Is VALORANT crossplay? Understanding the differences between Xbox, PS & PC
Is VALORANT crossplay? It's a question many players around the world are asking as they look to jump into the game—no matter what platform they’re on. On August 6, 2024, console players that are fans of VALORANT finally were able to boot it on their consoles.
Is VALORANT crossplay?
Yes, VALORANT does support crossplay, but it has some important restrictions to ensure fair gameplay across different platforms if you are in the following regions:
- North America (NA)
- Europe (EU)
- Japan (JP)
- Brazil (BR)
Crossplay for consoles only
VALORANT lets Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 players play together. This means if you’re on an Xbox, you can join matches with or against people on a PlayStation, and the same goes the other way. This basically means that VALORANT has crossplay between Xbox and Playstation, but…
No crossplay between PC and console
There is no crossplay between PC and consoles. Riot Games decided to keep PC players and console players separate, mainly to keep the competition fair. Here’s why:
- Different controls: PC players use a mouse and keyboard, which is generally faster and more precise than using a controller. This could give PC players an unfair advantage if they were matched with console players.
- Gameplay differences: The game is slightly different between PC and consoles. For example, console players might have aim assist to make it easier to use a controller, while PC players do not. Because of this, mixing the two platforms wouldn’t be fair.
- Balanced competition: VALORANT stays fair by keeping players with different control methods from competing against each other.
Simply, Riot Games separates PC and console players in VALORANT to keep competition fair. PC players using a mouse and keyboard have an advantage over console players using controllers, even with aim assist. By keeping them apart, Riot ensures balanced matchmaking and fair gameplay for everyone.
Looking for full crossplay games? Crossplay-supported games enable players on different platforms to connect and compete, enhancing the gaming experience. Games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Roblox, Rocket League, and Call of Duty: Warzone allow users on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and even Nintendo Switch to team up or battle against each other. This inclusivity leads to quicker matchmaking and fosters a vibrant community where friends can enjoy games together, regardless of their platform, making multiplayer gaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Cross-progression with separate ranks
While crossplay is limited, cross-progression is a major feature. This means your progress on your Riot Account is shared across both PC and console. If you switch from PC to console, you’ll keep your:
- Account level
- Unlocked agents
- Weapon skins
- Currencies (like VP and Radianite Points)
- Battle Pass progress
However, your VALORANT rank will be different on each platform. For example, if you’re Platinum on PC, you won’t have that same rank on console. You’ll need to rank up separately when playing on PS5 or Xbox.
How to enable VALORANT crossplay
Now you know who can use the VALORANT crossplay feature, but you should first enable it:
- Create or Log into Your Riot Account:
- To play VALORANT with crossplay, you need a Riot Account. If you don’t have one, go to the Riot Games website and sign up.
- If you already have a Riot Account, just log in.
- Link Your Console Accounts:
- You need to link your Riot Account to your console account (PlayStation Network or Xbox Live).
- On your console, open VALORANT and go to the settings.
- Follow the prompts to connect your PlayStation or Xbox account to your Riot Account. Make sure to use the same Riot Account you use on PC.
- Check Crossplay Settings:
- After linking, check the VALORANT settings to make sure crossplay is turned on. It is usually on by default.
How to play VALORANT across different platforms
It’s time to play now and here is how:
- Add Friends:
- To play with friends on different platforms, you need to add them to your friend list.
- Open the social tab in VALORANT and use the “Add Friend” feature. Search for your friends by their Riot Account username or player ID.
- When they accept your request, they will appear on your friend list.
- Form a Party:
- Once your friends are added, invite them to your party.
- Click on their name in your friend list and choose the option to invite them to join your party.
- You can mix and match players from different consoles in your party.
- Start a Match:
- After forming a party, pick the game mode you want to play.
- Remember, console players won’t compete against PC players, keeping the game fair.
Want to learn more about VALORANT? Check out our guides below: