Since Valorant's release on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 on August 2nd, 2024, players have been asking about the game's crossplay capabilities. The tactical shooter has maintained a strong player base on PC since its 2020 launch, and now with its console expansion, understanding how cross-platform play works has become crucial for players across different devices.

In this article, we'll cover everything about Valorant's crossplay and cross-platform features, including which platforms can play together and if cross-progression is available between PC and consoles. 

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Cross-Platform & Cross-Play

First, let's clarify the differences between cross-platform and cross-play, as these terms are often confused or used interchangeably, even by major gaming news outlets.

Cross-platform refers to a game being available on multiple gaming platforms simultaneously. Take Fortnite as an example: it's a cross-platform game because you can play it on PC, Xbox (both previous and current generation), PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The game exists and runs on all these different platforms, making it a cross-platform title.

Cross-play, however, is a more specific feature that allows players on different platforms to play together on the same servers. Rocket League perfectly demonstrates this concept: players can team up and compete regardless of their platform choice. A PlayStation 5 player can join matches with Xbox One players, PC players can compete against Nintendo Switch users, and so on. 

It's important to note that while all games with cross-play are cross-platform by definition, the reverse isn't always true. Games like Fortnite and Rocket League support both features, offering both wide platform availability and the ability to play across platforms. However, some popular titles like Grand Theft Auto V, despite being available on multiple platforms (making it cross-platform), still don't offer full cross-play capabilities, only allowing limited interaction between players within the same console families under specific conditions.

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Does Valorant Support Cross-Play?

No, Valorant doesn't support full cross-play despite being a cross-platform game available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. With only cross-play enabled between consoles, PS5 and Xbox players can play together, but PC players remain restricted to their servers.

Riot Games made a decision not to implement cross-play between PC and console versions of Valorant to maintain the game's competitive integrity. The core issue lies in the differences between input methods: PC players use mouse and keyboard, which typically provide more precise aim and quicker response times compared to console controllers. This disparity could create an unfair competitive environment, giving PC players a significant advantage over consoles.

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Final Words

While Valorant has expanded its availability across PC and next-gen consoles, making it a cross-platform game, it maintains separate player bases. This decision by Riot Games prioritizes competitive integrity over unified matchmaking, ensuring fair play environments for both PC and console players. Though some players might prefer cross-play functionality, the current separation helps maintain the game's competitive nature and provides a level playing field for all participants.

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