How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5 in 2024? [10 Solutions]

Have you ever been pumped and ready to dive into the adrenaline-filled world of Valorant, only to face the dreaded “Valorant VAL 5” error? Trust me, I know how frustrating it can be when you’re all set for some action-packed gaming with your friends, but this pesky issue prevents you from joining in on the fun.

Don’t despair! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through tried-and-tested methods that can help you fix the Valorant VAL 5 error in no time. As an avid gamer myself, there’s nothing more disheartening than dealing with technical glitches when all you want is to get lost in the virtual world. Being a problem solver at heart, I’ve delved deep into various forums and experimented with numerous solutions over time.

The result? I’ve managed to successfully overcome this issue and my gaming sessions have never been smoother. Read on to learn how I did it and how you too can tackle the Valorant VAL 5 error for good.

Also Read: How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 19?

What Does Valorant Error Code VAL 5 Mean?

The Valorant Error Code VAL 5 is primarily a connection error that occurs when there’s an issue with your connection to the game’s servers. This error can manifest due to several reasons, such as outdated software, a weak internet connection, or even compatibility problems between the game and your system.

Ultimately, when you encounter the notorious VAL 5 error, it prevents you from connecting to the game servers and enjoying your favorite matches. When I faced this issue myself, it seemed daunting to identify the root cause at first. Given that there could be multiple factors contributing to this error, pinpointing the source can be challenging.

However, by employing a strategic troubleshooting approach, I was able to isolate and resolve the problem quite easily. And now it’s time for me to share my experience and knowledge with you so that you can also fix this frustrating error and get back into your gaming groove.

How To Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5 in 2024?

1. Restart Your Computer and Modem/Router

A basic yet effective solution to try when you’re encountering error codes is to restart your computer and modem/router. This simple action can help resolve any temporary connectivity glitches or refresh the network settings that might be hindering your connection to the game servers.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Save any ongoing work and close all open applications on your computer.
2. Click on the Start button (or press the Windows key), select the power icon, and choose “Restart” from the options. Wait for your computer to complete its reboot process.
3. Locate your modem/router and disconnect it from its power source. It’s also a good idea to unplug any Ethernet cables connected to it.
4. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging in the power cord back into your modem/router. This brief pause allows time for any residual electricity present in the device’s capacitors to dissipate, facilitating a clean reset.
5. Reconnect any previously disconnected Ethernet cables and wait until all lights on your modem/router are stable or have stopped blinking.
6. Launch Valorant and check if you’re still encountering Error Code VAL 5. If you no longer experience this issue, congratulations! You can continue enjoying your gaming sessions without a hitch.

This quick method has proven effective time and again because it helps promptly address common connection problems that may arise during long gaming sessions.

2. Check Your Internet Connection Stability

Maintaining a stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for an optimal gaming experience, especially for a competitive title like Valorant. One contributing factor to the VAL 5 error could be temporary disruptions or an overall weak connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Let me guide you through the steps to check and improve your internet connection stability.

1. Test your internet speed

Head over to websites like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com to measure the current speed of your internet connection. Take note of the download and upload speeds, keeping in mind that these can fluctuate based on network congestion and other external factors.

Ensure that your speeds meet Valorant’s minimum system requirements: 1 Mbps download speed and 768 Kbps upload speed, while higher rates are always beneficial for smooth gameplay.

2. Check for Wi-Fi interference

If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, potential interference from other electronic devices could result in a poor signal, which subsequently hampers game performance. Consider moving your router to a more centralized location, away from any obstructive objects like thick walls or large furniture.

Additionally, check if there are multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as sharing bandwidth could lead to degraded performance. Disconnect any unnecessary devices when playing Valorant.

3. Use an ethernet cable

For optimal results and maximum internet stability, connect your computer directly to the modem/router using an ethernet cable. Wired connections provide faster speeds and lower latency compared to wireless alternatives.

4. Reset modem/router

Sometimes, a simple reboot of your modem/router can fix temporary issues affecting the connection quality. Unplug its power cable for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in and waiting for all lights to stabilize. Check if the VAL 5 error persists after this step.

