With Valorant expanding beyond its PC origins and making its way to PlayStation 5, many new console players are eager to understand a fundamental aspect of team-based competitive gaming: how to effectively communicate with teammates through text chat. However, the experience on console differs significantly from PC.
In-Game Text Chat on PS5: The Current State
Unlike the intuitive PC experience where a simple “Enter” keypress opens the text chat, console versions of Valorant currently do not natively support keyboard and mouse input for either gameplay or in-game chat. Riot Games, the developer, has a clear stance against unauthorized keyboard and mouse support for the PS5 version.
Any attempts to circumvent these restrictions using adapters or third-party devices could lead to severe penalties, including account bans.
Consequently, there is no direct, built-in method to open a text chat box using a standard PlayStation controller. The primary modes of communication in Valorant on PS5 are currently reliant on voice chat, controller-based communication wheels, and an efficient ping system.
Communication Tools Available on Console
For players looking to strategize or share vital information quickly with their team, here are the supported options:
- Voice Chat: The most direct and efficient method. Players can simply plug in a headset and utilize the in-game voice chat, which can be easily toggled and adjusted within the game’s settings menu.
- Ping/Comm Wheel: Activated by pressing the D-Pad Up on the controller, this contextual wheel offers a range of quick communication options. These include pre-set phrases like “Need Help,” “On My Way,” or the ability to direct teammates’ attention to specific locations on the map.
- Pre-Set Commands: Certain simple phrases or tactical calls can be rapidly communicated through controller shortcuts integrated into the communication wheel, allowing for swift alerts to your team without the need for typing.
What About Using a Physical Keyboard?
While it is indeed possible to connect a physical keyboard to your PS5 console for typing in system menus or sending messages through the PlayStation Network, Valorant on PS5 does not recognize or accept keyboard input for its in-game chat.
Despite the presence of online tutorials, particularly on platforms like TikTok, that suggest setups involving adapters, these methods directly contradict Riot’s policies. Engaging in such practices carries the significant risk of account bans or encountering technical issues.
Will Text Chat Be Added?
As of now, Riot Games has not made any formal announcements regarding plans to enable keyboard-based messaging or introduce a dedicated text chat overlay for console users in Valorant.
Relying on the PS5’s virtual keyboard via a controller for in-game communication would remain a clunky and indirect approach, and it is not directly integrated into the game’s current in-match communication system.
The Bottom Line
For Valorant players on PS5, it is important to understand that you cannot type text messages within matches using either your controller or a standard physical keyboard. The supported and sanctioned methods for sharing information with teammates are exclusively voice chat, the intuitive ping system, and the various options available through the communication wheel.
Until Riot Games releases official updates that address this, PS5 players should focus on mastering these voice and quick-communication features to ensure seamless coordination and maintain their competitive edge in Valorant matches.
Written by:
Christian