VALORANT Console: Maps, Modes & Ranks
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VALORANT may be a popular PC game, but what about console players? Many other FPS games have console versions, except for CS2, and people wonder whether they can play VALORANT on console and, if they can, is it different from the one that we are now familiar with on PC? In this guide, we gathered all the information you need to know about the console version of VALORANT! Can you play VALORANT on consoles?
VALORANT is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil. The game has been rebuilt for console players to offer a better experience. New features like Focus Mode help adapt the gameplay for controllers.
VALORANT console is still pretty new and there is a big community of console players who had been looking forward to this game’s release. It is finally fully out and while the game is pretty much the same as the one we have on PC, there are still some things that you need to grasp beforehand. Here is all the information Riot Games shared that you need to know about the VALORANT console version:
VALORANT console Agents and roles
VALORANT console features the same roster of 24 agents as the PC version. These agents fall into four roles: Duelist, Controller, Initiator, and Sentinel. Each role has a specific purpose and they can all be efficient in both attack and defence. Players can unlock agents over time by playing matches and earning progress. Agents bring unique abilities to the game. For example, Controllers can block sightlines to help their team move safely. Learning how different agents work and combining their abilities can give your team a higher chance of winning.
VALORANT console rounds and objectives
Matches in VALORANT consist of rounds where teams alternate between attacking and defending. Each round begins with a preparation phase where players can buy weapons and abilities using earned credits. As attackers, your goal is to plant a spike and defend it until it detonates. As defenders, you must prevent the spike from being planted or defuse it after it is. Eliminating the enemy team can make completing these tasks easier. The side you start on—attacker or defender—changes after 12 rounds. The team that wins the most rounds takes the match.
VALORANT console weapons and economy
VALORANT offers a variety of weapons that suit different playstyles. Rifles, machine guns, SMGs, snipers and shotguns are some of the options available. Players buy weapons at the start of each round, using credits they earn from their performance in previous rounds. Experimenting with different weapons helps players find what works best for their style. Budgeting credits wisely is also important, as it impacts what equipment you can afford in future rounds. For example Vandal and Phantom are two of the favorites that many players prefer more than the others and you may not always be able to buy these rifles.
VALORANT console maps and strategies
VALORANT includes 11 maps, each with its own layout and challenges. Some maps have high platforms or tight spaces that suit certain agents better than others. At first, the console version only had four maps during the beta phase: Ascent, Bind, Pearl, and Abyss. Riot Games made all the maps available for console players with the patch 9.06 and now you can enjoy any map there is in the rotation on your console.
Players should focus on understanding enemy routes, checking corners, and using agent abilities to control key areas. Over time, strategies will become more effective as players gain experience on each map.
VALORANT console release date
The limited beta began on June 14, 2024, in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan. By July 31, Brazil was added to the beta regions. The console version officially launched on August 2, 2024, bringing the full experience to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
How to play VALORANT on console
VALORANT is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It offers the same competitive gameplay that PC players enjoy but with adjustments for controllers. If you’re interested in playing VALORANT on a console, you need to meet a few requirements. First, you must live in North America, Europe, Japan, or Brazil. Second, you need an active Riot Account with no bans or suspensions. Third, you must own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. Once you meet these conditions, visit your console’s store, download VALORANT, and log in with your Riot Account to start playing. The game has been optimized for consoles, making it easier to enjoy with a controller. However, you may still have to find the best controller settings that reflect your gameplay on PC. Players also benefit from features like shared account progression between PC and console, allowing them to keep their unlocked agents and skins.
How to link your PSN and Xbox account
To play VALORANT on a console, you must link your Riot Account to your PlayStation or Xbox account. This step ensures that all your progress and content are available on both platforms. Follow these steps to link your accounts:
- Go to the Riot Games website and log in to your account.
- Open the account settings page.
- Select the platform you want to link, such as PlayStation or Xbox.