5. Contact your ISP

If you’ve tried all the aforementioned steps and still encounter unstable internet connectivity that could be causing the Valorant VAL 5 error, consider contacting your Internet Service Provider for assistance. They may be able to provide crucial information about potential outages or suggest ways to improve your connection quality.

3. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is essential not only for fixing the Valorant VAL 5 error but also for ensuring optimal game performance. Outdated graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues between your system and the game, causing errors and crashes. Follow these steps to update your graphics drivers and resolve the issue.

1. Identify your graphics card

First, you need to know the make and model of your graphics card in order to find the appropriate driver updates. To do so,

• Press Win + X keys on your keyboard, then click on Device Manager.
• Expand Display adapters. You’ll see the name of your current GPU or Graphics Processing Unit.

Make a note of this information as it will help you locate the correct driver updates.

2. Download updated drivers

You have two main options to download updates for your GPU:

1. Manufacturer’s website: Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (AMD or NVIDIA). Look for the support section or driver downloads, enter your GPU information, and download the latest driver version.
2. Windows Update: Updating Windows might automatically install new GPU drivers if they are available. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates.

3. Install updated drivers

Once you have downloaded the latest driver update:

• If it’s an installer file (.exe), simply double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If it’s a zip file or folder, go back to Device Manager > Display adapters > Right-click on your GPU name > Click ‘Update Driver’ > Choose ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ option > Locate and select downloaded ZIP or folder.

Your system will then install the updated driver files. After completing the installation process, restart your computer. Launch Valorant and check whether the 5 error has been resolved.

4. Verify The Integrity Of Your Game Files

One of the essential steps in fixing the issue is to ensure that your game files are intact and free from corruption. Verifying the integrity of game files can not only fix errors but can also make sure that all crucial components are present in your system. Here are the steps to verify the integrity of your game files:

1. Open Windows File Explorer

To begin, you need to access your Valorant game installation folder. Open the Windows File Explorer by pressing Win + E or by clicking on the folder icon located on the taskbar.

2. Navigate to Riot Games

Next, go to this path: C:\Riot Games. Inside this directory, you’ll find all of your Riot Games installations, including Valorant and its launcher.

3. Locate and run _install_vanguard.bat

In the Riot Vanguard folder, locate a file named _install_vanguard.bat. Right-click on this file and select “Run as administrator”. This will reinstall Vanguard and verify if it’s causing any issues with your game files.

4. Run Valorant as an administrator

Now head over to where your main_valor.exe is situated which should be under C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard. Once there, right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator”. This action could fix potential permission-related problems that can trigger VAL 5 errors.

Remember that these steps serve as guidelines for a typical installation path. Your system might have a slightly different folder setup depending on how you installed Valorant.

5. Temporarily Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus/Firewall Software

Antivirus and firewall programs can interfere with the connection between your computer and the Valorant game servers, leading to the VAL 5 error. To determine whether this is the case, you can temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software and check if it resolves the issue. Follow these steps to ensure that you do this safely:

1. Disable Your Antivirus Software

Note: Disabling your antivirus doesn’t mean uninstalling it; you’re simply turning off its real-time protection for a short period of testing.

1. Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray (usually located on the bottom right of your screen).
2. Right-click on the icon and choose Disable or Turn Off (the option may vary depending on your antivirus).
3. Select a time frame for which you want to disable the protection (preferably a short duration, like 15 or 30 minutes).

Remember to enable real-time protection again after conducting this test.

2. Disable Your Firewall

1. Press Windows key + X and click on Control Panel.
2. Navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
3. In the left pane, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
4. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under both Private network settings and Public network settings. Click OK.

Make sure you turn your firewall back on after testing.

Once you’ve disabled both your antivirus and firewall, try running Valorant again to see if Error Code VAL 5 has been resolved.

If disabling these security features resolves the issue but re-enabling them causes it again, consider adding Valorant to their exception lists or contacting the support teams of your respective security programs for additional help.

3. Uninstalling Third-Party Antivirus/Firewall (Optional)

If you’ve determined that your third-party antivirus/firewall is the source of the problem and you’re unable to add exceptions or get support from their team, you may consider uninstalling them. To do so:

1. Press Windows key + X and click on Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Programs and Features.
3. Find your antivirus/firewall in the list, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.

