Few things are as frustrating for players as being stuck on Valorant’s infinite loading screen. The issue, which prevents the game from progressing past startup or into matches, has multiple potential causes—but fortunately, there are also several proven solutions.
Common Causes and Basic Fixes
The infinite loading screen is usually tied to network problems, corrupted files, outdated drivers, or Riot Vanguard issues.
The first step is to try the simplest fixes:
- Restart your PC and router to clear temporary file or connection hiccups.
- Run Valorant as administrator: right-click the shortcut, go to Properties → Compatibility, check Run as administrator and Disable fullscreen optimizations, then apply and relaunch.
Often, these quick steps are enough to get the game running smoothly again.
Check Vanguard and Update Drivers
Because Valorant relies on Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat, the program must be running properly. If Vanguard is missing or malfunctioning:
- Uninstall Vanguard from Apps & Features in Windows.
- Open Task Manager and end any lingering Riot or Valorant processes.
- Reinstall Vanguard by launching Valorant again—it will prompt you to reinstall automatically.
Updating graphics drivers is another crucial fix. Out-of-date GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel can cause the game to stall on loading screens. Always use official update tools to keep drivers current.
Advanced Steps
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, try these advanced fixes:
- Verify game files: In the Riot launcher, use the repair tool to replace corrupted or missing files.
- Check your network: Switch to a wired Ethernet connection for stability, and close bandwidth-heavy apps.
- Clear cache: Delete Valorant’s cache folders under AppData/Local if issues persist.
- Check antivirus settings: Some antivirus programs mistakenly block Vanguard—add Valorant and Vanguard to the exception list, or temporarily disable antivirus.
- Reinstall Valorant: As a last resort, a clean reinstall can clear out hidden issues.
When to Seek Support
If none of these steps work, the issue may be hardware-specific or account-related. At that point, players should file a support ticket with Riot Games through the official Valorant Support page. Riot’s team can provide direct assistance for rare or complex cases.
Bottom Line:
Being stuck on Valorant’s infinite loading screen is a common but solvable problem. From simple restarts and driver updates to checking Vanguard and repairing files, most players can resolve the issue without needing advanced technical knowledge. With the right steps, you’ll be back in the lobby—and into your next match—much faster.
Written by:
Christian