Troubleshooting Valorant: A Guide to Solving Error Code 57

For Valorant players, few things are more frustrating than being blocked from a match by an error code. Among these, Error Code 57, often accompanied by the message “Vanguard Not Initialized,” is a common culprit. 

This error signals that Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s essential anti-cheat system, has failed to launch or operate correctly. Understanding the root causes and implementing systematic fixes can quickly get you back into the game.

The Core of the Problem: Riot Vanguard

Valorant’s competitive integrity hinges on Riot Vanguard, a robust anti-cheat solution that must be active and functioning for the game to run. 

Error Code 57 typically arises when Vanguard encounters an issue during its initialization process, which can stem from various factors, including software conflicts, missing services, or corrupted files.

Common Culprits Behind Error Code 57

Several issues can prevent Riot Vanguard from initializing correctly, leading to Error Code 57:

• Vanguard Initialization Failure: The anti-cheat system fails to start up with the game.
• Manual or Automatic Termination: Vanguard processes might have been inadvertently or intentionally closed.
• Conflicting Third-Party Applications: Software like antivirus programs, VPNs, or system optimizers can interfere with Vanguard’s operation.
• Outdated System Components: Obsolete drivers or Windows system files can cause compatibility issues.
• Corrupted Files: Damaged game files or Vanguard installation files can prevent proper functioning.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Get You Back in the Game

Addressing Error Code 57 often involves a series of troubleshooting steps, starting with the simplest solutions:

1. The Simple Restart

Sometimes, the easiest solution is the most effective. A full system restart can resolve temporary glitches:

• Completely close Valorant (use Task Manager if necessary to ensure all processes are terminated).
• Restart your computer. This forces Vanguard to reboot and initialize fresh:
• Launch Valorant again.

2. Verify Vanguard’s Service Status

Riot Vanguard runs as a background service. Ensuring it’s active and set to start automatically is crucial:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• In the Services window, scroll down and locate “vgc” (the Vanguard service).
• If the service status is not “Running,” right-click on “vgc” and select “Start.”
• Right-click again, select “Properties,” and set the “Startup type” to “Automatic.”
• Restart your PC and attempt to launch Valorant.

3. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If the Vanguard service repeatedly fails or isn’t functioning correctly, a fresh installation can often resolve the issue:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10/11).
• Find “Riot Vanguard” in the list, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”
• Restart your PC.
• Launch Valorant. The game client should automatically detect the missing Vanguard and prompt you to reinstall it.

4. Address Conflicting Third-Party Software

Certain applications can inadvertently block Vanguard from running. Temporarily disabling them can help identify the culprit:

• Temporarily turn off or uninstall any antivirus software, VPNs, or performance-boosting applications.
• If disabling them resolves Error 57, you’ll need to adjust the settings of the conflicting software (e.g., whitelist Vanguard in your antivirus program) to prevent future interference.

5. Update Your System Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to system instability and interfere with Vanguard:

• Use Device Manager (right-click Start button > Device Manager) or your GPU manufacturer’s software (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software) to update your graphics and other essential system drivers.
• Check for and install any pending Windows updates (Settings > Windows Update).

6. Reset Network Settings (Advanced)

In some cases, underlying network issues can contribute to Vanguard initialization problems:

• Open Command Prompt as an Administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
• Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /renew
  • ipconfig /flushdns
• Restart your PC, then test Valorant.

7. The Full Reinstall: Valorant and Vanguard

If all other solutions fail, a clean reinstallation of both Valorant and Riot Vanguard is the most comprehensive approach:

• Uninstall both “Valorant” and “Riot Vanguard” from your system (via Control Panel or Settings).
• Manually delete any remaining associated folders (commonly found in C:\Riot Games and C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard).
• Restart your PC.
• Download and reinstall Valorant from the official website. This will also reinstall Vanguard.

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Quick Troubleshooting Reference

When All Else Fails: Contact Riot Support

If you’ve exhausted all the above troubleshooting steps and continue to encounter Error Code 57, it’s time to contact Riot Support directly. Provide them with detailed information, including any error logs, your system specifications, and a comprehensive description of all the solutions you’ve already attempted.

In rare instances, the issue might stem from deeper system conflicts or hardware limitations (such as insufficient RAM preventing Vanguard from running properly).

Final Advice

While Error Code 57 can be a disruptive hurdle, it is almost always solvable. By systematically following these troubleshooting steps, you can pinpoint and resolve the underlying issue, getting you back into the action quickly.

Remember: Valorant’s integrity relies on Vanguard, so ensuring its proper functioning is key for an uninterrupted competitive experience.