Introduction
I think this is a question many gamers ask when they search for new games. Does Steam have Valorant? We all know Steam is the biggest digital distribution platform for PC gaming. It has thousands of video games and millions of users. So it makes sense to look for Valorant there. I did the same. I opened my Steam Client and typed Valorant in the search bar. But I did not find it. That made me curious. In this article I will share what I learned about Valorant, its download options and how we can play it even if it is not on Steam.
What Is Valorant
Valorant is a free-to-play tactical shooter made by Riot Games. It is a first-person shooter game where players choose agents with special powers and fight in teams. The game is popular in esports and has a global stage with top players. Valorant is known for its fast gameplay, smart strategies and cool features. It is like Counter-Strike but with agents and abilities. Riot Games also made League of Legends Teamfight Tactics and Legends of Runeterra.
Is Valorant Available On Steam
Valorant is not available on Steam. Riot Games decided to release Valorant only through its own launcher called Riot Client. That means you cannot find Valorant in the Steam Library or Steam Store. You need to download it from Riot’s official site or the Epic Games Store. This is different from other games that are available on Steam like Dota 2 or PUBG.
Why Riot Games Did Not Put Valorant On Steam
We should understand that Riot Games has its own reasons. If they put Valorant on Steam they would have to share money with Valve. Steam takes a percentage from game sales and in-game purchases. Riot Games wanted full control over updates, features and monetization. They also wanted to connect Valorant with their other games using the Riot Account. That is why they chose their own platform.
Can We Play Valorant On Steam Deck
Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device made by Valve. It runs Steam OS and supports many PC games. But since Valorant is not on Steam you cannot play it directly on Steam Deck. Also Valorant has anti-cheat software called Vanguard which does not work well with Linux. That means even if you try to install Riot Client on Steam Deck it may not run Valorant properly. We should wait for Riot Games to support Steam Deck in the future.
Is There An Unofficial Way To Add Valorant To Steam
Yes there is an unofficial method. You can add Valorant as a Non-Steam Game in your Steam Client. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Download Riot Client from Riot Games site
- Install Valorant and log in with your Riot Account
- Open Steam Client and click Add a Game
- Choose Add a Non-Steam Game
- Browse and select Riot Client or Valorant executable
- Add it to your Steam Library
This method helps you launch Valorant from Steam but it does not make it a Steam game. You will not get Steam features like achievements or Steam friends. Also Riot Games may not support this method officially.
What About Other Platforms
Valorant is available on PC but not on consoles like Xbox Series PS5 or PS4. Riot Games announced a console version for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in 2024. Console players can now enjoy Valorant with smooth controls and full features. But there is no cross-play between PC and console. That means PC gamers and console gamers play in separate matches.
What Are The Requirements To Play Valorant
If you want to play Valorant on PC you should check these requirements:
- Windows 10 or 11
- 4 GB RAM or more
- Intel Core i3 or better
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 or better
- Riot Account
- Riot Client download
You do not need a Steam Account or Steam Client. Just go to the Riot Games site and download the launcher.
What Features Does Valorant Offer
Valorant has many features that make it fun and exciting:
- Tactical shooter gameplay
- Unique agents with powers
- Ranked matches and casual games
- Battle pass and skins
- Valorant Tracker for match stats
- Esports tournaments and global stage
- Video guides and tips for new players
These features are updated regularly by Riot Games through the Riot Client.
My Personal Experience
I remember when I first heard about Valorant. My friends were playing it and I wanted to try. I searched for it on Steam but did not find it. Then I learned that Riot Games has its own launcher. I downloaded Riot Client, made a Riot Account and started playing. The game was smooth and full of action. I liked the agents and the maps. I also used Valorant Tracker to check my past matches. I think Riot Games made a smart choice by keeping the game on their own platform.
What We Should Remember
We should remember that not all games are on Steam. Some developers like Riot Games use their own platforms. Valorant is one of those games. If you want to play it you should go to the Riot Games site and download it. You can add it to the Steam Library as a Non-Steam Game but it will not be a real Steam game. We should respect the developer’s choice and enjoy the game where it is available.
FAQs
Q: Does Steam have Valorant?
A: No Valorant is not available on Steam. You need to download it from the Riot Games site.
Q: Can I play Valorant on Steam Deck?
A: Not officially. Valorant does not support Linux and may not run well on Steam Deck.
Q: Why is Valorant not on Steam?
A: Riot Games wanted full control over updates, features and monetization. They use Riot Client.
Q: Can I add Valorant to the Steam Library?
A: Yes you can add it as a Non-Steam Game using a shortcut.
Q: Is Valorant free to play?
A: Yes, Valorant is free. You only need a Riot Account to play.
Q: What are the system requirements for Valorant?
A: You need Windows 10 or 11 4 GB RAM and a decent graphics card.
Q: Is Valorant on Epic Games Store?
A: Yes you can also download Valorant from Epic Games Store.
Q: Can console players play Valorant?
A: Yes Valorant is now available on Xbox Series X/S and PS5.
Q: Is there cross-play between PC and console?
A: No PC and console players play in separate matches.
Q: What other games does Riot Games offer?
A: Riot Games also made League of Legends Teamfight Tactics and Legends of Runeterra.
Meta Description
I think many gamers ask if Steam has Valorant. This guide explains why it is not on Steam and how you can still play it on PC.
Conclusion
I think the question does Steam have Valorant is common among gamers. The answer is no but that should not stop us from playing. Riot Games made Valorant for PC and now for consoles. They chose their own platform to give players a better experience. If you want to play Valorant you should download Riot Client and start your journey. Whether you are on PC or console the game is ready for you. Enjoy the tactical shooter and become one of the top players in the world.
