Four years after Valorant‘s PC-only release, Riot’s first-ever live-service shooter is now available to play on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Console users have been patiently awaiting Valorant’s release on PlayStation and Xbox since the game first launched in 2020, and excitement grew when the console launch was officially announced during Summer Game Fest. After July’s successful open beta, console players have finally gotten their wish.
The free-to-play first-person hero shooter is currently only available on console in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, and Japan, but according to a press release announcing the game’s console launch, “Riot’s goal is that anyone who wants to play Valorant can play and experience the game at the quality for which it was intended,” so it’s possible the game will become accessible to players in other parts of the world in the future.
The console version of the game boasts all the same features as the PC version, and Riot has stated that going forward, both versions of the game will receive simultaneous updates. Cross-play, however, has not been implemented, and there’s no word from Riot regarding when (or if) PC players will be able to team up with their friends on console.
“Cross-play will not be available between PC and console player matches to maintain VALORANT’s renowned standard for competitive integrity,” Riot stated.
“We’ve received so much valuable feedback from players during [the] limited beta, and feel confident to deliver on our gameplay promise for console players,” Valorant product director Arnar Gylfason said of the game’s console release. “Whether it’s hitting that perfect shot, executing a flawless team play, or wiping out the enemy team, we look forward to seeing console players experience the same gameplay thrill as Valorant PC players.”
New players looking to get a leg up on the competition can check out our guide to mastering Valorant‘s mechanics, but be warned: Console players caught using a mouse and keyboard will be banned.
