Network issues in Valorant—like lag, high ping, packet loss, or sudden disconnects—can ruin the competitive experience. Whether you’re facing the dreaded “Network Problem” icon or being dropped mid-match, these issues are common but often solvable.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and fixing network problems so you can get back to winning rounds.
Quick Checklist: Common Fixes
- Restart Your Router and Modem: Power cycling your network devices can resolve many connectivity problems.
- Switch to a Wired Connection: Ethernet is more stable than Wi-Fi and reduces packet loss and latency.
- Run a Speed Test: Ensure your internet speed and ping are sufficient for gaming. Anything below 1 Mbps or with high ping can cause issues.
- Close Background Applications: Shut down bandwidth-heavy apps (streaming, downloads, cloud sync) to free up resources for Valorant.
- Update Network Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause instability—update via Device Manager or your hardware manufacturer’s site.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
- Flush DNS and Reset Network SettingsClearing cached network data can resolve many issues:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- Restart your computer after running these commands.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
- Change DNS ServersSwitching to a public DNS like Google or Cloudflare can improve connections:
- Go to Network & Internet settings > Change adapter options.
- Right-click your active connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Set DNS to:
- Preferred: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate: 8.8.4.4
- Or try Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Check Firewall and Antivirus SettingsMake sure Valorant and Riot Vanguard are allowed through your firewall and antivirus software.Add exceptions if necessary; sometimes security software blocks game traffic.
- Update or Reinstall Network HardwareUninstall and reinstall your network adapter via Device Manager if persistent issues occur.Inspect and replace damaged Ethernet cables or faulty router ports.
- Optimize Router SettingsEnable Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic.Disable unnecessary network features like SIP ALG.Ensure NAT type is set to “Open” for better connectivity.
Special Cases: Persistent Errors
- Vanguard/Connection Errors: Make sure Riot Vanguard is set to start automatically. If needed, uninstall and reinstall both Valorant and Vanguard.
- High Ping/Packet Loss: Try using a gaming VPN or route optimizer like LagoFast or NoPing, which can find a better route to Valorant servers.
- ISP Issues: If problems persist, contact your Internet Service Provider or test with a different network to rule out local issues.
Table: Troubleshooting Valorant Network Issues
| Issue | Solution |
| High Ping/Lag | Wired connection, close background apps, change DNS |
| Packet Loss | Replace cables, update drivers, QoS, restart router |
| Sudden Disconnects | Flush DNS, reset IP, check firewall, update drivers |
| “Network Problem” Icon | Power cycle router, reinstall network adapter |
| VAN/VAL Errors | Restart Vanguard, reinstall game, check services |
When to Seek Help
If you’ve tried all the above and still face issues, reach out to Riot Games Support or consult your ISP. Sometimes, server-side or regional outages are the culprit and can only be resolved by waiting for official fixes.
Conclusion
Network issues in Valorant can stem from a range of sources, but most are fixable with patient troubleshooting. By following these steps, you’ll maximize your chances of a smooth, lag-free experience and keep your competitive edge sharp.
Written by:
Christian