When is Valorant coming to consoles, and will it have crossplay?

Valorant, Riot Games’ immensely popular 5v5 hero shooter, is set to expand its horizons with an exciting launch on PS5 and Xbox consoles—a development many fans thought might never occur. In this article, we’ll cover all the essential details about the console version of Valorant, including its release timeline and the features players can expect. Moreover, we will delve into specifics regarding crossplay functionality, addressing how you can team up with friends across different platforms once Valorant makes its console debut.

Let’s dive into the details of Valorant’s arrival on consoles and explore the crossplay options that will be available to players.

When was Valorant announced for consoles?

Valorant’s expansion to console platforms was officially announced by Riot Games on June 8th, 2024, during the Summer Game Fest. The announcement included a gameplay trailer showcasing the console version, which features graphics comparable to the high settings on the PC version. Riot Games emphasized that while the console gameplay retains the core experience, it has been specifically tailored with “custom-built gameplay” to better suit console players, ensuring a seamless transition and optimal playability on the new platforms.

What consoles will get Valorant?

Valorant is set to launch exclusively on the latest, 9th generation consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X|S. Riot Games has decided not to support older generation consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This decision comes despite the game’s relatively modest system requirements and its proven capability to run on less powerful hardware. This approach allows Riot to focus on leveraging the advanced capabilities of the newer consoles to optimize performance and player experience.

Why is Valorant getting a console port?

Riot Games is expanding Valorant to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to bring the intricate tactical shooter experience to a broader audience beyond PC gamers. In an interview with Polygon, Valorant’s production director explained that the move stems from a belief that the competitive spirit transcends platforms. He stated, “We operate under the assumption that competitive players are competitive players, regardless of the platform they play on.” He acknowledged that introducing a hardcore competitive tactical shooter to consoles is a bold move, given that these platforms traditionally do not have the same history with the tactical shooter genre as PCs do. This transition represents a significant step in making the game’s challenging and strategic gameplay accessible to a new segment of gamers.

When is Valorant coming to consoles

The precise release date for Valorale on consoles has not yet been announced by Riot. However, they have revealed that a limited beta test will begin on June 14, providing an opportunity for players to experience the game ahead of its official launch.

Players interested in joining the console beta can register by visiting the official website at Beta.PlayVALORANT.com. This preliminary access will offer a glimpse into how Valorant translates to console gameplay and allows Riot to gather valuable feedback from the community.

Will the console version of Valorant have crossplay?

Yes, the console versions of Valorant will support crossplay, although in a limited capacity. Players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will have the capability to team up or compete against each other. However, crossplay with PC players will not be available, ensuring that matches remain balanced and fair across the different platforms with distinct control schemes.

Why don't the console versions of Valorant support crossplay with the PC version?

The console versions of Valorant do not support crossplay with PC primarily due to differences in gameplay mechanics that offer PC players a distinct advantage in precision aiming and movement. Riot Games has tailored the console version with “custom-built gameplay” to better suit the controller input, which inherently differs from mouse and keyboard controls.

In an effort to adapt Valorant’s hallmark precise gunplay for consoles, a new focus mode has been introduced. By holding the left trigger, players can slow their aim to achieve more accurate shots, a feature designed to mimic the precision possible on PC. This adjustment aligns with typical shooter controls on consoles, where the left trigger is used for aiming and the right trigger for shooting, helping to bridge the gap between different gaming experiences while maintaining the game’s competitive integrity

FAQs

Is Valorant coming to mobile?

Riot Games confirmed in 2021 that a mobile version of Valorant is in development, though further specifics have been sparse since the initial announcement. The upcoming release is officially named “Valorant Mobile,” differentiating it from the desktop version simply known as “Valorant.”

Conclusion

The expansion of Valorant to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as the forthcoming Valorant Mobile, signifies Riot Games’ commitment to broadening the accessibility of their popular tactical shooter across different platforms. While the console versions will enjoy limited crossplay between each other, they will not include crossplay with PC, to maintain gameplay fairness due to different control schemes. Players interested in early access to the console versions can look forward to participating in a limited beta test, providing valuable feedback to shape the final release. As for Valorant Mobile, details remain scant, but the announcement itself promises exciting possibilities for gaming on the go. Keep an eye on official Riot channels for more updates as these versions develop.