In the dynamic world of Valorant, “banners”—officially known as Player Cards—are far more than mere decorations. These customizable backgrounds serve as a vital canvas for players to flaunt their achievements, express their unique personality, and stand out on loading screens, in lobbies, and throughout their in-game profile.
Whether your goal is to amass a collection of eye-catching designs or proudly display rewards from special events, here’s a comprehensive guide to scoring the coolest banners in Valorant as of 2025.
Diverse Avenues to Acquire Banners in Valorant
Riot Games offers a variety of ways for players to expand their Player Card collection, catering to different playstyles and levels of engagement.
1. Battle Pass Rewards: The Consistent Collector’s Choice
The seasonal Battle Pass is arguably the most consistent and abundant source of Valorant’s most coveted banners. Each new Act introduces a fresh array of Player Cards, with some exclusive to premium Battle Pass holders and others available at the free tiers.
The premium Battle Pass typically costs around 1,000 Valorant Points (approximately $10 USD). Dedicated players who progress through the Battle Pass can unlock multiple distinct banners each season simply by playing the game and earning XP.
2. Agent Contracts: Character-Themed Flair
For those who commit to mastering specific agents, completing agent contracts is a reliable method to unlock character-themed banners. Each agent’s contract is structured into multiple chapters; reaching various milestone levels within these contracts frequently rewards players with a unique Player Card.
These banners often feature captivating art, deep lore, or signature designs inspired by the agent themselves.
3. Limited-Time Events & Code Redemptions: Exclusive Opportunities
Valorant frequently rolls out exclusive banners during special, limited-time events. A prime example is Pride Month, which offers a selection of eight distinct Pride-themed Player Cards obtainable via redemption codes.
Other events may also grant banners for active participation or meeting specific community goals. Players can redeem these coveted items by simply entering the provided codes into the Riot Games redeem shop.
4. In-Game Store & Premium Purchases: The Direct Route
Certain banners are made available directly through Valorant’s in-game store. These are typically part of larger cosmetic bundles or special releases and require Valorant Points (VP), which are acquired with real money.
Store bundles often feature limited-edition cards that are intricately tied to weapon skins or seasonal promotions, making them highly desirable for collectors.
5. Ranked & Competitive Rewards: Badges of Skill
For the competitively driven, Valorant rewards dedication and skill with exclusive banners at the end of each competitive season. Players receive banners (or sometimes gun buddies) that proudly display their highest rank achieved during that Act.
These ranked banners are highly sought after within the Valorant community, serving as tangible proof of a player’s commitment and prowess on the leaderboard.
6. Free Giveaways, Promotions, and Community Codes: Hidden Gems
Occasionally, Riot Games will surprise the community by announcing global redemption codes for banners across their social media platforms or during major esports events.
Redeeming these codes directly in the game client grants access to unique banners that are often unavailable through any other means. Keeping a vigilant eye on Valorant’s official Twitter, YouTube, and other social channels is essential to ensure you don’t miss out on these rare and often free cosmetic additions.
Tips for Building the Ultimate Banner Collection
To maximize your chances of acquiring the coolest banners, consider these strategies:
- Level Up the Battle Pass Every Act: This is your most consistent and diverse source for new and unique Player Cards.
- Activate Agent Contracts: Prioritize activating and completing contracts for your favorite agents to unlock their personalized banners.
- Stay Alert for Limited-Time Events: Special occasions like Pride Month, game anniversaries, and major esports tournaments are prime opportunities for new and potentially never-returning banners.
- Follow Valorant on Social Media: Many exclusive codes for rare or community-inspired banners are dropped on official social channels or during live event streams.
- Participate in Ranked Play: Push your competitive rank each Act to secure the prestigious seasonal banners that signify your achievements.
How to Equip Your Banner
Personalizing your in-game profile with your chosen banner is a breeze:
- From the main menu, navigate to the Collection tab.
- Click on Player Cards.
- Browse your owned collection and simply click Equip Card on your favorite banner to set it as your display.
The Bottom Line
Collecting cool banners in Valorant is an engaging aspect of the game that intertwines with active participation in ongoing content, special events, and an awareness of limited-time opportunities.
Whether you choose to grind through the Battle Pass, master your favorite agent contracts, or quickly snag a one-off promotion code, each banner you acquire will become a distinctive badge, proudly reflecting both your in-game achievements and your unique personality in the vibrant world of Valorant.
Written by:
Christian