Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical shooter, is one of the most popular competitive games worldwide. But for Ubuntu users, the path to playing Valorant is far from straightforward. Here’s what you need to know if you want to try downloading and playing Valorant on Ubuntu in 2025.
No Native Support: Why Valorant Doesn’t Run on Ubuntu
Valorant is designed exclusively for Windows. The main obstacle is Vanguard, Riot’s kernel-level anti-cheat software, which is deeply integrated with Windows.
Vanguard does not support Linux or virtual machines, making it impossible to run Valorant natively on Ubuntu through compatibility layers like Wine, Lutris, or Proton.
Workarounds: Dual-Boot and Virtual Machines
While you can’t install Valorant directly on Ubuntu, there are two main workarounds:
1. Dual-Boot with Windows
- Partition your hard drive to install Windows alongside Ubuntu.
- Install Windows on the new partition.
- Reboot and choose Windows from the boot menu whenever you want to play Valorant.
- Download Valorant from Riot’s official site and install as usual in Windows.
This method is the most reliable, as it lets you enjoy Valorant in a fully supported environment while keeping Ubuntu for other tasks.
2. Virtual Machine with GPU Passthrough
- Set up a Windows virtual machine on Ubuntu using software like VirtualBox or VMware.
- Enable GPU passthrough for better gaming performance.
- Install Valorant inside the Windows VM.
However, this approach is complex and often results in performance issues. Vanguard’s anti-cheat may still detect the virtualized environment and prevent the game from launching.
Why Not Wine, Lutris, or PlayOnLinux?
Many Windows games run on Linux thanks to compatibility layers like Wine or platforms such as Lutris. Unfortunately, Vanguard’s strict security requirements block Valorant from running through these methods. Even with tweaks, most attempts end in failure or bans due to anti-cheat detection.
Step-by-Step: Dual-Boot Setup for Valorant on Ubuntu
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Back up your important data. |
| 2 | Download the latest Windows ISO from Microsoft. |
| 3 | Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installer. |
| 4 | Partition your hard drive to make space for Windows. |
| 5 | Install Windows on the new partition. |
| 6 | Reboot and select Windows from the GRUB boot menu. |
| 7 | Download and install Valorant from Riot’s website. |
| 8 | Play Valorant on Windows; use Ubuntu for everything else. |
The Bottom Line
You cannot natively download or play Valorant on Ubuntu due to Vanguard’s anti-cheat and lack of Linux support. The only practical solution is to dual-boot with Windows or use a powerful virtual machine setup—both of which require advanced configuration and, in the case of VMs, may not work reliably.
For now, Ubuntu users must keep a Windows partition handy if they want to compete in Valorant. Until Riot Games develops native Linux support or changes its anti-cheat system, this situation is unlikely to change.
Written by:
Christian