Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical shooter, has become a global phenomenon thanks to its competitive gameplay and accessible matchmaking.1 For new players or those returning after a break, understanding how to start a match is essential.
Here’s a detailed look at how to get your first game underway—whether you’re playing solo, with friends, or setting up a custom lobby.
Getting Started: The Basics
- Install and Launch Valorant
- Make sure Valorant is installed and updated on your PC.
- Open the game and log in with your Riot Games account.
- Complete the Valorant Tutorial (First-Time Players)
New players are prompted to complete a tutorial introducing basic controls, movement, shooting, and abilities.
The tutorial is guided by the agent Brimstone and covers all the essentials, including buying weapons, using abilities, and planting/defusing the Spike.
Starting a Standard Match
- Click the ‘Play’ Button
- On the main menu, locate and click the ‘Play’ button at the top left of your screen.
- Select Your Game Mode
Choose from modes like Unrated, Competitive, Spike Rush, Deathmatch, or Team Deathmatch.
Each mode offers a different experience, but the process for starting is the same.
Queue Up
Once you’ve selected a mode, click ‘Start’ to begin matchmaking.
The system will automatically find other players to fill the match. If you’re in a party, only the party leader can start the queue.
Agent Selection
After matchmaking, you’ll enter the Agent Select phase. Pick your agent from the available roster.
Once all players have selected, the match will load, and you’ll be placed on a random map.
Creating a Custom Match
For private games with friends or practice sessions:
- Select ‘Custom Game’
- From the Play menu, choose ‘Custom Game’ instead of a standard mode.
- Set Up the Lobby
- Choose the map, game mode, and server region.
- Decide if the lobby is open (anyone can join) or closed (invite-only).
- Adjust settings such as team sides, observers, and special options like Tournament Mode.
Invite Players
Send invites to friends or teammates to join your custom lobby.
Start the Match
Once all players are ready, click ‘Start’ to begin the custom game.
Troubleshooting: If You Can’t Start a Match
- Check Your Internet Connection: A stable connection is necessary for matchmaking.
- Update the Game: Ensure you’re running the latest version of Valorant.
- Server Status: Sometimes matchmaking is down for maintenance; check official channels for updates.
- Account Restrictions: Violations of Riot’s terms may limit matchmaking access.
Quick Tips for New Players
- Warm Up: Use the Practice Range or Deathmatch mode to get comfortable before competitive play.
- Communicate: Use your microphone or quick commands to share information with teammates.
- Stay Calm: Valorant is intense—maintain composure for better performance.
| Step | Action |
| Install Valorant | Download and launch the game |
| Complete Tutorial | Learn controls and basic mechanics |
| Click ‘Play’ | Access game mode selection |
| Choose Mode | Unrated, Competitive, Spike Rush, etc. |
| Click ‘Start’ | Enter matchmaking or set up custom lobby |
| Select Agent | Pick your character before the match |
| Play! | Enter the game and compete |
In summary:
Starting a match in Valorant is straightforward: install the game, complete the tutorial, select your mode, and queue up. For private games, set up a custom lobby. With these steps, you’ll be in your first round in no time.
Would you like to read more? Click the following link to learn why loading can take so long in Valorant or how to start a bot match.
Written by:
Christian