Downloading Valorant is completely free and takes only a few minutes to set up. Riot Games' 5v5 tactical shooter runs exclusively on Windows PC, and the official installer handles everything — from the Riot Client to Vanguard, the game's anti-cheat software. Follow the five steps below and you'll be in a match before you know it.
What you need before you start
Before you download Valorant, make sure you meet the basics:
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit (build 1903 or later) or Windows 11. Valorant does not currently support macOS or Linux natively.
- Storage: Around 30 GB of free disk space for the full game install.
- Internet connection: A stable connection to download the game files (roughly 20–30 GB).
- A Riot Games account: Free to create — you'll make one during the process if you don't already have one.
How to download Valorant — step by step
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Step 1: Go to the official Valorant website
Open your browser and navigate to playvalorant.com. This is the only official source for the game; avoid third-party sites that may bundle unwanted software. Once the page loads, click the large Play Free button in the center of the screen. You will be directed to sign in or register before the download begins.
Head to playvalorant.com and click Play Free to start the download process. -
Step 2: Sign in or create a free Riot Games account
Valorant requires a Riot Games account (also called a Riot ID). If you already play League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, or any other Riot title, you can use the same account — just sign in. If you're new to Riot, click Create Account, fill in your email address, choose a username and password, and verify your email. Account creation is free and takes under a minute.
Sign in with an existing Riot ID or create a new free account to continue. -
Step 3: Download the Valorant installer
After signing in, the site automatically starts downloading a small file called VALORANT-Setup.exe (roughly 12–15 MB). If the download doesn't begin automatically, click the manual download link on the page. Once the file appears in your browser's download bar, click Open file (Chrome) or Run (Edge) — or find the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it. If Windows shows a User Account Control prompt asking whether to allow the app to make changes, click Yes.
Save VALORANT-Setup.exe from your browser, then run it to kick off the full installation. -
Step 4: Let the Riot Client install the full game
Running the setup file installs the Riot Client — Riot's launcher that manages all of their games — and then automatically begins downloading Valorant itself. A progress bar shows how much of the game has been downloaded; the full install is around 20–30 GB, so expect this to take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. During this stage the installer also sets up Vanguard, Riot's kernel-level anti-cheat. If prompted to restart your PC after Vanguard installs, do so and then reopen the Riot Client to finish the download.
Keep the Riot Client open while it downloads the full game — don't close it mid-install. -
Step 5: Launch Valorant and start playing
Once the progress bar reaches 100%, the Play button in the Riot Client lights up. Click it to launch Valorant. The game will open, prompt you to sign in with your Riot ID if you aren't already logged in, and take you straight to the home screen. From there you can jump into a practice range, try an unranked match, or work through the tutorial — all free.
Click Play in the Riot Client once the download finishes to launch Valorant.
Tips for a smooth install
- Use a wired connection if you can. The game download is large, and a wired Ethernet connection is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for a 20–30 GB download.
- Don't skip the restart if Vanguard asks for one. Skipping it can prevent Valorant from launching. Restart, then reopen the Riot Client.
- Close other apps during download. Background programs that use your bandwidth — streaming services, cloud backups — will slow down the install.
- Windows Defender SmartScreen may warn you about the installer. This is normal for newly-downloaded executables. Click More info then Run anyway to proceed safely with the official file from playvalorant.com.
Troubleshooting
The download keeps stopping or restarting
Make sure your internet connection is stable and that your antivirus isn't quarantining the installer or game files. Add an exception for the Riot Games folder (usually C:\Riot Games) in your security software.
Valorant won't launch after installing
Check that Vanguard is running: look for its icon in the Windows system tray (bottom-right corner). If it's not there, restart your PC. Vanguard must be active for Valorant to start.
The installer says my PC doesn't meet the requirements
Confirm you're running Windows 10 64-bit build 1903 or newer. Valorant also requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled on some systems. Check your BIOS/UEFI settings if you're getting a compatibility error.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valorant free to download?
Yes. Valorant is completely free to download and play. The only optional spending is on cosmetic items such as weapon skins, gun buddies, and player cards — none of these affect gameplay.
How big is the Valorant download?
The initial installer is only about 12–15 MB, but the Riot Client then downloads the full game, which is approximately 20–30 GB. Make sure you have enough free space on your drive before starting.
Can I download Valorant on Mac or console?
As of 2026, Valorant is available only on Windows PC. There is no official macOS, PlayStation, or Xbox version. A mobile spin-off — Valorant Mobile — has been announced for select regions but is separate from the PC game.
Do I need the Riot Client to play Valorant?
Yes. The Riot Client is the launcher that keeps Valorant updated and manages your account. It installs automatically when you run the Valorant setup file and must be running each time you play.
Is Vanguard safe?
Vanguard is Riot Games' official anti-cheat software. It runs at the kernel level to detect cheating tools, which is standard practice in competitive online games. It is developed and maintained by Riot Games and is installed alongside every copy of Valorant.
You're ready to play
Getting Valorant on your PC is straightforward: visit the official site, create a free Riot account, download the small installer, let the Riot Client do the heavy lifting, and hit Play. The whole setup — not counting download time — takes less than five minutes. If you run into issues, the troubleshooting section above covers the most common stumbling blocks. Good luck in your first match.
