Valorant console beta is now open for everyone
The Valorant console beta is now live, and PlayStation and Xbox users can download the game for free.
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Riot Games has announced the start of the open beta for Valorant console version. For over a month, the game was in closed beta testing, and many expected it to be released soon. However, developers decided to open the beta version for everyone.
How to play Valorant on a console
Valorant is available on both PlayStation and Xbox. To start playing, you can download the game for free. Remember that the beta is limited to the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil.
If you’ve played Valorant on PC or have a Riot Games account, you can link it to your console either on the console itself or via the official Riot Games website. Your rank won’t transfer to the console version, as the two versions will have separate ranking systems. All cosmetics will be available on both versions, meaning you can use your skins on both platforms.
If you’re new to Valorant, you can create an account by selecting ‘create a new account‘ when you open the game, or on the official website while the game is downloading.
Valorant console version difference
The console and PC versions of Valorant have some differences. Some changes are expected for a console release, while others might be surprising.
Controls difference
As expected the main difference from the PC version is the controls. Controllers are the only way to play Valorant on a console. This differs significantly from the keyboard and mouse setup on a PC.
This difference forced developers to adjust not only the main controls like movement, shooting, and crouching but also some character skills. The main change was with the skills you can control with your mouse on the PC version. In the console version, you control their main trajectory.
Ranking system
This is not surprising, as console controllers struggle to match the precision and speed of a PC mouse. Playing on different platforms will offer different experiences, and separate rankings will reflect your skill on each platform.
Crossplay
Riot Games has already announced that there will be no crossplay between PC and Console versions. It is for the same reason why rank is counted separately.
Crossplay will only be available between PlayStation and Xbox consoles. So you can play with your friends even if they have a different console.
UI changes
Anyone playing on PC is probably used to how the game menus look, but the console version will be different. You will notice the difference starting from the main menus. However, the real challenge is the UI changes in the actual game. Some agent skills are rearranged, and the shop menu is significantly different.
Although these changes are small and necessary due to the different controls, some players may need time to adjust.
Valorant Xbox Game Pass benefits
If you have an Xbox Game Pass and want to start playing Valorant, there’s good news as it provides some benefits.
First, you’ll have access to every agent from the beginning of the game. Usually, new players only start with a select few agents, unlocking others requires money or significant time investment which can be a problem for some players who want to play an agent they like.
Additionally, you’ll receive a 20% XP boost in the battle pass, event pass, and agent contracts.
Valorant Console Achievements
Valorant shares the same 16 achievements on both PlayStation and Xbox. The initial tasks are easy, like killing one enemy and winning one match, but they quickly become harder and more grindy, such as getting 1000 headshots.
If you played Valorant on PC, your progress will count towards these achievements. This means experienced players can expect some achievements to unlock automatically.
Unfortunately for PlayStation trophy hunters, Valorant achievements do not include a platinum trophy. This clearly shows that achievements are not the main focus for the developers.
Conclusion
With Valorant releasing on console the game has entered a new era. The console version of Valorant will see the development of a distinct meta in some ways.
If you’re a new player wanting to try out Valorant on console, be sure to check our guide on how to aim better in Valorant.
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