Guide to download and install VALORANT

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Here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to download and install VALORANT on PC and console.

PC (Windows)

1) Prep

Free space: ~50–60 GB
Windows 10/11 64-bit (recommended)
Admin rights to install Riot Vanguard (anti-cheat). A restart may be required.

2) Download & Install

Go to playvalorant.com → click Play Free → download the Riot Client.
Sign in / create a Riot Account (pick the correct region for better ping & matchmaking).
Open Riot Client → find VALORANT → Install → wait for the game data to download.
When prompted, allow Riot Vanguard to install → Restart your PC.
Reopen Riot Client → Play VALORANT → adjust Settings → Graphics to your hardware.

3) First-Time Setup

4) Common Issues & Quick Fixes

“Vanguard not initialized” / restart required: Reboot Windows, then run Riot Client as Administrator.
Vanguard won’t install: Temporarily disable third-party security tools; update Windows drivers.
High ping / wrong region: Verify your Riot Account Region and select the nearest server cluster in matchmaking.
Low disk space: Use Disk Cleanup or change the install directory to a drive with space.

1) Download & Install

Open the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store on your console.
Search VALORANT → Download/Install (free).
Sign in to your Riot Account (link your console account to Riot for cross-progression of items & progress).

2) Console Notes

No crossplay with PC (competitive fairness).
Focus Mode available to assist controller aiming.
Enable 120 Hz (if your display supports it):
- PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → enable 120 Hz; then enable 120 FPS in-game.
- Xbox: Settings → General → TV & Display Options → 120 Hz; then enable 120 FPS in-game.

Use a wired LAN connection or stay close to the router during large patches.
Close heavy apps (lots of browser tabs, other launchers) while downloading.
Update your GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) to avoid crashes or artifacts.