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Valorant Console Crossplay Explained: Can I Play with Friends on PC?
As Valorant expands its reach beyond the PC platform to include consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, many players are curious about how crossplay and cross-progression will affect their gaming experience. With the game now in Open Beta for consoles, the question of whether console players can team up with their PC friends is frequently asked. This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about Valorant’s crossplay features and cross-progression systems, ensuring you understand how to make the most of the game across different platforms.
What is Valorant’s Crossplay Policy?
Valorant has made significant strides by launching its console version, allowing players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S to join the battle. However, one major question remains: Can console players team up or compete against their friends who are on PC? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Valorant does not support crossplay between PC and console players. This means that if you’re on a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, you won’t be able to play alongside or against friends who are on PC. This decision stems from Riot Games' commitment to maintaining “competitive integrity,” which is crucial given the distinct differences in input methods between platforms. On the other hand, Valorant does support crossplay between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This allows players on these consoles to team up or face each other, providing a more unified experience for those on the same platform. This crossplay feature ensures that console players can still enjoy competitive and cooperative gameplay with others on their respective platforms, even if they can’t connect with PC users.
Why No Crossplay Between PC and Console?
The absence of crossplay between PC and console versions of Valorant is primarily due to concerns about balancing. Valorant is designed with a focus on precision and accuracy, which is typically more achievable with a mouse and keyboard setup. In contrast, console players use controllers, which come with aim assist to level the playing field. Riot Games wants to avoid potential balancing issues that could arise from these differences, ensuring that no player has an unfair advantage.
Valorant’s Cross-Progression Explained
While crossplay is limited, Valorant does offer robust cross-progression capabilities across PC and console versions. This means that if you have a Riot account linked to both your PC and console versions of Valorant, you can enjoy several benefits related to your game progress and inventory.
What Does Cross-Progression Include?
Account Level and In-Game Currencies: Your account level and in-game currencies will be shared between PC and console versions. This means you can continue to build on your achievements and currency balance regardless of which platform you're using.
Unlocked Agents and Skins: Any agents or skins you unlock on one platform will be available on the other. This cross-progression ensures that your collection and roster remain consistent, regardless of where you play.
Battle Pass Progress: Progress made in the Battle Pass will carry over between platforms. You won’t need to start from scratch if you switch from PC to console or vice versa.
Separate Ranked Progression: It's important to note that while most progression elements are shared, Ranked mode progression is platform-specific. Your rank and Matchmaking Rating (MMR) will be distinct for PC and console. This means that if you climb the ranks on PC, your console rank will remain separate, and vice versa. This separation helps maintain competitive balance and ensures that players are matched based on their performance on the same platform.
How to Link Your Riot Account Across Platforms
To take full advantage of Valorant’s cross-progression features, you need to link your Riot account to both your PC and console versions of the game. Here’s how to do it:
Log In to Your Riot Account: Access your Riot account through the official Valorant website or game client.
Link Console Accounts: Navigate to the account settings and look for the option to link your console accounts. Follow the prompts to connect your PSN or Xbox Live account to your Riot account.
Verify Linking: Ensure that your accounts are properly linked by checking your account settings. You should see both PC and console platforms listed.
Tips for New Console Players
If you’re new to Valorant and have just started playing on console, here are some tips to help you get started:
Get Familiar with Controls: Spend some time adjusting to the controller layout and sensitivity settings. While the controller provides aim assist, understanding how to use it effectively will enhance your gameplay.
Communicate with Your Team: Use in-game communication tools or voice chat to coordinate with your team. Effective communication is crucial for success in Valorant.
Explore Agent Abilities: Familiarize yourself with the abilities of different agents. Each agent has unique skills that can significantly impact the outcome of a match.
Check Out Agent Picks: Research the best agents to use based on their pick rates and effectiveness in different situations. This can give you an edge in both casual and competitive matches.
Wrapping Up Valorant Console Crossplay and Cross-Progression
Valorant’s expansion to consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S has brought a fresh experience to the game, although crossplay with PC remains unavailable. Console players can still enjoy competitive and cooperative play within their platform group and benefit from seamless cross-progression between PC and console. This feature allows you to carry over your progress, unlocked agents, and in-game currencies, though Ranked mode progression remains separate. For those new to Valorant or looking to enhance their gameplay, exploring the best agents and mastering console controls will help you make the most of your gaming sessions. Keep up with the latest developments in the gaming world by checking out the latest gaming news, and stay informed about future updates and changes in Valorant.
