Defender Advantage
The structural edge defenders hold through shorter respawn distance, known sightlines, and pre-held positions.
Three reasons stack behind "equal fight strength means defense wins." (1) The defenders' respawn is shorter. (2) They are already set, knowing the sightlines and chokes cold. (3) They have taken high ground and the power positions first. Attack therefore always starts from the losing side of a pure fight, and can only close that gap with a resource lead (CD/Ult differential) or by working the approach angle. Reading where around a choke defender advantage is strongest governs which route you take and when you commit. It is also most of the reason the game state swings so suddenly on the push after taking the first point.
Before the attacking side commits to breaking a choke. As the basis for whether to build a resource lead with a Soft Engage first. Timing a hard push forward before the defenders have set their formation.
Ignoring defender advantage and repeatedly forcing the front door, bleeding a resource deficit every fight. Conversely, the attacking side using defender advantage as an excuse to reset too often and melting the time bank.
Space
Physical control over the favorable parts of the map — high ground, routes, sightlines.
High Ground
Elevated map position offering downward sightlines, cover, and safe retreat — the foundation of most setups.
Forward Hold
Holding a defensive formation pushed into enemy territory to disrupt their regroup.
Respawn Distance
The gap between each team's respawn point and the fight zone, determining post-fight tempo and how far a winning side can push.
Soft Engage
Non-committal pressure designed to extract enemy reactions and cooldowns without taking a fight.