How To Change Servers In Valorant?

Table of Contents

How To Change Servers In Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your server in Valorant is not directly possible like it is in some other games; however, you can influence your region selection by utilizing a new Riot account and VPN to ensure you play in your desired server.

Understanding Valorant Server Selection

Valorant’s server infrastructure is designed to automatically connect you to the region with the lowest latency based on your detected location. This ensures a smooth and responsive gameplay experience. However, this automatic system can be frustrating for players who want to play with friends in different regions, are traveling, or wish to access content restricted to specific servers.

The system considers your IP address and account creation location to determine the best server for you. This means that simply moving to a new location might not automatically change your assigned server. This approach reduces the likelihood of players from high-ping regions significantly impacting match quality in lower-ping ones.

Why You Might Want to Change Servers

While Valorant automatically assigns a server, several reasons might prompt players to explore how to change servers in Valorant:

Playing with friends: Connecting with friends in different geographical locations is a common desire.
Traveling: While traveling, your assigned server may not provide the best latency.
Accessing region-specific content: Certain events or items may be exclusive to certain regions.
Reduced ping: Occasionally, the automatic server selection may not be optimal. Manually influencing the selection could lead to improved ping.

The Indirect Process of Changing Servers

Because Valorant doesn’t have a direct server selection option in the game client, achieving the desired outcome requires a workaround. This involves creating a new Riot Games account while connected to a VPN server located in the region you want to play in. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Choose a reputable VPN service: Select a VPN provider with servers in the region you want to connect to (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia). Ensure the VPN offers stable connections and reasonable speeds to avoid performance issues.
Connect to a VPN server in your desired region: Activate the VPN and connect to a server in the region you want to play in. For instance, if you want to play on the North American server, connect to a VPN server located in the United States.
Create a new Riot Games account: Visit the Riot Games website while still connected to the VPN. Create a new account. The system will associate your account with the region based on your VPN’s IP address. Ensure you use a new email address, as one email address can only be linked to one Riot account.
Download and install Valorant: If you haven’t already, download and install Valorant.
Log in with your new account: Launch Valorant and log in using the newly created Riot Games account.
Verify your region: In the Valorant client, navigate to settings and check your region. It should now reflect the region associated with your VPN server.
Play Valorant: Once verified, you can play with your new account on the server you aimed for.

Important Considerations & Potential Drawbacks

While this method allows you to influence your server selection, it’s crucial to consider the following:

VPN costs: Many reliable VPN services require a paid subscription.
Potential performance impact: VPNs can sometimes introduce latency, potentially negating the benefits of changing servers. Always test your ping and connection quality after connecting to the VPN.
Account restrictions: Keep in mind that you might face limitations on transferring in-game items or progress between accounts.
Riot Games’ terms of service: While not explicitly prohibited, using VPNs to circumvent region restrictions is a gray area. Always review Riot Games’ terms of service to ensure compliance.
Increased ping if VPN is not used continuously: When you create an account using VPN, you need to keep using it in the same region you chose, otherwise, you may face increased ping issues.

Choosing a VPN

Selecting a suitable VPN is essential. Here are some factors to consider:

Server locations: Ensure the VPN has servers in your desired regions.
Speed and stability: Look for VPNs known for fast and reliable connections.
Security: Prioritize VPNs with strong encryption and no-logs policies.
Price: Compare pricing plans and choose one that fits your budget.
User reviews: Read reviews from other Valorant players to gauge performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using free VPNs: Free VPNs often have limited bandwidth, slow speeds, and potential security risks.
Forgetting to connect to the VPN: Ensure the VPN is active before creating the new Riot Games account.
Using an existing Riot Games account: You must create a new account while connected to the VPN.
Not verifying the region: Double-check that your region has changed in the Valorant client.

Potential Risks Involved

Using a VPN carries inherent risks that users should be aware of:

Security risks: Not all VPNs are created equal. Some less reputable providers may log your data or even install malware on your device. Always choose a well-known and trusted VPN provider.
Legal risks: While using a VPN is legal in most countries, it is essential to understand local laws. Some countries restrict or prohibit VPN usage. Using a VPN to bypass geoblocks might violate the terms of service of streaming services or other platforms.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my skins and progress to the new account?

Unfortunately, Valorant currently does not offer a direct way to transfer skins, Radianite Points, or progress between accounts. You’ll essentially be starting from scratch on the new account.

Will I get banned for using a VPN?

Using a VPN to play Valorant isn’t explicitly banned, but it exists in a gray area of Riot Games’ Terms of Service. While Riot has not actively banned players for using VPNs to connect from other regions, doing so is at your own risk. Monitor Riot’s official communications for any policy changes.

What if my ping is still high after changing servers?

Several factors can affect ping, including the distance between you and the server, your internet connection, and the VPN server’s load. Try connecting to different VPN servers within the same region or optimizing your internet connection. Consider upgrading your internet plan if necessary.

How do I know which server I’m currently playing on?

You can determine your Valorant region by checking your Riot Games account settings. Log in to your Riot account through the web browser and check the region under Account Settings. This region is typically indicative of your assigned server.

Do I need to keep the VPN on all the time while playing Valorant?

Yes, if you created the account with the VPN, it is advisable to play using the VPN constantly. By not doing so, the game may revert to original region and you may face higher ping.

Can I change back to my original region if I don’t like the new server?

Yes, you can always revert to your original region by creating another new Riot Games account while not connected to a VPN. The game will then assign you to the server closest to your current location.

Is there a way to change servers without using a VPN?

Currently, there is no official way to change servers in Valorant without using a VPN and creating a new account.

Will this affect my MMR (Match Making Rating)?

Yes, starting a new account means your MMR will be reset. You’ll need to play placement matches to determine your rank on the new server. Be prepared for a different level of competition during your placement matches.

Does Riot Games offer any official server transfer options?

Riot Games has not implemented an official server transfer option in Valorant. They have stated that the current system is designed to ensure fair matchmaking and stable ping.

Are there any risks of losing my original Valorant account?

Changing servers doesn’t affect your existing Valorant account, it just requires creating a new account.

What are the best VPNs for Valorant in terms of speed and security?

Reputable VPN providers known for speed and security include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Always research and choose a VPN that suits your specific needs.

Can I use the same email address for multiple Valorant accounts?

No, you cannot use the same email address for multiple Valorant accounts. Each account requires a unique email address.