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Quickstart

This guide walks you through creating your first strategy in Icarus, from downloading the app to saving your completed strategy.

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Download and install

1

Get Icarus from the Microsoft Store

Download Icarus from the Microsoft Store.
2

Launch the app

Once installed, launch Icarus from your Start menu. The app will initialize local storage and display the folder navigator interface.

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Create your first strategy

1

Click Create Strategy

From the main folder navigator screen, click the Create Strategy button in the top-right toolbar.
2

Name your strategy

Enter a descriptive name for your strategy in the dialog (e.g., “Haven A Site Execute”). Click Create or press Enter to continue.
Strategy names can be changed later by right-clicking the strategy in your library and selecting Rename.
3

Select a map

Your strategy opens on the default map (Ascent). To change maps, click the Map Selector in the top toolbar and choose from available Valorant maps including Bind, Haven, Split, Icebox, Breeze, Fracture, Pearl, Lotus, Sunset, and Abyss.

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Draw on the map

1

Select drawing tools

In the right sidebar, you’ll find the Drawing Tools section with options for:
  • Color: Choose from preset colors for your lines
  • Stroke: Toggle between solid and dotted lines
  • Arrow: Add arrows to show movement direction
2

Draw on the map

Click and drag on the map to create freehand drawings. Hold shift while drawing to create straight lines between two points.
Use the pen tool for movement paths and the arrow option to indicate direction. Dotted lines work well for optional or alternative paths.
3

Add agents

Scroll down in the sidebar to the Agents section. Drag agent icons onto the map to position them. You can:
  • Filter agents by role (Duelist, Controller, Initiator, Sentinel)
  • Resize agents by clicking and dragging the corners
  • Rotate agents by dragging the rotation handle
4

Place abilities

Select an agent to view their abilities in the sidebar. Drag ability icons onto the map to show utility placement like smokes, walls, or flashes.
5

Add text and annotations

Use the Text tool in the sidebar to add labels, callouts, or strategy notes directly on the map. Click to place text, then type your content.

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Save and organize

1

Auto-save is enabled

Icarus automatically saves your work as you create. Changes are persisted to Hive local storage after a brief delay when you stop editing.
You can see the save indicator in the top-left when auto-save triggers. To manually save, use the Save button or keyboard shortcut.
2

Return to library

Click the Home icon in the top-left to return to the folder navigator. Your strategy is now saved in your library.
3

Organize with folders (optional)

Back in the folder navigator:
  1. Click Add Folder to create organization folders
  2. Drag your strategy into folders to keep them organized
  3. Create nested folders for team compositions, maps, or site strategies

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Next steps

Now that you’ve created your first strategy, explore these features:
Check out the full drawing tools guide to master all the annotation options available in Icarus.

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