Playing Valorant online is completely free, but there is one thing every new player needs to know up front: Valorant is not a browser game. The tactical 5v5 shooter from Riot Games runs as a downloaded Windows client, not inside a web page. That said, there are two clear paths to get into a match — the standard free download, and cloud gaming services that let you stream the game through a browser tab on almost any device. This guide walks you through both.
What you need before you start
For the standard install you need a Windows 10 or 11 PC (64-bit), at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended), around 22 GB of free disk space, and a free Riot Games account. A stable internet connection is required for all modes since Valorant is an always-online multiplayer game. If you want to skip the download entirely, a cloud gaming subscription and a fast connection (15 Mbps or more) are all you need to play in Chrome or Edge.
How to play Valorant online
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Step 1: Know What You Actually Need to Play
Valorant has no official browser version and no mobile port. The game requires a Windows PC and uses Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat software, which installs at the kernel level and needs a system restart. If you are on a Mac, Chromebook, or Linux machine, the cloud gaming route in Step 5 is your only practical option. Understanding this upfront saves time and sets the right expectations.
Valorant runs on Windows 10/11 only — there is no browser or mobile version from Riot Games. -
Step 2: Create a Free Riot Games Account
Head to playvalorant.com and click Play Free. This takes you to the Riot account creation page at account.riotgames.com. Enter a username, a valid email address, and a password, then verify your email. The same Riot account works across all Riot titles — League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and others — so if you already have one, simply log in. Age verification may be required depending on your region.
Sign up at playvalorant.com — your Riot account is free and works across all Riot Games titles. -
Step 3: Download and Install the Valorant Client
After logging in at playvalorant.com, click the Download button to grab the small installer (around 78 MB). Run the .exe file and the launcher will automatically download and install the full game — approximately 22 GB. Riot Vanguard installs alongside Valorant and a PC restart may be required before you can play. Once finished, a Valorant icon appears on your desktop. The entire process typically takes 20–60 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Download the free installer from playvalorant.com and let it pull the full ~22 GB game automatically. -
Step 4: Log In and Start Your First Match
Launch Valorant from your desktop and log in with your Riot account. The client will prompt you to select an agent — beginners are recommended to try Sage (a healer) or Phoenix (a straightforward duelist). Choose Unrated mode for your first games, as it is the casual ranked-free mode where you can learn the basics without pressure. Click Play, wait for a match to form (usually under two minutes), and you are in. During the Buy Phase at the start of each round, purchase a weapon and, if possible, armor with your credits.
Select an agent, choose Unrated mode, and click Play to enter your first Valorant match. -
Step 5: Play Valorant in a Browser via Cloud Gaming
If you cannot or do not want to install Valorant, cloud gaming is the genuine browser option. Services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Boosteroid stream Valorant from powerful remote servers directly to your browser tab. You still need a free Riot Games account (the game is linked to your account either way), and you need a cloud gaming subscription to access the service. GeForce NOW offers a free tier with session time limits and a paid Priority or Ultimate tier for longer sessions and better performance. Boosteroid uses a flat monthly subscription model. Both work in Chrome and Edge without any plugin downloads. Your internet connection should be at least 15 Mbps for a smooth experience; 25 Mbps or more is recommended for 1080p at 60 fps.
GeForce NOW and Boosteroid can stream Valorant to your browser — no PC installation required.
Tips for new Valorant players
- Play the range. Before queuing for a real match, use the Practice Range (accessible from the main menu) to dial in your aim settings and crosshair placement without any pressure.
- Learn one agent at a time. Each agent has four unique abilities. Spend a few sessions mastering one before switching, rather than trying every agent immediately.
- Buy shields early. Light shields cost 400 credits and significantly increase your survivability. Always buy armor before spending credits on expensive weapons.
- Communicate, even with pings. Valorant has a ping system that lets you mark locations on the map for teammates without using voice chat — useful if you prefer not to use a microphone.
- Cloud gaming latency tip. If streaming via GeForce NOW or Boosteroid, use a wired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi to reduce input lag to playable levels.
Troubleshooting common issues
Vanguard is blocking my game from launching
Riot Vanguard requires your PC to boot with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled (on Windows 11). If Valorant refuses to open, check your BIOS settings for these features and enable them. A full PC restart is also required after Vanguard's initial installation.
Valorant won't download or the installer gets stuck
Temporarily disable any antivirus software during installation, as security tools sometimes block Vanguard. Make sure your Windows is fully updated and that you have enough free disk space (22 GB minimum).
Cloud gaming lag or pixelation
Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection, close other bandwidth-heavy applications, and lower the streaming quality setting within the cloud platform's settings panel. For GeForce NOW, aim for at least Priority tier for a competitive experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play Valorant in a browser without downloading it?
Not officially — Riot Games does not offer a browser version of Valorant. However, cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Boosteroid let you stream Valorant through a browser tab without installing anything on your PC. You still need a free Riot Games account.
Is Valorant free to play?
Yes. Valorant is completely free to download and play. All agents can eventually be unlocked through in-game progression. Cosmetic items such as weapon skins are available through the in-game store but are entirely optional.
Can you play Valorant on Mac or Chromebook?
There is no official Mac or Chromebook client. The cloud gaming route (GeForce NOW or Boosteroid in a browser) is currently the best workaround for non-Windows devices, provided you have a good internet connection.
How long does it take to download Valorant?
The installer itself is around 78 MB and downloads in seconds. The full game is approximately 22 GB, which takes roughly 20–30 minutes on a 100 Mbps connection or up to an hour on slower connections.
Do I need a gaming PC to run Valorant?
Valorant is well-optimized and runs on modest hardware. The minimum specs are an Intel Core i3-370M, 4 GB RAM, and Intel HD 3000 graphics. Most mid-range laptops from the last several years can run it at playable settings.
Final thoughts
Getting into Valorant online is straightforward once you know the two routes available: download the free client on a Windows PC for the full native experience, or use a cloud gaming service like NVIDIA GeForce NOW to stream it in your browser on virtually any device. Either way, a free Riot Games account is your starting point. Create one, grab the client or a cloud subscription, and you will be queuing for your first match within the hour.
