' tactical shooter VALORANT is titled Ascent. Along with the new game mode Spike Rush, it was included in the game when it first launched. With two Spike plant locations and an open center section that is particularly crucial for both sides, Ascent is modeled after the Italian city of Venice.

Ascent VALORANT: Best Agents

The Ascent map encourages strategic positioning, collaboration, and the use of a variety of skills to outwit the opposing team. Here are some of the best Agents on Ascent in VALORANT:

• Omen
• Jett
• Killjoy
• Sova
• KAY/O

Omen is a Controller agent that can control vision and space on Ascent using his mysterious abilities. Their Dark Cover produces spherical smokes that can block opponent's vision or create one-way smokes, while their Paranoia ability can blind adversaries in a cone-shaped area. While his ultimate ability, From the Shadows, enables him to teleport anywhere on the map, his Shrouded Step can let him travel to areas that are close to him.

Duelist Agent Jett can outwit their opponents on Ascent using her agility. Their Updraft and Tailwind may assist her in reaching the high ground or fleeing from danger, while their Cloudburst can produce fog to impede the opponent's line of sight or create distractions. When the Duelist Agent uses Blade Storm, one headshot from one of their lethal throwing knives may instantly eliminates the enemy.

Because they can use their skills to cover a variety of angles and choke points, including the mid-Market, the B lobby, and the main entrance A, Killjoy is an excellent pick for Ascent. They may also reclaim a bomb location from the other team or secure it with their Lockdown. Agents like Jett or Omen that rely on movement or stealth are particularly vulnerable to Killjoy's powers.

Related: Valorant Sentinels Agents

Sova is an initiating agent that can locate enemies on Ascent by using his recon skills to acquire valuable intel. Their Shock Bolt may do damage and move adversaries out of position, while their Owl Drone and Recon Bolt can spy ahead and locate enemies hidden behind cover or corners. Hunter's Fury, their ultimate ability, may also be used to shoot opponents all over the map, prevent Spike plants, or disrupt defuses.

As an Initiator Agent, KAY/O excels at impeding the enemy's capabilities and opening doors for his team. They are capable of using the Zero Point knife to temporarily disable any enemy affected and the Frag grenade, which has several explosions and delivers direct damage. He can also use the Flash grenade to blind enemies. His strongest talent, Null/Cmd, gives him battle stimulants and renders him resistant to the effects of suppression. He may be resurrected by his teammates if he is killed while his ultimate is active.

Ascent tier list: Most-picked Agents in international VALORANT events

Almost every international team is sussed to playing on Ascent as the map has always been there for teams to ban or pick at international tournaments. The 2023 season started with VCT 2023 LOCK/IN, and as expected, Jett had a 100% pick rate on the map, being the most picked agent throughout the whole tournament. Here are the most picked agents on Ascent in Brazil:

Jett - 100% KAY/O - 88.89% Omen - 88.89% Killjoy - 77.78% Sova - 72.22%

In the second international tournament of the year, teams went to Tokyo to face each other at VCT Masters Tokyo. Just like the initial tournament of the year, Jett was still at the top of the list. Here are the most-picked agents in Tokyo:

Jett - 85.71% Omen - 85.71% KAY/O - 85.71% Sova - 71.43% Killjoy - 64.29%

Where is Ascent located?

According to the map's official description, Ascent VALORANT is situated in San Marco, Venice, Veneto. The coordinates of the map, which are 45°26'BF" N 12°20'Q" E, support this. The northeastern Italian city of Venice is well-known for its architecture, bridges, and canals. Gondolas, boats, pizza parlors, and gelato kiosks are just a few of the numerous Venetian-inspired details found throughout Ascent.

When did Ascent come out?

On June 2, 2020, Ascent VALORANT was launched as a part of the formal introduction of VALORANT. Following the closed beta, which included three more maps (Bind, Haven, and Split), it was the first new map to be released in the game. Ascent was part of a process that lasted for over three years and was also the first map ever created for VALORANT.

The creators claim that Ascent was intended to serve as a foundation for future maps to build. It was designed to provide players with a typical three-lane tactical experience while also letting them employ a variety of skills and tactics. The mechanical doors were included as a special element that might alter the game's flow and provide engaging situations for both attackers and defenders.

Ascent layout

With two sites (A and B) on opposing ends of the map and a large mid-area connecting them, Ascent VALORANT features a symmetrical layout. Each location includes a blast door that may be opened or closed by turning a nearby switch. Blasting or using special skills can only permanently destroy these doors. After setting the Spike, lowering the doors might assist you in defending the area or stopping an enemy's rotation.

Ascent orb locations

• A Main
• B Main

Ascent lore

Ten years after First Light, an Omega agent traveled across worlds to the Italian city of Venice to place and detonate a Spike. Because the VALORANT Protocol was unable to stop them, the ensuing explosion set off a catastrophe that destroyed a sizable portion of the metropolis.

Related: Best crosshairs in VALORANT

How to play Ascent VALORANT

Ascent is a map that requires good communication, coordination, and strategy to win. If you want to get better and learn how to play Ascent VALORANT, you might need to take a look at some of the strats, tips, tricks, and Agent specifics. Keep reading!

