Riot Games’ tactical shooter Valorant, which has been exclusively available on PC since its release in 2020, is set to make its debut on consoles. Starting June 14, a limited beta for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, an exclusive opportunity, will be available. You can register for the beta here. The initial rollout will cover the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Riot plans to expand to other global regions soon after, though no date has been provided for the full launch.
Designed for consoles
The console versions of Valorant feature “custom-built gameplay” to ensure the game feels natural when played with a controller. This includes optimised controls, an intuitive UI, and a redesigned HUD. For competitive balance, crossplay between console and PC will not be supported. However, the game will offer cross-progression, allowing you to carry over your skins and progression between PC and console.
Production director Arnar Hrafn Gylfason stated, “We were adamant that Valorantโs core, competitive gameplay must feel natural on a controller. And if we couldnโt deliver on that gameplay promise, we had to be prepared to walk away from it. We hope we nailed it, but ultimately, our players will have the final say.” This dedication ensures that the console version of Valorant will meet your expectations.
Competing in a crowded market
Valorant’s console release will see it competing in a crowded market of online shooters. The game will go up against well-established titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Overwatch 2, as well as upcoming releases such as Marvel Rivals and Sonyโs Concord. However, Valorant stands out with its unique blend of tactical gameplay, diverse character abilities, and commitment to delivering a competitive experience. While a mobile version of Valorant was announced in 2021, there has been little information on its progress.
You will soon have the chance to enjoy Valorant on your console, bringing the intense and strategic gameplay that PC players have enjoyed to a new platform. The console versionโs success will largely depend on how well it adapts to console play and how you, the influential players, respond to it.
