Greetings, Summoners! Librarian Husky here, bringing you an in-depth guide on one of the most crucial aspects of Valorant—smokes. Whether you’re a seasoned Controller main or just starting to learn the role, mastering smokes can drastically impact your team’s success. Smokes are much more than just blocking vision; they shape engagements, control map presence, and create opportunities for both attackers and defenders. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of smokes, when to use them, and how to maximize their strategic value. Let’s dive in!

Standard Smokes: The Basics

Standard smokes, also known as push smokes, execute smokes, or retake smokes, are the most fundamental type. These are typically placed at key entry points to block enemy vision and control movement. The key to using standard smokes effectively is ensuring that they are flush against the doorway without bleeding out into the entrance. If the smoke extends too far, it can give enemies more space to maneuver, making it easier for them to push through.

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Effective Placement of Standard Smokes

The placement of standard smokes can have a significant impact on map control. For example, on Haven, placing a smoke too close to the enemy’s spawn chokepoints on A and C can create opportunities for them to swing wide and isolate defenders. Instead, positioning the smoke slightly further out forces opponents into the open, making them easier to target. Understanding how different maps influence smoke placement is key to maximizing their effectiveness.

Situational Adjustments for Standard Smokes

Not all standard smokes should be placed in the same way across every situation. On Bind, for instance, the commonly used sight smoke next to Triple can be beneficial for pushing defenders back. However, attackers can also exploit this placement to isolate defenders holding from Short. Adjusting the placement slightly can prevent attackers from gaining an advantage while still blocking vision effectively.

Understanding Lurk Smokes

Lurk smokes differ from standard smokes in that they are primarily used to deny information rather than block enemy movement. These smokes are typically placed in the center of the map or in front of a site to obscure the enemy’s vision and create uncertainty about potential pushes. Unlike standard smokes, lurk smokes extend further into entryways, making them an effective tool for attackers.

Strategic Applications of Lurk Smokes

Lurk smokes force defenders to make difficult decisions about how to respond. If they do not use utility to clear the smoke, they risk being flanked or pushed unexpectedly. This hesitation can provide attackers with opportunities to reposition and gain control of the map. Lurk smokes are especially useful during mid-round plays when a team wants to create pressure without immediately committing to a site.

How to Counter Lurk Smokes

Defenders can counter lurk smokes by using recon tools such as Sova’s drone or dart, or by placing sentinel utility like Cypher’s tripwires or Killjoy’s turret. These tools help maintain information control despite the lack of visibility. However, lurk smokes remain a powerful tactic when executed correctly, forcing defenders to either expend utility or play cautiously.

Introduction to Sight Smokes

Sight smokes are one of the most underutilized smoke types in Valorant. Unlike standard or lurk smokes, which focus on blocking entry points, sight smokes are designed to provide defenders with more space to maneuver on site. These smokes are placed within the site itself rather than at entrances, making it difficult for attackers to take control.

Advantages of Sight Smokes

When attackers push into a site covered by a sight smoke, they risk running into defenders positioned inside the smoke. This forces them to use utility or take blind fights, which can be risky. Additionally, sight smokes provide defenders with options to reposition and wait for reinforcements before engaging in a fight.

Optimizing Sight Smoke Placement

One effective use of sight smokes is on Ascent’s A site. Placing a smoke in the middle of the site near generator allows defenders to move between different cover points while staying hidden. Sight smokes can also be used in situations where a defender is isolated and needs to buy time for teammates to rotate. Proper use of sight smokes can significantly impact defensive holds.

Flood Smokes vs. Lurk Smokes

Flood smokes and lurk smokes may appear similar, but they serve different purposes. Flood smokes are used to counter standard flush smokes by allowing a team to push out of a choke point without being completely blinded. These smokes are particularly useful when defenders need to break through enemy control.

When to Use Flood Smokes

Flood smokes are best used when a team is trapped in a tight area and needs to regain map control. For example, if attackers have locked defenders in with a well-placed flush smoke, a flood smoke can be thrown to counteract it, allowing defenders to push forward safely. The key is to time these smokes effectively to avoid unnecessary risks.

Flood Smokes in Retakes

Flood smokes can be a valuable tool during retake situations. Instead of waiting for enemy smokes to dissipate, defenders can use flood smokes to create their own cover and contest the site. This strategy prevents attackers from setting up a strong post-plant hold and forces them into uncomfortable engagements.

Using One-Way Smokes

One-way smokes are a specialized type of smoke that provides defenders with a vision advantage while keeping enemies blind. These smokes are placed on elevated surfaces so that defenders can see enemy feet while remaining hidden.

Common One-Way Smoke Locations

Classic one-way smokes can be found on maps such as Ascent A main and Sunset A main. These locations make it difficult for attackers to push forward without using additional utility. Players should learn common one-way setups to improve their ability to control key choke points.

Risks of One-Way Smokes

One-way smokes are most effective when used defensively, but they can become a disadvantage if players push too far forward. If a player places a one-way smoke and then moves too close to it, they may find themselves exposed rather than benefiting from the smoke. Proper positioning is key when using these smokes.

Spike Smokes in Retakes

Spike smokes are a valuable defensive tool for retaking sites. Many players make the mistake of smoking entry points when retaking, but a more effective strategy is to smoke the spike itself. This forces attackers into a difficult situation, as they must either spam through the smoke or blindly enter it to contest a defuse.

Benefits of Smoking the Spike

By placing a smoke on the spike, defenders can create confusion and pressure attackers into revealing their positions. In clutch situations, this tactic can turn the tide of a round. For example, a defender in a 1v2 situation can use a spike smoke to create uncertainty and force attackers to check multiple angles.

Defensive Use of Spike Smokes

Before setting up for a post-plant, attackers should consider whether the enemy controller is still alive. If they are, playing off-site may be a safer option to avoid being trapped in a spike smoke scenario. These smokes work best when defenders have some control over the site and need to neutralize a planted spike.

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Line Smokes from Viper and Harbor

Line smokes are unique to agents like Viper and Harbor, covering large portions of the map instead of small choke points. These smokes are particularly effective on wide maps such as Breeze and Icebox, where traditional smokes may not provide enough coverage.

Maximizing the Use of Line Smokes

Viper’s line smokes can be used similarly to lurk smokes by cutting off multiple sightlines at once. Harbor’s walls function similarly but offer more flexibility due to their curved shape. These smokes create massive vision gaps for enemies, making them effective tools for controlling large areas.

Strategic Considerations for Line Smokes

Line smokes require careful planning since they cover multiple angles at once. Players using Viper or Harbor should practice optimal placements to ensure their smokes provide maximum value. When used correctly, these smokes can help a team dominate map control.

Conclusion

Mastering smokes in Valorant goes beyond simple placement. Each type of smoke serves a unique purpose, from blocking vision to creating uncertainty and controlling space. Understanding when and how to use each type will give players an edge in both attacking and defending scenarios. Effective smoke usage is a fundamental skill that can greatly impact a team’s success in every match.

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