Valorant, Riot Games’ acclaimed tactical shooter, is celebrated for its intense competitive multiplayer. Yet, for players looking to refine their skills in a low-pressure setting or simply warm up, the question of bot matches frequently arises. Here’s an updated look at starting a bot match in Valorant as of 2025.
Can You Play Full Bot Matches in Valorant?
Unlike many other first-person shooters, Valorant currently does not offer traditional bot matches where players can fill a lobby with AI opponents for a standard game mode.
Despite ongoing community requests, the option to add bots to custom games remains unavailable for PC players. This limitation is primarily due to the intricate design of Valorant’s servers and matchmaking systems.
Practice Mode: The Closest Alternative
While a full bot match isn’t an option, Valorant provides a comprehensive Practice Mode, also known as The Range, which allows players to train against AI-controlled targets.
Steps to Practice with Bots in Valorant:
- Launch Valorant and Log In: Start the game and access the main menu.
- Select ‘Practice’ from the Main Menu: This option is typically found on the main screen.
- Click ‘Play’ and Choose ‘Practice’: Confirm your selection to enter the practice area.
- Choose Your Practice Scenario:
- Shooting Test: Ideal for practicing aim against both moving and stationary bots.
- Spike Planting/Defusing: Simulates crucial in-game scenarios involving the Spike with bot interactions.
- Open Range: Offers a free-roam environment to explore and engage with bots at your own pace.
- Customize Bot Behavior: Within the Shooting Test, players can adjust various bot parameters, including speed, armor, and the number of bots, by accessing the in-game menu (typically by pressing F3).
| Practice Mode | Description |
| Shooting Test | Aim training vs. bots with adjustable difficulty |
| Spike Defuse/Plant | Simulate bomb scenarios with bots |
| Open Range | Free roam with bots and target dummies |
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Console Players: A Different Experience
For those playing Valorant on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Riot Games has introduced a dedicated Bot Training Match mode. This feature allows console players to engage in a full match against AI bots, commonly on the map Haven. However, it’s important to note that this specific mode has not yet been implemented for the PC version of the game.
Workarounds and Common Myths
Some online guides may suggest unconventional methods, such as using specific agent abilities (like Sage’s resurrection) in custom games to simulate bot-like behavior. However, these are not true AI opponents and often require complicated setups. As of now, there is no official or straightforward way to introduce genuine AI bots into custom matches on PC.
Why the Absence of Full Bot Matches on PC?
Riot Games has not provided a definitive public explanation for the lack of full bot matches on PC. However, it is widely speculated that technical limitations and a strong emphasis on maintaining competitive integrity within the game’s design are likely contributing factors. Despite the current situation, the community continues to express a strong desire for this feature, suggesting it may be considered for future updates.
Conclusion
In summary:
- PC Players: The Practice Mode remains the primary avenue for bot training; full bot matches are not yet available.
- Console Players: A dedicated Bot Training Match mode is accessible on certain platforms.
- Custom Games: These lobbies are designed for human players only and do not support the addition of AI bots.
For the time being, Valorant’s Practice Mode stands as the most effective tool for players—both new and veteran—to sharpen their aim and familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics in a stress-free environment.
Written by:
Christian