The Ultimate Guide to Cypher on Ascent!
VALORANT features several agents oriented around gathering intel because information is a critical component strategically in the overall meta. One of the Sentinels that stands out in this regard is Cypher. Known as a one-man surveillance network, Cypher’s power lies in his ability to gather info for your team. In this guide to Cypher on Ascent, we aim to provide some concepts and strategies to help your team dominate with the best intel available.
Defensive Strategies
On defense, Cypher’s strength lies in his utility and anchoring abilities. Anchoring involves staying in one area of the map to hold space, deny information, and eventually take space after holding for a certain amount of time. Cypher’s anchoring a site is slightly different from other Sentinels. His unique abilities allow him to hold down a site with a level of efficiency that is unparalleled.
A suggested setup involves placing a tripwire in a specific location and using a cage in front of B Main. This setup is designed to provide immediate information on whether the team can take space in B Main. Use a camera when the barrier goes down near B Main. This camera placement allows for a clear view of the area, providing valuable information for your team. Variations can be made depending on the presence of a turret or if the enemy team is committing to mid or A early. These variations allow for flexibility in your defense, making it harder for the enemy team to predict your setup.
Aggressive Play
For aggressive play, Cypher’s abilities can catch enemies off guard. Use a specific trip to catch enemies off guard and place the character’s cage in different locations. This strategy can be highly effective in disrupting the enemy’s plans and creating opportunities for your team.
Creating a one-way cage can delay opponents, giving your team the upper hand. A trip can isolate a player from the enemy team, making them an easy target. These aggressive strategies can turn the tide of a game, giving your team the advantage.
Retake Setup on B Site
For the retake setup on B site, a balanced approach is recommended. This involves placing trips in specific locations to see and clear players in B main, close boat, and lane. The final trip can vary but catching players crossing too close to switch is recommended. This setup allows your team to retake the site with the maximum amount of information.
Playing differently depending on certain ultimates in play can give your team an advantage. Use Cypher’s global utility to play off onto another site. However, avoid this if the enemy team has the ultimate ability KO. This is because KO’s ultimate can disrupt your utility, making it less effective.
A Site Strategies
For A site, use a supporting knife, a smoke, and a teammate to execute the setup consistently. This setup allows your team to take control of the site effectively. Set up a strong, aggressive position with utility on the site. Aggroing into short differs from a main, as it involves using the camera in plays.
Place the camera in a high corner to get a clear view of the site. Having another teammate on site, preferably an anchor agent, can provide additional support. These strategies can help your team take control of the site and hold it against the enemy team. You can also use a tripwire and a one-way smoke on short, giving yourself a clear advantage over attackers as they approach.
Lurking Strategies
Lurking involves gathering information on the flank while staying hidden on the map. Cypher’s lurking ability is greater than any other agent, so the goals of lurking are timing, pressuring the opposite team, and delaying retakes with utility.
When lurking on the B side of the map, the goal is to gather information for the team on whether to hit the site or not. It’s important not to die early in the round and to have utility on the opposite side of the map to hold the flank. This strategy allows your team to make informed decisions on where to attack.
Market Area Tactics
In the market area, challenge opponents as they leave the market and use a cage as a safety net after killing them. This strategy can catch the enemy team off guard and create opportunities for your team. If no utility is up, get aggressive and fight into defender spawn. This can disrupt the enemy team and create chaos that your team can take advantage of.
Use the same basic trip for flanking when executing B, and use cages aggressively to cut line of sight. This can disrupt the enemy team’s vision, making it easier for your team to take control of the site. It’s important not to go in first but to be the third one in on the team. This allows your team to take control of the site while minimizing the risk to yourself.
Additional Tips
In addition to the strategies outlined above, there are a few additional tips that can help you improve your Cypher gameplay. First, always be aware of your surroundings. Cypher’s abilities allow him to gather a lot of information, but it’s up to you to use it effectively. Always be aware of where the enemy team is and what they’re doing.
Second, communication is key. As Cypher, you’re often in a position to gather a lot of information. Make sure to communicate this information to your team. This can help your team make better decisions and coordinate their actions more effectively.
Third, practice makes perfect. The more you play Cypher, the better you’ll get at using his abilities and understanding his playstyle. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t do well at first. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve over time.
