Le Souffle des Âmes Valorant, developed by Riot Games, is a tactical first-person shooter that combines precise aim mechanics with strategic depth. In this highly competitive environment, every move counts, and the right strategy can make the difference between victory and defeat. One of the most powerful tools at a player’s disposal is the use of smokes—an essential part of the game’s strategic planning.
In this article, we will explore how smokes are used in Valorant, the importance of strategic planning, and how mastering these elements can elevate your game and help you win more matches.
Understanding Smokes in Valorant
In Valorant, smokes are deployable abilities that obscure vision, disrupt enemy positioning, and create opportunities for attackers and defenders alike. Different agents have unique smoke abilities, such as Brimstone’s Sky Smokes, Omen’s Shrouded Step, and Astra’s Nebula, each offering various advantages and drawbacks.
Smokes serve multiple strategic purposes, including:
- Blocking Sightlines: Smokes are used to block critical sightlines that defenders or attackers rely on, preventing them from spotting or shooting opponents from long distances.
- Rotating and Positioning: Smokes allow teams to reposition or rotate more effectively without being spotted by the enemy, providing opportunities for surprise plays or disengagement.
- Preventing Retakes: Smokes can disrupt enemy attempts to retake an objective by cutting off critical sightlines and forcing them to adjust their approach.
- Gathering Information: Smokes can be used strategically to limit the enemy’s ability to gather information on your team’s positioning and intentions.
The effective use of smokes is a mark of a skilled Valorant player. When timed well and placed strategically, smokes can open up opportunities, force the enemy into unfavorable positions, and create a huge advantage for your team.
How to Use Smokes Effectively
1. Blocking Sightlines for Better Engagements
One of the most common uses of smokes is to block sightlines from long angles, where enemy players might be holding with rifles or snipers. For instance, if you’re attacking a bombsite, deploying smokes at key angles will obscure the vision of defenders and make it harder for them to hold the site.
A good example would be using Brimstone’s Sky Smokes to block sightlines on A site in Bind. By placing smokes at key choke points, you can prevent defenders from seeing the attacking players’ movements and make it easier for your team to enter the site. Read more about how teamwork can make or break your esports career in this article.
2. Smoke to Push or Retake
During a push or retake scenario, smokes are an essential tool for controlling the flow of the round. For instance, smokes can prevent defenders from holding important choke points or rotating back into the site for a retake.
When retaking an objective, timing is critical. By using smokes to block sightlines and buying time for your teammates, you can force the enemy to reveal their positions, giving you the upper hand.
3. Timing and Coordination with Teammates
While smokes can be a game-changer on their own, they become even more powerful when used in combination with other abilities. A well-timed smoke combined with a flashbang or a molotov can help secure a kill or disrupt the enemy’s strategy. Smokes should be used in coordination with your team’s overall plan, whether it’s for an aggressive push, a defensive hold, or a strategic rotation.
For example, a Breach ultimate followed by smokes on site can disable the enemy’s vision and allow your team to take control of the objective with ease.
Smokes and Strategic Planning
Using smokes in Valorant isn’t just about randomly throwing them down to block sightlines. It requires careful planning and consideration of your team’s overall strategy and the layout of the map. Strategic planning can be broken down into several key elements:
1. Pre-Planned Smokes for Bombsite Attacks
When attacking a bombsite, smokes should be part of a pre-planned strategy. A well-timed execution allows your team to take control of the site without being slowed down by defenders holding critical positions.
On Haven, for example, attackers can plan to use smokes at key choke points such as C long or A main to block defenders’ vision and allow their team to push the site safely. This coordinated effort forces defenders to play more reactively, making them less effective in holding the site.
2. Smokes for Post-Plant Situations
In post-plant situations, smokes are critical for defending the planted spike. Using smokes around the bomb can help obscure enemy vision, giving your team more time to play strategically and prevent a defuse.
A Cypher camera or Sage wall combined with a well-placed smoke can confuse the enemy team and prevent them from gaining control of the bomb. It’s essential to use smokes at key points where the enemy is likely to peek or try to defuse the spike.
3. Mind Games and Fake Strategies
Smokes are also useful in setting up mind games. By faking a push to one bombsite with smokes and then quickly rotating to the other site, you can catch defenders off-guard and force them to second-guess their positioning. A fake strategy often involves smokes in critical choke points that lead enemies to believe you’re committing to a certain bombsite, only for your team to change direction.
Smokes are one of the most powerful tools in Valorant when used correctly. They allow for strategic planning, map control, and tactical plays that can be the difference between winning and losing a match. Mastering the art of smokes, in combination with careful planning and coordination with your team, is essential for success.
To learn more about Valorant’s mechanics, heroes, and gameplay strategies, check out the Valorant Wiki.
With the right approach and mindset, you’ll elevate your gameplay and contribute significantly to your team’s success.
