If you suspect Valorant is down, the sudden silence in your Discord channel usually gives it away. You likely see a connection error, a black screen, or the dreaded “VAL 43” code blocking your login. This guide helps you confirm server status immediately, decode specific error messages, and fix connection glitches to get you back in the lobby.
Is Valorant down right now?
To check status immediately, visit the official Riot Games Service Status page. Select your specific region and language. If you see “Critical” or “Maintenance” notifications, the servers are offline. If official channels show green, check DownDetector or Twitter (X) for real-time player reports. Widespread user reports mean a server issue exists despite official status.
Confirming the Outage Source
Before you reinstall the game, you must verify if the problem is Riot’s fault or yours. Online multiplayer games rely on complex routing. A server might be up in Frankfurt but down in Virginia.
Step-by-Step Verification:
- The Riot Client: Open the launcher. Look for a warning triangle exclamation mark next to the “Play” button.
- Third-Party Trackers: Sites like DownDetector aggregate user complaints. A vertical spike on the graph confirms a widespread event.
- Streamer Check: Open Twitch. If top streamers in your region are stuck in the menu or complaining about lag, the issue is global.
Player Experience: I remember the confusion during the Episode 7 launch. The official page said “Operational,” but millions were stuck on the loading screen. It often takes Riot 15-30 minutes to update their status page during sudden crashes. Trust the crowd first, then the official page.
What do the most common Valorant error codes mean?
Error codes identify specific failure points in the connection chain. VAL 43 means the system timed out waiting for data. VAL 7 indicates a failure to connect to chat/social services. VAN -1 or VAN 1067 usually points to a Vanguard anti-cheat connection error requiring a system restart or reinstall.
The Error Code Dictionary
Stop guessing and look up the code. Knowing the specific number tells you exactly which part of the pipeline broke.
| Error Code | Meaning | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| VAL 43 | System Timeout | Riot Server Load | Restart Client. |
| VAL 51 | Group Creation Failed | Party System Glitch | Re-form Party. |
| VAL 5 | Account Logged in Elsewhere | Session Conflict | Change Password. |
| VAN 1067 | Windows 11 Requirement | TPM 2.0 Disabled | Enable Secure Boot/TPM. |
| VAN -81 | Connection Error | Vanguard Service Fail | Reinstall Vanguard. |
| VAL 59 | LoginQueueFetchError | Server Maintenance | Wait for update. |
The “VAL 43” Nightmare
This is the most common error during outages. It essentially means your client knocked on the server door, and nobody answered. While restarting sometimes works, this code usually appears when Cloudflare is down or experiencing packet loss, as Riot relies heavily on CDN infrastructure for login services.
How can I fix connection errors if servers are up?
Restart your router and PC first to clear temporary cache glitches. Switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible to reduce packet loss. Flush your DNS cache using Command Prompt. If issues persist, run Riot Vanguard as an administrator or temporarily disable third-party antivirus software that might be blocking the anti-cheat.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the servers are green but you still can’t play, the issue lies in your local setup.
1. Flush Your DNS
Stale DNS data causes connection failures. This is a common fix across the web, whether you find Namecheap down or Valorant unplayable.
- Press Windows Key.
- Type
cmd, right-click, and run as Administrator. - Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand hit Enter. - Type
ipconfig /renewand hit Enter.
2. Change DNS Servers
ISP default servers often struggle with gaming traffic. Switch to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) in your network adapter settings.
3. Check Firewall Exceptions
Windows Defender sometimes flags the Riot Client after updates. Ensure vgc.exe (Vanguard) and VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe are allowed through your firewall.
Why is my Valorant client stuck on the loading screen?
Getting stuck on the loading screen often signals a “zombie” process running in the background. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Locate all Riot Client and Valorant processes. Right-click and select “End Task.” Relaunch the game as an administrator to force a fresh connection handshake.
Fixing the Infinite Load
This freeze usually happens because a previous session didn’t close correctly. The client thinks it is already running, so it refuses to start a new instance.
The Graphics Driver Factor
Outdated GPU drivers frequently cause freezing on the initial art screen.
- NVIDIA Users: Use GeForce Experience to update.
- AMD Users: Check Adrenalin Software.
- Tip: Always choose “Clean Install” if available. This wipes old corrupted files before installing new ones.
Is Vanguard causing my connection issues?
Riot Vanguard (the anti-cheat) is the most common cause of specific connection failures. It requires deep kernel-level access. If it fails to initialize during boot, the game blocks your connection entirely. Reinstall Vanguard by deleting it from the system tray and relaunching the Riot Client to trigger a fresh download.
Vanguard Troubleshooting
Vanguard is strict. If it detects anything suspicious—even a buggy mouse driver—it cuts the cord.
Windows 11 and VAN 1067
If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, you might see VAN 1067. This isn’t a server issue. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled in your BIOS for Valorant to run. Without these enabled, Vanguard refuses to trust your system.
How to Reinstall Vanguard Only:
- Exit Valorant.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find “Riot Vanguard” (not Valorant).
- Uninstall it.
- Open the Riot Client. It will detect the missing anti-cheat and reinstall the latest version automatically.
- Restart your PC. (Vanguard requires a reboot to load).
How do general internet outages affect Valorant?
Sometimes the game is fine, but the “pipes” connecting you to it are broken. Major ISP outages or cloud provider failures disrupt routing to game servers. If other tools like ChatGPT are down, the issue is likely a broader infrastructure failure, not just Riot Games.
Diagnosing Infrastructure Issues
The internet is an ecosystem. When a major backbone provider has issues, multiple services fail simultaneously.
- Check Other Services: Try accessing Ahrefs or other data-heavy sites. If they are also slow, your ISP is throttling traffic or experiencing a node failure.
- Packet Loss vs. High Ping:
- High Ping: Distance or congestion issue. Playable but annoying.
- Packet Loss: Data is vanishing. Unplayable. This usually indicates physical line damage or severe ISP routing errors.
What should I do during extended maintenance?
Extended downtime usually happens during Episode updates or emergency patches. Use this time to update drivers, watch VOD reviews for map strategies, or play aim trainers like Aim Lab. Checking third-party analytics tools can also help you plan your next rank push once servers return.
Productive Downtime
Don’t just stare at the error screen.
1. Analyze Your Stats
While the game is offline, stat-tracking sites often remain accessible. Review your headshot percentage and agent win rates. Just as we analyze social metrics in our Gramhir Pro AI review, analyzing your gaming data helps you identify weak points.
2. Explore New Tools
If you are a developer or creator, downtime is perfect for backend work. You might explore a Next.js SaaS template to build your own stat-tracking app or community site while waiting for the servers to stabilize.
3. Watch Pro Play
If the public servers are down, the LAN clients used for VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) often still work. Watching pro matches is the best way to learn improved positioning while you wait.
Final Thoughts on Server Stability
Valorant is a live-service game; downtime is part of the package. The difference between a frustrated player and a smart one is the ability to diagnose the problem.
90% of the time, “Valorant down” is a temporary ISP hiccup or a Vanguard conflict. By checking the official status, verifying your TPM settings, and keeping your DNS clean, you avoid unnecessary reinstalls. Keep your drivers updated, watch the official Twitter feed, and stay ready for when the servers go green.