Taking Valorant on the Go? How to Install it on a USB (Because Who Needs Storage Space, Anyway?)
Let's face it, folks. We all know that feeling. You're at your buddy's place, ready to dominate the competition in a heated game of Valorant. But then... dread. Their PC looks like it's about to launch itself into space thanks to all the games hogging storage. Fear not, valiant warrior! Today, we're diving into the slightly unorthodox (and possibly warranty-voiding) world of installing Valorant on a trusty USB drive.
Why Install on a USB, You Ask?
Well, the reasons are as numerous as your in-game arsenal (hopefully more organized, though). Maybe your friend's PC is a relic from the dial-up days. Perhaps you're a digital nomad, roaming from LAN party to LAN party with your keyboard and dreams of esports glory. Or, hey, maybe you just like living life on the edge (while hopefully not rage-quitting on the edge of a cliff). Whatever your reason, installing Valorant on a USB is a daring feat worthy of a highlight reel (assuming your internet connection can handle it).
Before We Begin: A Gentle Warning
Installing games on external drives isn't exactly the most conventional approach. It can be a bit finicky, and there's a chance you might experience performance issues. Think of it as the gaming equivalent of strapping a jet engine to a skateboard - thrilling, but not always smooth sailing. That being said, if you're feeling adventurous, let's get this party started!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- A USB drive with enough storage space: Valorant likes its elbow room, so make sure your USB drive can handle the game's ever-growing appetite for gigabytes.
- A PC with Valorant already downloaded: This might sound obvious, but hey, you never know who's reading!
- A healthy dose of courage (and maybe some ibuprofen for the inevitable headaches): Things might get weird.
Step 2: The Copying Caper
- Find Valorant's cozy nest: This will vary depending on your storage setup, but the game is usually tucked away in a folder called "Riot Games" within your Program Files.
- Copy that bad boy: Drag the entire Valorant folder over to your USB drive. Be prepared to wait a while - copying all those fancy gun skins takes time.
Step 3: The Moment of Truth (and Potential Disappointment)
- Plug in your USB drive to the target PC: Pray to the ping gods for a smooth connection.
- Navigate to the Valorant folder on your USB drive: This is where things get interesting. Valorant might not be too thrilled about running from a non-standard location.
- Try launching the game: If the gaming gods are smiling upon you, Valorant might just boot up. If not...well, you might be out of luck.
Troubleshooting Tips (Because It Probably Won't Work on the First Try)
- Run Valorant as administrator: Sometimes, games need a little extra authority to function properly. Right-click on the Valorant executable and select "Run as administrator."
- Check for Vanguard: Valorant's anti-cheat software (Vanguard) might need some special handling. You might need to tinker with its settings to get it to recognize your USB installation.
Important Note: Messing with anti-cheat software can be risky, so proceed with caution.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Installing Valorant on a USB drive is a bit of a gamble. It might work flawlessly, or it might leave you longing for the comfort of a traditional installation. But hey, if you're up for a challenge and have a spare USB drive lying around, why not give it a shot? Just remember, there's a reason most people don't do it this way.
Bonus Tip: If all else fails, pack some snacks and head over to your friend's place. Maybe they'll make some space for Valorant after all. After all, what's a good game without some friendly competition (and maybe a little screen-cheering)?