- Enter your PSN or Xbox credentials to complete the process.
Keep in mind that while your unlocked content, such as agents and skins, is shared between PC and console, your competitive rank is not. The console and PC versions have separate matchmaking systems to ensure fair gameplay between controller and mouse and keyboard players.
VALORANT PC vs. console
While the core experience is the same, there are key differences and similarities between the PC and console versions that players should know.
Shared account progression
Your Riot Account links PC and console versions, so most of your content is shared. This includes:
- Account Level: Your level is consistent across platforms.
- Agents and Skins: Unlocked agents and purchased skins are available on both PC and console.
- Currencies: VALORANT Points, Kingdom Credits, and Radianite Points are shared.
- Battle Pass Progression: Progress on your Battle Pass stays synced across platforms.
- Missions: Daily and weekly mission progress is shared.
This makes it easy to switch between platforms without losing access to your content.
Separate ranks and matchmaking
Competitive ranks and matchmaking ratings (MMR) are not shared between PC and console. Console players only match against other console players. This ensures fair competition since controllers and keyboards provide different levels of precision.
Crossplay between consoles
VALORANT supports crossplay between PlayStation and Xbox. Players on both consoles can team up or compete against each other. However, PC players are in separate matchmaking pools to maintain balanced gameplay.
Console-specific features
The console version is designed for controllers. Riot Games does not allow the use of keyboards, mice, or third-party controllers on consoles. Attempting to use unsupported peripherals may lead to penalties, including bans.
Xbox Game Pass benefits
Xbox Game Pass users get instant access to all agents. This feature is exclusive to Xbox and not available on PlayStation. You need to link your Game Pass Ultimate to your VALORANT account and it works on PC as well.
What is Focus mode in VALORANT console?
Focus Mode is a special feature in VALORANT for console players. Many players have been asking if there is aim assist in VALORANT console and Focus mode is what you are looking for. It helps with aiming by changing the controller sensitivity. This makes it easier to aim like you would with a mouse on a PC. Focus Mode is especially useful for quick actions such as peeking around corners or avoiding attacks, where precise and rapid movement is key. The mode lets players move their view quickly while still being able to shoot accurately, even without using a scope.
FAQ
When is VALORANT coming to consoles?
VALORANT is already on consoles in selected regions. If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Brazil, and Japan, you can enjoy the game either on your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
Is VALORANT free on consoles?
Yes, the game is free on consoles. You also don’t need the monthly subscription options offered by PlayStation and Xbox. PlayStatşion Plus and Xbox Game Pass owners will be provided with benefits in the short future but they aren’t mandatory to enjoy the game on your console.
Will VALORANT have crossplay?
For now, VALORANT only supports crossplay between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. Crossplay between PC and consoles is not available it looks like it won’t come to live anytime soon, according to the developers.
Can you use keyboard and mouse on VALORANT console?
No, you are not allowed to play with a mouse and a keyboard. The developing team believes that controllers and keyboard & mouse setup have very different playing styles and players must compete under the same circumstances.
How to get a code for VALORANT console
Riot Games handed out all the beta codes to selected players. You only get a code if you were selected by the official Riot Games VALORANT team.
Can console players play with PC players?
No, VALORANT doesn’t support crossplay between PC and console players. While you can’t use a keyboard and mouse on console, you also can’t match with PC players if you are playing the game on a console.
Ranked mode on VALORANT console
The ranked mode on VALORANT console works exactly as the PC version. The same ranks and ranking methods are applied for console players. This means that you won’t face a different system if you have been enjoying the game on PC.
Can you play VALORANT on PS4?
No, you can’t play VALORANT on PlayStation 4. The game only supports PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. None of the consoles other than these three are supported by the game.
As we mentioned above, VALORANT on console has a very similar layout and gameplay to the PC version. That is why almost all of the beginner guides and settings for PC fit perfectly for the console version. We have a couple of recommendations for you to check out before you play the game on console:
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