Is using a skin changer banned in VALORANT?
Most players like to try out different skins and they either pay money to obtain them or achieve a certain level of success in the game, including battle passes. There are very direct ways to get skins in VALORANT. However, not all methods of acquiring these skins are straightforward or approved by the game’s creators. Skin changers help you try a skin in the game without paying a single dime but did you know that they are not allowed? If you want to try out the new Vandal skin, should you be using a skin changer? Here is everything you need to know about skin changers and their effects in VALORANT!
Is using a skin changer banned in VALORANT?
Riot Games, the developer of VALORANT, enforces strict rules to ensure fair play and integrity in the game. These rules include a prohibition against any software that modifies the game’s files. Skin changers alter these files to display skins not officially purchased, making their use against the terms of service. Although these tools only change appearance without affecting gameplay, they are still a form of cheating.
Using skin changers can lead to player bans. Riot Games has penalized players in the past for using such software because it involves modifying the game code, which could potentially introduce more harmful cheats or hacks. Therefore, even if the intention is just to change how a weapon looks, players using skin changers risk getting banned. Don’t try a skin changer even if you want to try the best VALORANT skin.
What is a skin changer?
A skin changer is a program that allows players to swap the skin of their in-game weapons to any design they choose without actually owning that skin. These programs let players use any skin, including custom or special ones that are not available through regular gameplay. While this might seem like a cost-free way to access various skins, it is illegal under Riot Games’ guidelines.
The key appeal of skin changers is that they allow players to enjoy exclusive or expensive skins without paying. However, this undermines the game's financial model and the fairness of the system that rewards players for their achievements in the game.
How does a Skinchanger work?
Skin changers operate by interfacing directly with VALORANT’s game files. Here’s how they typically work: once the player opens the skin changer program, they are presented with a list of available skins. The player can then select which skin they want to apply to their weapon.
After selection, the skin changer modifies the game’s files on the player’s computer. This change is only visible to the user, meaning it does not affect what other players see and does not interact with the game’s servers. It creates a local illusion of the skin being applied, but in reality, the skin is not officially registered to the player’s account.
Can you change skin in-game in VALORANT?
In VALORANT, players cannot change their weapon skins during an ongoing match. The game requires players to select their preferred skins before joining a match lobby. Once they have chosen their skins and entered a game, they cannot alter their selection until the match is completed. This setting makes sure that skin selections are finalized before a game starts, preventing mid-game changes that could distract or affect gameplay. To customize weapon appearances, players must make their selections in the main menu or their inventory before entering the match setup.
Is Riot giving free VALORANT skins?
Riot Games does provide free skins occasionally, usually during special events or through promotional offers. These promotions are often announced directly through Riot's official channels. To obtain these free skins, players typically need to enter a promotional code in the VALORANT client.
If you want to know more about free skins and how to get them, check out our guide on free VALORANT skins.
While skin changers may tempt players with the promise of free and exclusive skins, they are clearly against the rules set by Riot Games and pose a risk of severe penalties, including bans. Riot provides several legitimate ways for players to acquire and enjoy new skins, so follow those paths and don’t use skin changers in VALORANT! Here are more VALORANT guides for you to check out: