Is Valorant Cross Platform? Find Out Here
by Mathelene
Updated Aug 04, 2023
Is Valorant Cross Platform?
Valorant is not cross-platform. It is available exclusively on PC, and there is no official support for playing the game across different platforms such as consoles or mobile devices. Riot Games, the developer of Valorant, has a track record of porting some of its games to mobile, but they have not done so with Valorant. While other Riot games like Teamfight Tactics and Legends of Runeterra have implemented cross-play between PC and mobile platforms, Valorant has not followed suit.
The absence of cross-platform play in Valorant can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, PC players typically have no issues playing together online, so the demand for cross-play may not be as high compared to console players who want to play with friends on other platforms. Secondly, there are concerns about the fairness of cross-play between PC and console players, especially considering the potential advantages that console players might gain with aim-assist features.
Additionally, Riot Games has a separate approach with their other major title, League of Legends. The PC and mobile versions of League of Legends are distinct, with League of Legends: Wild Rift catering to mobile players.
Valorant PC Game
Valorant is an exciting and challenging game that runs smoothly on Windows PCs. To play the game, you simply need a compatible PC, a Riot Games account, and a stable internet connection. You can download and install Valorant from the official website or through Xbox Game Pass if you have a subscription. Once installed, you can select your game mode, Agent (character), and loadout, and start enjoying the game.
Windows compatibility is crucial for building a thriving gaming ecosystem. Windows PCs offer a wide range of hardware options, allowing gamers to customize their systems to meet their specific needs and budgets. In contrast, Macs have limited customization options, which often leads to fewer gaming choices. While Valorant is not officially supported on M1 and M2 Macs, there are third-party apps that can help older Mac models run the game.
However, the preferred option for playing Valorant remains on Windows PCs, as the Windows version is fully supported and optimized. If you have a Windows PC, you won't need any additional software, as the official Valorant Windows version works flawlessly.
Playing Valorant on a Windows PC is straightforward. Here's a simple guide:
Valorant
Valorant is a first-person tactical hero shooter developed and published by Riot Games, designed for Windows operating systems. Initially hinted at as "Project A" in October 2019, the game underwent a closed beta phase with limited access starting on April 7, 2020, and was officially released on June 2, 2020. The development of Valorant commenced back in 2014, indicating that Riot Games invested considerable time and effort in crafting the game.
Drawing inspiration from the renowned Counter-Strike series, Valorant incorporates several mechanics reminiscent of the beloved franchise. For instance, it adopts the concept of a buy menu, where players can strategically purchase weapons and equipment at the start of each round.
Moreover, similar to Counter-Strike, Valorant emphasizes the importance of mastering spray patterns and managing weapon inaccuracy while moving, encouraging players to employ precise aiming and movement strategies during gameplay. As a free-to-play game, Valorant enables players to join the action without any upfront cost, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The tactical hero shooter genre adds a unique twist to the traditional first-person shooter experience, as players can select from a diverse roster of characters, each with distinct abilities and roles, adding depth and strategic layers to the gameplay. With its roots in the acclaimed Counter-Strike series and the inclusion of hero-based gameplay mechanics, Valorant has garnered considerable attention and a dedicated player base since its release.
As Riot Games continues to support and update the game, Valorant's position as a prominent title in the competitive gaming scene appears to be firmly established.
Valorant Game Play
Valorant is a team-based first-person tactical hero shooter set in a near-future world. Players assume the roles of various Agents, each representing different countries and cultures, each with their own unique abilities and ultimate abilities that require charging through kills, deaths, orbs, or objectives. The main game mode features two teams, attacking and defending, with each team consisting of five players.
At the beginning of each round, players start with a "classic" pistol and a set of charges for their "signature ability." Throughout the match, players can earn money based on the round's outcome, their kills, and completed objectives. This in-game currency allows them to purchase other weapons and ability charges.
The game boasts a diverse array of weapons, including primary guns like submachine guns, shotguns, machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles, as well as secondary weapons like sidearms. Each weapon has its own unique shooting pattern, which players must master to achieve accurate shots.
Currently, there are 22 Agents available for selection, such as Brimstone, Viper, Omen, Cypher, Sova, Sage, Phoenix, Jett, Raze, Breach, Reyna, Killjoy, Skye, Yoru, Astra, KAY/O, Chamber, Neon, Fade, Harbor, Gekko, and Deadlock. Players begin with 5 unlocked Agents (Brimstone, Sova, Sage, Phoenix, and Jett) upon account creation. To unlock additional Agents, players must activate the specific agent's contract, which enables them to earn XP by playing games and eventually unlock the desired agent.
Valorant Steam
Valorant, the popular first-person tactical hero shooter developed by Riot Games, is officially not compatible with the Steam Deck while running its native Linux-based OS, SteamOS. This is due to the game's anti-cheat software, Riot Vanguard, which does not support Linux and will prevent Valorant and other Riot Games titles from running on the handheld gaming device.
However, resourceful users have found a technical workaround to overcome this restriction. Since the Steam Deck allows users to load alternative operating systems, including Windows OS, players can install Windows 10, which is compatible with Riot Vanguard. By doing so, fans can enjoy playing Valorant on the handheld console, expanding the gaming possibilities for Valve's device.
The Steam Deck is praised for its versatility and comfortable grip, making it a desirable handheld gaming option for players. Its capable hardware and flexible Linux distribution, SteamOS, enable it to run a wide array of Steam games on the go, making it an appealing choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Although certain video games, including Valorant, require Windows OS, the situation changed after a significant SteamOS update deployed by Valve in early 2022. Following this update, users gained the ability to successfully load and boot up both Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the Steam Deck. This development has broadened the scope of games and applications that can now be enjoyed on the device, providing more options and flexibility to users.
Is Valorant Cross Platform? - FAQs
No, Valorant is not cross-platform. It is exclusively available on Windows PCs and does not support cross-platform play with other gaming devices like consoles or mobile.
There are 22 Agents in Valorant, each representing different countries and cultures. Some of the Agents include Brimstone, Viper, Omen, Cypher, Sage, Phoenix, Jett, Raze, Breach, Reyna, Killjoy, Skye, Yoru, Astra, KAY/O, and others.
Valorant offers a variety of weapons, including primary guns like submachine guns, shotguns, machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. Additionally, players have access to secondary weapons like sidearms.
Valorant is officially not supported on M1 and M2 Macs due to compatibility issues with Riot Vanguard, the game's anti-cheat software.
Yes, Valorant is a free-to-play game, allowing players to download and play the game without any upfront cost.