Valorant, Riot’s popular tactical FPS, is finally coming to consoles after being a PC exclusive for four years. During Summer Game Fest, Riot Games announced Valorant’s expansion to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Here are the details.
Valorant set to Launch on Consoles with Free Limited Beta Testing
Valorant console beta is set to start on June 14, 1 pm PT. However, this beta is limited to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Players can register here.
Valorant Limited Beta hits PS5 on June 14.@riotgames shares details on unique Agent abilities, maps, and how to access the beta: https://t.co/JLkEWGY7xx pic.twitter.com/Wlp0KBI46R
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 7, 2024
Riot has said that it will possibly be rolling out to remaining global regions shortly. The company has not confirmed an official date for a full launch.
The PS5 and Xbox versions will boast “custom-built gameplay,” designed to prioritize the game’s core strategic elements. Playing a fast-paced FPS against PC players who have had two years to practice with a mouse and keyboard doesn’t sound fun, so Riot has considered that. With that in mind, Valorant will not feature cross-play between PC and console. Instead, it will offer a “connected, shared inventory” and cross-progression between accounts.
Riot promises that all live patch balances, new agents, maps, premium content, and other features will be released simultaneously across all platforms.
The beta will feature Unrated, Swiftplay, and Deathmatch modes across Ascent, Bind, Haven, and Abyss maps. Subsequent updates on June 25 will introduce Patch 9.00 and Sunset, followed by the Lotus map on July 9 and Icebox on July 23. Additionally, players can engage in Team Deathmatch across all maps and explore custom games across Valorant’s diverse map pool.
In an interview with GameSpot, Riot Games discussed the challenges of bringing their tactical shooter Valorant to consoles. Ensuring the core Valorant experience – fast-paced, strategic, and demanding high skill – translated seamlessly to controllers was a focus. Riot developed a unique “Focus mode” for precise aiming and customizable sensitivity options. They also tweaked the abilities, enemy interactions, and user interface for a balanced console experience. Performance was prioritized, with Riot targeting 120 FPS on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. Console players will also benefit from the same connection quality and server access as PC players.
A mobile version of Valorant was announced in 2021, but there has been little information about it since. While rumours of a China-specific mobile port gaining approval swirl, details are scarce. However, with the Valorant Masters Shanghai ongoing, a mobile announcement this weekend remains a possibility.
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