Article Summary
- Valorant currently does not support cross-platform play between PC and PS5. Instead, it focuses on maintaining balanced gameplay within separate platforms.
- Console cross-play between PS5 and Xbox Series X/S may be available.
- Cross-progression is enabled using the Riot Games account.
- Future cross-play features could be introduced with input-based matchmaking to balance gameplay across devices.
As Valorant expands to reach a broader gaming audience, players are increasingly asking if the game allows cross-platform play between PC and consoles like the PS5. Valorant, developed by Riot Games, remains a popular first-person shooter, yet its cross-platform capabilities are limited. Here’s a breakdown of the current cross-platform functionality for Valorant between PC and PS5 and what it means for players.
No Cross-Platform Play Between PC and PS5
Currently, Valorant does not support cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation 5. Riot Games has prioritized maintaining a fair and balanced gaming experience across different devices, and given the distinct control mechanisms of mouse-and-keyboard on PC versus controller on consoles, cross-play could lead to competitive disadvantages for console players. Therefore, PC and PS5 players are limited to separate servers, which avoids potential issues related to gameplay imbalances and competition fairness. It doesn’t matter if you’re on PC or PS5; you can always buy Valorant accounts from us. Our accounts come loaded with rare skins, ranked-ready levels, and exclusive items, all fully secure and with instant delivery so you can start playing right away.
Why Riot Games Chose To Avoid Cross-Play
Riot Games’ decision to restrict cross-play stems from the performance and control differences between PCs and consoles. Many first-person shooters, especially competitive titles, face challenges in integrating controller users with mouse-and-keyboard users, as the precision and responsiveness offered by a mouse often surpass that of a controller. To ensure fair competition, Riot Games has opted to keep console players in their own environment. This approach also allows them to tailor gameplay for console players with adjusted controls and gameplay mechanics designed explicitly for the console experience.
Console Cross-Play: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S Compatibility
While Valorant does not allow cross-platform play with PC, cross-play between consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is expected. This would mean that PlayStation and Xbox users can team up and compete with each other in Valorant as long as they are on compatible devices. Riot’s strategy is to encourage a console-based ecosystem where players can enjoy the game across various console platforms without interference from PC players.
Cross-Progression Availability Across Devices
Although cross-play remains limited, Valorant does offer cross-progression between platforms, allowing players to carry over their progress, achievements, skins, and other in-game items between devices. This feature benefits players who might switch between PC and consoles, letting them retain access to their purchased items and rank progression regardless of the platform. Cross-progression will be managed through the player’s Riot Games account, linking all progress and rewards to the account rather than the device.
Potential for Future Changes
Riot Games has hinted at potential adjustments to its cross-platform and cross-play policies. As the gaming landscape shifts, Riot may consider allowing cross-play for Valorant, especially if they implement balancing measures like input-based matchmaking. This system could allow PC and console players to be matched with opponents using the same input device, ensuring that mouse-and-keyboard users compete against each other while controller players face other controller users. While this feature is not currently in development, it remains a possibility if demand from the Valorant community grows.
Wrapping Up!
While Valorant restricts cross-play between PC and PS5 for now, console players on different platforms can still enjoy the game together. Riot’s decision prioritizes fair competition and could evolve as the Valorant community grows.