TL;DR
- Kay/O’s incendiary can destroy Killjoy’s Lockdown in 5 seconds with precise timing
- The garden window lineup targets common A lobby device placements effectively
- Proper execution requires immediate reaction to the ultimate activation sound cue
- Ascent’s verticality makes Kay/O’s knife and ultimate exceptionally powerful
- Mastering this counter transforms Kay/O from niche pick to strategic powerhouse

While Kay/O has maintained a specialized role in Valorant’s meta since his introduction, his incendiary grenade holds a devastating secret weapon against Killjoy’s most powerful ability. The robotic initiator possesses a unique counterplay option that most players overlook in favor of his more obvious flash and suppression utilities. This tactical oversight creates opportunities for strategic players to gain significant advantages in key situations.
Killjoy’s area denial capabilities on Ascent make her a priority pick for defensive setups, particularly with her Lockdown ultimate that can single-handedly stall site executions. The device’s destruction becomes paramount for successful attacks, yet conventional methods often prove unreliable under pressure. Professional innovator Boaster from Fnatic demonstrated how Kay/O’s FRAG/ment ability provides a reliable solution to this common problem.
Most players select Kay/O primarily for his flashpoint grenades and suppression blade, underestimating the strategic value of his area denial tool. The incendiary’s two-phase damage delivery system makes it uniquely suited for destroying stationary objectives like Killjoy’s ultimate device. Boaster’s execution against BBL Esports showcased how this underutilized capability can swing rounds dramatically.
FNC Boaster robs BBL of their Killjoy ult using a fancy KAY/O nade Ascent lineup
byu/TimeJustHappens inVALORANT
How to use Kay/O to counter Killjoy
The professional execution begins with immediate recognition of Killjoy’s Lockdown activation audio cue. Successful players equip the incendiary while positioning themselves at the garden window during the setup phase. The grenade’s trajectory must land precisely on the device’s hitbox, typically positioned in A lobby’s corner—a placement favored by most Killjoy players for its protective coverage.
This specific counter-technique originates from garden’s exterior window frame and follows a calculated arc to the target location. Critical timing considerations dictate the grenade must be deployed within the first second of detection to account for its five-second total destruction timeline. The fireball maintains three seconds of airtime before impacting, then requires two additional seconds of burn damage to eliminate the device completely.
Execution risks stem primarily from timing miscalculations—delaying the throw by even one second can result in complete site control loss and multiple teammate detentions. However, the mechanical simplicity of the lineup makes it accessible for players at most skill levels with minimal practice investment.
Strategic positioning recommendations suggest Kay/O players should maintain garden control when anticipating Killjoy’s ultimate availability. The optimal deployment window occurs immediately upon hearing the Lockdown activation sound, creating an instant defensive response that halts enemy momentum decisively. For comprehensive agent strategies, consult our Class Guide for detailed ability breakdowns.
Is Kay/O good on Ascent?

While Kay/O doesn’t typically rank as Ascent’s premier initiator choice, his toolkit offers unique advantages that skilled players can leverage effectively. The suppression ultimate gains exceptional value on the map’s expansive sites, creating temporary numerical advantages during critical executes. When combined with properly timed flashpoints, he enables clean site entries by disabling defensive utility and blinding opponents.
His reconnaissance blade proves particularly potent for gathering intelligence through Ascent’s numerous vertical openings and sky pathways. The ability to scan through multiple levels of architecture provides intelligence gathering opportunities that other initiators cannot match. This vertical utility makes him a strategic alternative to more conventional picks.
Advanced tactical applications include using the incendiary not just for Lockdown counters but also for post-plant situations and choke point control. Understanding weapon synergies enhances this approach—learn more in our Weapons Unlock guide for optimal loadout configurations. Master players can combine these elements to create a comprehensive Ascent strategy that makes Kay/O a viable primary selection rather than situational counterpick.
Action Checklist
- Practice the garden window to A lobby incendiary lineup in custom games
- Memorize Killjoy’s Lockdown activation sound for immediate recognition
- Position in garden during setup phase when Killjoy has ultimate available
- Execute throw within 1 second of detecting Lockdown activation
- Combine with flashpoint pushes to maximize site execution success
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » This Kay/O incendiary trick on Ascent destroys Killjoy’s ultimate Master Kay/O's incendiary lineup to counter Killjoy's Lockdown and dominate Ascent with advanced strategies
