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Valorant · Troubleshooting Guide · Lag & Latency Issues

How to Fix Valorant
Lag

If Valorant is lagging, stuttering, or rubber-banding, follow these steps in order. First confirm the lag isn't server-side by checking the live status page — if dozens of players are reporting issues, Riot Games's servers are the cause.

General Guidance Only

These steps are provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest game updates. Port numbers, menu paths, and settings can vary by platform and version. GamerOutage.com is not responsible for any outcomes resulting from following this guide. When in doubt, refer to the publisher's official support site.

Step-by-Step Fix

1
Check Riot Games server status for your region
Visit status.riotgames.com and select Valorant and your specific region (e.g., NA, EU, AP). Lag affecting only your server region will show here.
2
Switch to ethernet
Wi-Fi packet loss is the leading cause of Valorant lag and ghosting. Plug an ethernet cable directly into your router — a wired connection is essential for competitive play.
3
Close Riot Client background processes
Riot Client runs update-checking processes in the background that compete for bandwidth. Right-click the Riot Client system tray icon → Quit before each session.
4
Change your DNS to Cloudflare or Google
Go to Windows Network Adapter Settings → your adapter → Properties → IPv4 → set DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google). This can reduce routing latency to Riot's servers.
5
Disable background software updates
Windows Update, Steam, and Epic Launcher downloads all consume bandwidth. Pause updates on all platforms before playing Valorant to prevent mid-match latency spikes.
6
Select the lowest-ping server in Valorant
In Valorant: Settings → General → Preferred Server Location. Run a custom game to see ping to each server listed and manually select the lowest-ping option.
Is it server-side?
Check real-time player reports — if reports are spiking, it's on Riot Games's end, not yours.
Check Valorant Status →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Valorant ping so high?

High Valorant ping is usually caused by playing on a server far from you, Wi-Fi packet loss, or ISP routing issues. Check your selected server region in Settings → General, switch to ethernet, and see if your ISP has any routing problems.

How do I check ping in Valorant?

Press Escape during a match → Settings → Video → Display → enable Show Network Latency. Your ping displays in the top-right corner. You can also type /fps in agent select to see latency.

Does Vanguard affect Valorant performance?

Vanguard (Valorant's anti-cheat) runs at the kernel level and can interfere with some software, occasionally causing lag. If you suspect Vanguard is causing issues, check Riot's support forums for known conflicts with your specific hardware or software configuration.

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