Escalation is a mode that you don't really have to think while playing. Sometimes I just want to play a fun laid-back game after a long day and don't want to think much. With escalation, all I have to do is blast some music and shoot people to have a good time. Spike rush requires some brainpower, and the same goes for replication. Both are still casual game modes but you still have to pay attention to what's going on in the game. Now some people will say "why not just play a more casual game then?" While this is true, a more casual game would be an option, I like the gunplay of valorant and still enjoy playing it even if it is more casual.