Keep in mind that if you choose to uninstall your antivirus/firewall software, you should find an alternative security solution to protect your system as unsecured systems are vulnerable to various threats.

Also Read: Valorant Tier List

6. Update The Valorant Game Client and Launcher

Keeping your Valorant game client and launcher up-to-date is essential for a smooth gaming experience and for preventing errors.

Updates often include crucial bug fixes, performance tweaks, and compatibility enhancements that can help resolve issues with the game. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your Valorant game client and launcher:

1. Close the Game

Before updating anything, ensure that you have completely closed the Valorant game. This will prevent conflicts between the running application and any updates being installed.

2. Launch the Riot Games Launcher

Open your Riot Games Launcher by double-clicking on its desktop icon or finding it in your start menu (Riot Client for Windows).

3. Check for Updates

Upon launching, the Riot Games Launcher should automatically check for updates to both itself (the launcher) and the Valorant game client. If updates are available, you should notice a progress bar indicating that an update is in progress.

If no automatic checks occur, click on ‘Settings’ (the gear icon) at the top-right corner of the launcher window, then select ‘Check for Updates’ from the dropdown menu.

4. Wait for the Completion

Allow any necessary updates to download and install. The duration may vary depending on your internet speed or how large the updates are.

5. Restart Launcher if needed

In some cases, you might need to restart your Riot Games Launcher after installing updates. You’ll usually receive a prompt advising you to restart if necessary.

6. Launch Valorant

Once all updates have been successfully installed, hit ‘Play’ within the Riot Games Launcher to start Valorant. Your VAL 5 error should hopefully be resolved with these new updates in effect.

7. Change Your DNS Settings To Google Public DNS

Sometimes, the cause of the “Valorant Error Code VAL 5” can be traced back to your Domain Name System (DNS) settings. By changing your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS, you may resolve the connection issue and improve your overall gaming experience.

To change your DNS settings, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Network Connections from the context menu.
2. In the Network & Internet settings window, click on Change adapter options under the Advanced network settings section.
3. Locate your active network connection (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet), right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, scroll down and find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the list. Click on it to highlight it and then select Properties.
5. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select the radio button next to “Use the following DNS server addresses:”
6. Enter Google Public DNS’s primary (8.8.8.8) and secondary (8.8.4.4) addresses in their respective fields.
7. Click OK to save your changes, and then close all other open windows.

After changing your DNS settings to Google Public DNS, relaunch Valorant to check if this has resolved the error.

8. Run Valorant As An Administrator

One often overlooked solution to fix the error code is to run the game with administrative privileges. This could resolve issues related to restricted processes, file access, or even network connections, as having administrative rights will grant full control over your system.

Follow these simple steps to run Valorant as an administrator:

1. Close the game and Riot Vanguard

Make sure both Valorant and Riot Vanguard anti-cheat are closed before proceeding.

2. Locate the game launcher file

Navigate to the folder where you’ve installed Valorant. By default, this can be found at C:\Riot Games\VALORANT. In this folder, locate RiotClientServices.exe, which is responsible for launching the game.

3. Run as administrator

Right-click on RiotClientServices.exe and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu that appears. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” or “Allow” to proceed.

4. Launching Valorant

Upon running RiotClientServices.exe with administrative privileges, the Valorant launcher should open automatically. Click “Play” to start the game.

5. Run Riot Vanguard as administrator (optional)

If running just Valorant with administrative rights doesn’t seem to help, you might consider doing the same for Riot Vanguard anti-cheat. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard. This is usually where Riot Vanguard is installed.
2. Locate vgtray.exe in this directory.
3. Right-click on vgtray.exe and choose ”Run as administrator”. Again, if UAC prompts you for confirmation, click “Yes” or “Allow”.

With both Riot Vanguard and Valorant running as an administrator, you may now find that the VAL 5 error has been resolved, allowing you to connect to the game servers without any issues.

Remember to always exercise caution when using administrative privileges. Be sure you are running trusted applications, such as the Valorant game launcher and Riot Vanguard, and avoid elevating unnecessary programs in order to maintain your system’s security.

