In Valorant, every frame and pixel matters. A clear, properly scaled screen not only boosts visual comfort but can also directly affect reaction time, aiming precision, and overall performance. Fortunately, changing Valorant’s screen size is straightforward, whether you prefer the crispness of native resolution or the stretched visuals favored by some competitive players.
In-Game Resolution Preferences
The simplest way to adjust screen size is through Valorant’s built-in settings:
- Open Settings: Launch Valorant, click the gear icon, and select Settings.
- Navigate to Video > General: This tab controls resolution and display mode.
- Set Resolution: Choose from the dropdown list. For most players, matching the monitor’s native resolution ensures the best clarity.
- Aspect Ratio Method: Valorant offers two options:
- Letterbox – Adds black bars to preserve proportions.
- Fill – Stretches the image to fit the full screen.
- Fullscreen Mode: Selecting Fullscreen usually provides the highest FPS compared to Windowed or Borderless.
These steps cover the majority of setups, balancing visibility with performance.
Custom and Stretched Resolutions
For players chasing the feel of older shooters like CS:GO, stretched resolutions offer a different look and, for some, the perception of bigger targets. If your preferred resolution doesn’t appear in Valorant’s menu, you’ll need to adjust at the driver level:
- NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Radeon Settings: Create a custom resolution and apply a scaling mode (usually Full-screen for stretched, Aspect Ratio for black bars).
- Restart Valorant: After applying changes, relaunch the game. The display will either stretch across the monitor (Fill) or display with black bars (Letterbox), depending on your choice.
Advanced Configuration
For advanced users, configuration files provide another layer of control:
- GameUserSettings.ini: Located in Valorant’s config directory, this file can be edited to force specific resolutions or aspect ratios.
- Backup first: Manual edits are unofficial and unsupported by Riot. Incorrect changes may cause crashes or display issues. Always save a copy before experimenting.
Optimizing Screen Setup
Whether aiming for stretched res to emulate a pro setup or sticking to native resolution for sharpness, the right screen configuration enhances both comfort and performance. Competitive players often tweak aspect ratios for personal preference, but the key is consistency—sticking with one setup long-term helps build muscle memory and visual familiarity.
The Bottom Line
Changing Valorant’s screen size isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about finding the balance between clarity, FPS, and playstyle. From in-game menus to GPU control panels, Riot offers flexibility, while advanced options cater to players chasing niche setups.
For the best results, experiment within safe settings, and once you find your sweet spot, stick with it. In Valorant, even small adjustments can make the difference between hitting the shot—or missing it.
Written by:
Christian