Valorant, Riot Games’ popular competitive shooter, divides its global player base by region for optimal performance and connectivity. However, sometimes players need or want to switch regions—to join friends abroad, reduce high ping, or reflect a real-world move.
Here’s an expert look at how the process works in 2025, plus important caveats every player should know.
Understanding Region Locking
When you create a Riot Games account for Valorant, the system automatically assigns your Region of Residence (RoR) and corresponding game shard based on your detected location.

This region determines the servers you access, your in-game store options, and—critically—who you can queue with. By default, you cannot freely jump between regions on a single account.
Official Method: Changing Region via Riot Support
Riot Games allows players to request a region change if certain legitimate conditions are met—such as moving to a new country. Here’s the process.
Steps:
- Visit the Riot Games Support Page: Log into your Riot account on the official support website.
- Submit a Region Change Request: Navigate to “Account Management” and select “Change Region of Residence.”
- Complete the Form: Provide details like your Riot ID, Tagline, email, current and new region, and your reason for the move. Documentation may be required for proof of relocation.
- Wait for Review: Riot Support will evaluate your request, usually approving genuine location changes (not for casual or frequent switches).
- Observe the Cooldown: Once approved and processed, you cannot change your region again for 90 days.
Warning: Changing your region will erase your current ranked progress, match history, and purchase history, but skins remain tied to your account.
Which Regions Can You Switch To?
Most major regions—North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Korea, Brazil, and Latin America—are available for transfers. Exceptions exist (e.g., transferring to China or Vietnam requires residency; some regions require a brand-new account).
What Not to Do
- Do not share, sell, or buy accounts. This violates Riot’s terms and can lead to permanent bans.
- Do not attempt to “spoof” your location with a VPN on your main account for region changes; Riot usually only approves legitimate requests.
- Be aware of data loss: Ranked progress and match history do not transfer with official region changes.
Conclusion
Switching your Valorant region is possible but tightly controlled to prevent abuse and protect the integrity of competitive play. For most, the official support process is reserved for genuine relocation.
For casual cross-region play, creating a new account via VPN remains your main option. Plan ahead, consider the consequences, and pick the method that best matches your needs.
Written by:
Christian