9. Reinstall The Game and Riot Vanguard Anti-Cheat System

There are times when a clean reinstall of both the game and Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system can work wonders in fixing the notorious Valorant VAL 5 error. By performing a complete reinstallation, you eliminate any lingering files or settings that might be causing issues with the connection to the Valorant servers. To do this, simply follow the steps listed below:

1. Uninstall Valorant

• Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
• Type in appwiz.cpl and hit Enter. This will open the “Programs and Features” window.
• Locate Valorant in the list of installed programs, select it, and click on Uninstall.

2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard

In addition to uninstalling Valorant, you must also remove the associated Vanguard anti-cheat system.

• Repeat the process described above within “Programs and Features,” but this time select Riot Vanguard from the list.
• Click on Uninstall to remove it from your system.

3. Delete residual files

To ensure a clean slate for your reinstall, manually delete any residual files related to both Valorant and Riot Vanguard.

• Press Windows Key + R once more.
• Type %localappdata% into the Run dialog box and hit Enter.
• Locate any folders that mention Riot Games, Valorant, or Vanguard; delete them by right-clicking on each folder and selecting Delete.

4. Restart your computer

Once you’ve successfully uninstalled both programs and removed residual files, restart your computer to finalize these changes:

• Click on Start, then on Power, and choose Restart.

5. Download and install Valorant and Riot Vanguard

At last, you’re ready to reinstall the game and anti-cheat system.

• Visit the official Valorant website; download the game client by clicking ‘Play Free.’
• After downloading, launch the installer and follow the onscreen instructions.
• Valorant will automatically install Riot Vanguard alongside it – just make sure to grant it permissions when prompted.

Now your fresh installation of Valorant and Riot Vanguard should be free of any connection issues.

10. Contact Riot Games Support For Further Assistance

If none of the previously mentioned solutions have resolved the Error Code VAL 5 issue in Valorant, it may be time to seek assistance directly from Riot Games’ Support team. They are well-equipped with all the troubleshooting and technical knowledge required to address your game-related problems.

To make the process smoother, I’ve summarized the essential steps you need to follow when contacting Riot Games support:

1. Gather Relevant Information

Before reaching out, ensure you have essential details on hand, such as:

• Your account username
• The email address associated with your account
• A description of the error (Error Code VAL 5)
• Details about the solutions you’ve already tried

Having this information readily available will make it easier for Riot’s support team to help you.

2. Visit Riot Games Support Website

Go to Riot Games Support and click on the “Submit a ticket” button at the top right corner to contact their technical team directly. You may also want to browse their website for any additional helpful resources before submitting a ticket.

3. Fill Out The Support Form

Provide relevant information in the ticket submission form, including:

• Subject: A brief summary of your issue (e.g., “Valorant Error Code VAL 5”)
• Description: In this field, describe your problem in detail. Mention all of the troubleshooting methods you’ve tried so far, along with any other relevant information that might help resolve your issue.
• Category: Select “Technical Assistance” from the dropdown menu.

Complete any additional required fields and double-check that everything is accurate.

4. Attach Supporting Documents (if applicable)

If necessary, include any screenshots, error logs, or other supporting documents that will help the support team better understand and resolve your issue.

5. Submit Your Ticket

Once you’ve completed the form, click the “Submit” button to submit your ticket. Riot Games Support will review your issue, and an agent should respond to you via email shortly.

While waiting for a response, it’s wise to monitor your inbox and spam folder to ensure that you don’t miss any communication from the support team.

Also Read: How to Fix ADP Error Code 100?

Conclusion

Overcoming the Valorant Error Code VAL 5 is not as complicated as it may initially seem. By trying out the various solutions mentioned earlier, you will likely stumble upon the one that works best for your specific situation. Patience and determination are key when dealing with technical issues in gameplay, and I sincerely believe that you, too, can overcome this bothersome error.

As a fellow gamer who has endured this hiccup myself, I understand the importance of uninterrupted gaming sessions and how vital it is to stay connected with your team. So, hang in there and work through these methods one by one. Soon enough, you’ll be back on track to regain your competitive edge and participate in thrilling matches on Valorant without any hindrance.