VALORANT: How to connect keyboard and mouse on PS5

Valorant's arrival on consoles has sparked a lot of excitement, particularly regarding how players can enhance their gaming experience. A common query that many enthusiasts have is about the feasibility of using a keyboard and mouse to play Valorant on the PlayStation 5.

In this guide, we'll explore the capability of connecting a keyboard and mouse to the PS5 for Valorant. We'll delve into whether this feature is currently available, the rationale behind Riot Games' decision on this matter, and the possibility of incorporating gyro aiming to enrich the gameplay experience.

Let's dive into the specifics of connecting a keyboard and mouse for Valorant on the PS5, ensuring you have all the information you need.

Does the PS5 version of Valorant support a keyboard and mouse?

Despite Valorant's PC version being exclusively playable with a keyboard and mouse, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game currently do not support this control method.

Why does not the PS5 version of Valorant have keyboard and mouse support?
Riot Games has chosen not to include keyboard and mouse support for the console versions of Valorant to ensure a level playing field across all players. The decision stems from the game's emphasis on tactical and equitable gameplay; using a controller presents a distinct challenge compared to the keyboard and mouse setup, aligning with Riot's vision of maintaining game integrity and fairness.

To enhance the console gaming experience and cater to the unique gameplay dynamics of using a controller, Riot has introduced several exclusive features to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Valorant. One notable addition is Focus Mode, which allows players to decrease their aim sensitivity by pressing the L2/LT trigger. This feature helps players achieve more precise shots, particularly when targeting enemies at close range.

Do third-party adapters work to use a keyboard and mouse in the console versions of Valorant?

Third-party adapters like the Xim Apex can enable the use of a keyboard and mouse on console games designed exclusively for controller inputs. These devices work by converting keyboard and mouse inputs into controller signals, effectively deceiving the game system into recognizing them as legitimate controller actions.

However, using such adapters comes with significant drawbacks. Their performance can be inconsistent, leading to input errors, and more critically, they pose a risk of getting players banned. Riot Games' anti-cheat system, Vanguard, is designed to detect and penalize the use of such devices in Valorant. The system's effectiveness was demonstrated shortly after the console beta launched, with players receiving bans for using keyboard and mouse setups.

An incident highlighted in a viral video on platform X showcased a Valorant console game being abruptly terminated with a "CHEATED DETECTED" message displayed across a red screen. Riot’s head of anti-cheat, Phillip Koskinas, acknowledged the enforcement by reposting the video with the comment, "a satisfied first customer." This underscores the risks involved in using unauthorized adapters to gain an unfair advantage in the game.

FAQs

Is gyro aiming available in the PS5 version of Valorant?

While several popular games like Fortnite and Call of Duty have incorporated gyro aiming in their PS5 editions, Valorant has not adopted this feature. The decision to exclude gyro aiming stems from a desire to maintain fairness among players, particularly because Xbox Series X|S controllers do not support gyro technology. Implementing this feature on PlayStation could potentially give PS5 users an advantage over Xbox players, leading to an uneven playing field.

Coleman Palm, the Product Management Lead for Valorant at Riot Games, explained that introducing gyro aiming could be perceived as favoring PlayStation users over those on Xbox, which Riot wants to avoid. Despite the absence of gyro aiming in Valorant, Palm acknowledged the appeal of the feature, noting that although he personally sees the potential benefits, maintaining a balanced competition across platforms remains a priority. He also mentioned that some developers within the team are enthusiastic about exploring this technology in the future.

Will keyboard and mouse support and gyro aiming be added to the PS5 version of Valorant upon release?

Although there are no definite plans at the moment, Riot Games has not ruled out the possibility of introducing keyboard and mouse support and gyro aiming to the PS5 version of Valorant. The implementation of these features could depend significantly on player feedback and demand. Should these features be added, Riot might consider specific restrictions to maintain gameplay fairness. For instance, players using keyboard and mouse might only be matched with PC lobbies, while those utilizing gyro aiming could be grouped with fellow PS5 users. This approach would ensure that the competitive integrity of Valorant remains intact across all platforms.

Conclusion

Valorant expands to console platforms like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Riot Games is taking careful measures to ensure that the gameplay experience remains balanced and true to its competitive roots. While the absence of keyboard and mouse support and gyro aiming might be disappointing to some players, these decisions stem from a commitment to fairness and a level playing field across different gaming systems. Riot's openness to community feedback suggests that future updates could still bring these features, depending on player demand and the potential for fair implementation. As Valorant continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Riot Games navigates these challenges and opportunities to enhance the game for a diverse and growing player base.