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If VALORANT closes or fails to launch, first note the exact error message. If it contains a VAN code, use Riot’s instructions for that specific Vanguard error; otherwise, start with the lower-impact general checks below. Riot lists several possible troubleshooting steps, not one guaranteed fix for every startup crash.
Start with the error message
Write down the full text or code shown when VALORANT fails to start. A code beginning with “VAN” points to a Vanguard-specific issue, so look up that exact code in Riot’s launch-crash guidance and follow its matching instructions rather than applying security changes meant for a different error. If there is no VAN code, work through the general checks in order.
Try general startup-crash checks
Riot’s launch-crash guidance lists the following candidate fixes. Make one change at a time and try launching again so you can tell whether it helped.
- Clear the local game cache. Riot’s guidance includes clearing the game folder in the user’s local AppData cache. Check Riot’s current instructions for the exact folder and steps; the live support page’s detailed directions may change.
- Try a clean boot. A clean boot starts Windows with a reduced set of startup programs and services. It can help identify interference from background processes. Follow Microsoft’s Windows instructions, then test VALORANT before restoring your usual startup configuration.
- Check firewall and antivirus interference. Review whether your firewall is blocking VALORANT or Vanguard, and use Riot’s guidance to set any needed exceptions. If you temporarily disable third-party antivirus as a diagnostic check, restore protection immediately afterward.
- Update your graphics driver. Get the driver from the official channel for your graphics hardware and choose the version that matches your GPU. Riot’s support category includes a graphics-driver update guide; no particular driver version is specified for this crash.
- Reinstall VALORANT and Vanguard if earlier checks fail. Riot lists reinstalling both as a later troubleshooting step. Reinstallation is not a guaranteed fix, so use it after the less disruptive checks.
If the error is VAN 9005
Riot’s VAN 9005 instructions, dated January 15, 2026, say the error means Vanguard does not recognize the required configuration for VBS use. Riot directs players to check TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and Memory Integrity, then restart Windows and try launching again.
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#1 Best Overall
ASUS ROG G700 (2025) Gaming Desktop PC, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 265F Processor, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070, 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4 SSD, 16GB DDR5 RAM, Windows 11 Home, G700TF-DS774
- Fearless ROG Design – The G700’s dual-glass chassis showcases iconic ROG design with the ROG Slash and Aura Sync RGB lighting. Its 58L capacity supports triple-slot GPUs.
- Unstoppable Power – Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD PCIe 4.0 storage for seamless gaming and multitasking.
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- Confirm the settings on your specific PC before changing them. Secure Boot and TPM settings may involve firmware menus; follow your device or motherboard manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not change these settings as a generic fix for a crash that shows a different error or no VAN code.
- If VAN 9005 remains after the checks, contact Riot Player Support and attach logs as requested in Riot’s guidance.
When to contact Riot Support
If the relevant steps do not resolve the startup failure, use Riot’s VALORANT installation and technical support category. It includes a log-collection guide and forced-closure troubleshooting guidance. Include the exact error text or code and the logs requested for your issue so support can assess the failure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
KOTIN Prebuilt Gaming PC RTX 5070 12GB, Ryzen 7 9700X, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD
- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
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msi Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop, AMD R7-8700F, RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD
- POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
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Rank #3
Sale
WIWB Gaming PC Desktop, GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDDR6, AMD Ryzen 7 4700LE
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Rank #2
Sale
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500, Radeon RX 6500 XT 4GB
- System: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz 6 Cores | AMD B550 Chipset | 8GB DDR4 | 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Windows 11 Home
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT 4GB Graphics | 1x HDMI | 1x DisplayPort
- Connectivity: 4 x USB-A 3.2 | 4 x USB-A 2.0 | 1 x LAN | WiFi 5 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 7.1 Channel Audio
- Tempered Side Case Panel | Custom RGB Lighting | Keyboard and Mouse
- 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Free Lifetime Tech Support
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