VALORANT Ascent strats

The mid area, which connects both Spike plant locations and provides a lot of control and information, is one of Ascent's distinguishing characteristics. Controlling mid is essential for both attackers and defenders since it enables fast rotation and cuts off opposition movements. Therefore, contesting mid with utility and pressure is one of the most popular Ascent strats in VALORANT.

To smoke off the catwalk entrance to mid, for instance, as an attacker, you may use agents like Omen, Astra, or Viper. This will block the defenders' view and make them either flee or push through the smoke. Then, using their tools like recon darts, trailblazers, or spy cameras, agents like Sova, Skye, or Cypher may be used to acquire information. If you see any defenders in the middle, you may either use rifles or snipers to attempt to take them out, or you can use grenades or flashes to drive them back. As an alternative, you may employ characters like Jett, Raze, or Yoru to sprint or blast through smokes and take the defenders by surprise with daring moves.

Ascent tips for attackers

Split pushing is one of the most popular methods of attack on Ascent. This entails splitting your squad into two groups and attacking both locations at once. The defenders may get disoriented as a result, and they may have to divide their resources and focus. However, your team's cooperation, timing, access to the map, and relevant information are all necessary.

Faking a site is a further attack method for Ascent. In other words, you act as though you're attacking one site before immediately switching to the other. This might surprise the defenders and offer you a numerical and positional edge. Moreover, VALORANT Ascent is one of the best maps to use flanks, etc.

Generator is the name of the large, tall, and gray-looking pillar to the left of the site. The area in front of the generator is designated as default and is where the majority of people normally plant There are two distinct callouts for players to be aware of to the right of gen towards the back of the site. Hell is the name given to the obscure bottom region, which is appropriate.

The actual B-site has two entry points for attackers. Players can push B lane, a long straight passage elevated above the site, which is direct to the left of B main. The crew might also opt to go through the switch and proceed left up the stairs. This route is a little riskier because it is so near to the defenders' spawn point, but attackers will feel secure rushing onto the scene knowing an opponent isn't on stairs if there is some form of smoke concealing the angle to their spawn point.

Related: Best crosshairs in VALORANT

Ascent tips for defenders

You need to be ready for the attackers' pushes and tactics when defending on Ascent. The attackers may be able to get past your defenses or divert your attention from their true goals by using their skills and utilities. You must strategically use your skills and tools to stall, reject, or block their strikes on VALORANT Ascent.

Playing passively is among the most popular defense tactics on Ascent. This implies that you wait for the assailants to approach you while remaining back on the scene or in a secure location. You may benefit from having more time for rotations and reinforcements and an advantage in angles and crossfires.

Defenders typically like to hold an angle on the backsides of the left or right foot on A site. Defenders can take a passive posture in either corner of hell and watch for an attack. A player can get several kills from being taken off surprise and aid in a recapture by peeking out of hell at the perfect moment. This is the greatest nightmare for attackers. To prevent situations like these, it's practically necessary for the attackers to throw a teammate into hell entirely.

Once inside the boathouse on the B bomb site, there are two doors you may peer through, which can even assist your crew in keeping the site under control. When playing in a boathouse, players may gain a lot of utility by dumping directly onto their position, even when they are outnumbered. Find out the ideal angles to hold to assist the team through communication with them.

VALORANT Ascent lineups

Lineups are predetermined places and angles that let you use your skills well while shielding you from opposing fire. They often entail accurately aiming your skills using the minimap, the surroundings, or other visual cues. To clear corners, smoke entrances, place or defuse spikes, or harm enemies, lineups may be used for a variety of tasks.

Brimstone has a number of lineups that are effective on Ascent. For example, he can use his Incendiary to smoke off the entrance to A site, or his Sky Smoke to block off the attacker's path from B main. Brimstone's ultimate, Orbital Strike, can also be used to great effect on Ascent, as it can be used to clear out a site or to deny a plant. The VALORANT Ascent Brim lineups will help you catch enemies off guard.

VALORANT Ascent lineups for Viper are highly sought after by competitive players. For example, she can use her Snakebite to block off a chokepoint, or her Toxic Screen to create a smokescreen. Viper's ultimate, Viper's Pit, can also be used to great effect on Ascent, as it can be used to control a large area of the map.

Ascent is a suitable map for Fade because it has a number of long sightlines and chokepoints. The VALORANT Fade Ascent lineups are used by almost every professional player because they give you an advantage. These are ideal areas for Fade's Haunt and Seize, as they can be used to reveal the positions of enemies and pull them out of hiding. Fade's ultimate, Nightfall, is also effective in these areas, as it can be used to blind and disorient enemies, making them easy targets.

As mentioned, there are various lineups you can try with different agents. For example, if you are looking to get better in your Ascent Brim lineups in VALORANT, here are some tips and tricks for you to check out.

• Practice the lineups in a custom game. This will help you get the timing down and make sure you're hitting the right spots.
• Use the lineups in conjunction with your team's strategy. Don't just throw lineups out randomly. Make sure they're working with your team's overall plan.
• Be flexible. Don't be afraid to change your lineups depending on the situation. If the enemy team is adapting, you need to adapt too.

If you want to learn more about VALORANT, check out our other guides:

• How to check VALORANT hours
• How to check VALORANT purchase history
• Split VALORANT map guide
• Haven VALORANT Map Guide
• All VALORANT Map Names