Valorant: A Unified Experience Across Platforms

by John Nowacky
in Game updates, News, PC, Playstation, Release, XBOX
on 8 June 2024

Valorant, the popular first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, has made some important decisions regarding crossplay, controller support, and platform exclusivity. While the game will not feature universal crossplay between PC and consoles, consoles players will be able to enjoy crossplay between the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This choice was made with the goal of preserving Valorant’s standard of competitive integrity, as explained by Arnar Gylfason, the Production Director of Valorant.

In terms of controller support, PC players will not have the option to use controllers. The game will remain strictly keyboard and mouse for PC players, while console players will have the freedom to utilize controllers. This means that players on consoles will not be able to gain a competitive edge by connecting a keyboard and mouse.

While Valorant currently has no plans to release on Nintendo Switch or mobile platforms, it aims to provide a unified experience across all platforms that it is available on. There will be no console-specific or PC-specific exclusives, ensuring that all players have access to the same skins and other content. Game updates, seasons, and shop items will be updated and rotated simultaneously on all platforms.

Furthermore, Valorant has partnered with Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions to provide additional benefits. Subscribers to these services will have full access to all Valorant Agents as part of their subscription.

Although there is no crossplay between PC and consoles, there is still the option for cross-progression. Players will be able to sign into their Valorant accounts on any platform and have their inventory items shared across platforms. This means that you can work on earning XP towards your battle pass and progress in the game, regardless of which platform you choose to play on.

Valorant strives to provide an inclusive gaming experience for players across all platforms, maintaining its competitive integrity while allowing for flexibility and progression. With its unified approach, Valorant ensures that players can enjoy the game on their preferred platform without missing out on any content or benefits.

Some additional facts about Valorant that are relevant to the topic:

1. Valorant is a free-to-play game that was released on June 2, 2020.
2. The game features a 5v5 multiplayer mode where teams compete to plant or defuse a bomb.
3. Valorant has a unique blend of gameplay mechanics, combining elements from team-based shooters like Counter-Strike with character abilities and ultimates similar to Overwatch.
4. The game has a wide variety of playable characters called Agents, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
5. Valorant has gained a significant following in the esports scene, with professional tournaments and leagues being organized worldwide.

Key questions and answers related to the topic:

1. Q: Why doesn’t Valorant have crossplay between PC and consoles?
A: The developers made this decision to maintain the competitive integrity of the game as PC players using keyboard and mouse have an advantage over console players using controllers.

2. Q: Can PC players use controllers in Valorant?
A: No, Valorant is strictly keyboard and mouse for PC players, while console players have the option to use controllers.

3. Q: Does Valorant have cross-progression between platforms?
A: Yes, players can sign into their Valorant accounts on any platform and have their inventory items shared across platforms, allowing for progression and earning XP towards battle pass regardless of the platform.

Advantages of Valorant’s unified experience across platforms:
– Players can enjoy the game on their preferred platform without missing out on any content or benefits.
– Cross-progression allows players to switch between platforms and continue their progress seamlessly.
– The absence of console-specific or PC-specific exclusives ensures fairness and equality among all players, regardless of their platform.

Disadvantages or challenges associated with Valorant’s approach:
– The lack of crossplay between PC and consoles may limit the player pool for matchmaking, potentially leading to longer queue times.
– Some players may prefer the precision and control of keyboard and mouse on consoles as well, but they are limited to using controllers.