Valorant’s tactical gameplay is fast-paced, but for many players, the wait to get into a match can feel agonizingly slow. Whether it’s a sluggish loading screen, delays after agent selection, or long waits to return to the lobby, slow load times are a persistent frustration. Here’s a deep dive into why this happens—and what you can do about it.
The Main Causes of Slow Loading in Valorant
- Storage Drive Speed: SSD vs. HDD – The single biggest factor in Valorant’s loading times is the type of storage drive you’re using. Players running the game on a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) experience much longer load times compared to those with a solid-state drive (SSD). HDDs are significantly slower at reading and loading game files, which can cause delays of several minutes. Installing both Windows and Valorant on the same SSD is widely recommended for the fastest performance.
- System Hardware and Resources: Low-end CPUs, limited RAM (especially under 8GB), or outdated graphics cards can all contribute to slow loading. Valorant is optimized for a wide range of systems, but underpowered hardware will struggle to keep up, especially when loading large maps and assets.
- Game File Integrity and Disk Fragmentation: Corrupted or fragmented game files can cause Valorant to get stuck or load slowly. This is more common on HDDs, which can become fragmented over time. Regularly defragmenting your HDD or verifying the integrity of your game files can help.
- Background Applications and System Processes: Running multiple applications in the background, such as browsers, updaters, or even security software, can eat up system resources. This leaves less power for Valorant to load efficiently, especially on systems with limited RAM or older CPUs.
- Network and Server Issues: While not as common, slow or unstable internet connections, high latency, or overloaded Valorant servers can also cause delays during the loading process. Sometimes, the game waits for all players in a lobby to finish loading—so if one player has a slow connection or hardware, everyone waits.
- Software Settings and Optimization: Settings like shader cache size, virtual memory allocation, and outdated drivers can impact how quickly Valorant loads. Increasing shader cache size in your GPU’s control panel and ensuring your drivers are up-to-date can reduce delays.
Why Does Valorant Wait for All Players?
Unlike some games that let you jump in as soon as you’re ready, Valorant holds the lobby until every player has loaded the map and assets. This means one player with slow hardware or a poor connection can delay the entire lobby’s start. While this ensures fairness, it can make load times feel inconsistent—even if your own system is fast.
Table: Common Causes and Fixes for Slow Loading
| Cause | Fix/Recommendation |
| Game on HDD | Install Valorant on SSD |
| Windows on HDD, Game on SSD | Install both OS and game on same SSD |
| Low RAM | Increase RAM or boost virtual memory |
| Outdated Graphics Drivers | Update drivers regularly |
| Fragmented HDD | Defragment or switch to SSD |
| Background Apps | Close unnecessary programs |
| Shader Cache Too Small | Increase in GPU control panel |
| Server/Network Issues | Use wired connection, check server status |
Community Frustration
Players often compare Valorant’s load times to other shooters like CS2, which start matches much faster. Many note that even on mid-range PCs, Valorant’s loading can take several minutes—sometimes resulting in penalties for being late to a match. The consensus is clear: SSDs make the biggest difference, but even then, optimization and system setup matter.
Pro Tips to Speed Up Loading
- Move Valorant and Windows to an SSD
- Update all drivers and Windows regularly
- Increase shader cache size and virtual memory
- Close background apps before launching Valorant
- Defragment your HDD if you can’t upgrade to SSD
- Prioritize Valorant in Task Manager for resource allocation
Final Thoughts
Valorant’s long load times are a mix of hardware limitations, software optimization, and the game’s need for all players to be ready before starting.
Upgrading to an SSD is the most effective solution, but optimizing your system and keeping software up-to-date can also help. Until then, patience—and perhaps a quick stretch break—may be your best bet while waiting to load into the next round.
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Written by:
Christian