We've all been there. You're hyped for a few rounds of Valorant (or League of Legends), you fire up the game, and then... BAM! A cryptic error message pops up: Vanguard Error VAN 68. It's frustrating, it's confusing, and it stops you dead in your tracks. But don't worry, fellow gamer, you're not alone, and more importantly, this can be fixed!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every possible solution for VAN 68, from the simplest restarts to more in-depth network troubleshooting. Get ready to banish that error code and get back to dominating the battlefield!
What is Vanguard Error VAN 68?
Before we dive into the fixes, let's briefly understand what VAN 68 signifies. It's primarily a connection error. This means that your game client (Valorant or League of Legends) is having trouble communicating with Riot Games' servers. This can be due to a variety of factors, ranging from issues on your end (network problems, firewall interference, Vanguard glitches) to, sometimes, issues on Riot's side (server maintenance, Cloudflare disruptions).
The key takeaway here is that while it can be Vanguard-related, it often points to a broader network or system conflict that's preventing Vanguard from doing its job – which is to ensure a fair play environment by detecting cheats.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Vanguard Error VAN 68
Alright, let's get you back in the game! We'll start with the quickest and easiest solutions and progressively move to more involved steps. Remember to test your game after each step to see if the issue is resolved!
Step 1: The Classic IT Crowd Solution - "Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?"
Ah, the oldest trick in the book, and often the most effective! Before you dive into any complex troubleshooting, let's try the simplest approach.
Sub-heading: 1.1 Restart Your Game and Client
First things first, completely close Valorant (or League of Legends) and the Riot Client. Ensure they are not running in the background (check your Task Manager, Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Then, restart the Riot Client and try launching your game again.
Sub-heading: 1.2 A Full System Reboot
Sometimes, a fresh start for your entire system is all it takes. This clears temporary data, resets network connections, and can resolve minor software conflicts.
- Simply restart your computer. Once it's back up, try launching your game.
Sub-heading: 1.3 Log Out and Log Back In
If the issue is related to your account session or client authentication, logging out and logging back into your Riot account can often refresh the connection.
- Log out of the Riot Client (or within the game if possible).
- Close the client entirely.
- Re-open the Riot Client and log back in with your credentials. Then, attempt to launch the game.
Step 2: Fortifying Your Network Connection
Since VAN 68 is often a connectivity error, optimizing your network is crucial.
Sub-heading: 2.1 Check Your Internet Connection Stability
A shaky internet connection is a prime suspect for VAN 68.
- Perform a quick internet speed test (e.g., on Speedtest.net) to ensure your connection is stable and you're getting your expected speeds.
- Try Browse other websites or streaming videos to confirm general internet functionality. If your internet is completely down, contact your ISP.
Sub-heading: 2.2 Power Cycle Your Router and Modem
This is like a mini-reboot for your internet equipment and can resolve many temporary network hiccups.
- Unplug your router and modem from their power outlets.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds to a full minute. This allows the devices to fully discharge.
- Plug them back in.
- Wait for all the indicator lights to stabilize (usually a few minutes) before trying to launch your game again.
Sub-heading: 2.3 Flush Your DNS and Reset Network Sockets
Corrupted DNS caches or network configuration issues can prevent proper server communication.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for "cmd" in your Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns(This clears your DNS resolver cache.)netsh winsock reset(This resets your network socket, which can fix misconfigurations.)
- Restart your computer after running these commands.
Sub-heading: 2.4 Verify Network Adapter Settings (IPv4)
Ensure your network adapter is configured to obtain IP and DNS settings automatically.
- Go to "View network connections". You can search for it in your Windows search bar.
- Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi") and select "Properties."
- Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties."
- Ensure both "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected.
- Click "OK" on both windows to apply the changes.
Step 3: Taming the Digital Gatekeepers - Firewall and Antivirus
Sometimes, your security software can be a bit too zealous, mistakenly blocking Vanguard or your game's connection.
Sub-heading: 3.1 Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus (Testing Only)
This is a diagnostic step, not a permanent solution.
- Temporarily disable your Windows Defender Firewall and any third-party antivirus software. Be sure to note down how to re-enable them.
- Try launching the game.
- If the game launches, you've found your culprit! Immediately re-enable your security software.
Sub-heading: 3.2 Add Exceptions for Valorant/Vanguard in Firewall
If your security software was the issue, you'll need to create exceptions.
- For Windows Defender Firewall:
- Search for "Firewall & network protection" in Windows search.
- Click on "Allow an app through firewall."
- Click "Change settings."
- Click "Allow another app..." and browse to the Valorant installation directory. You'll want to add
VALORANT.exeand potentiallyRiotClientServices.exe, and importantly, the Vanguard service (vgc.exe). Vanguard is usually located inC:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard. - Ensure the boxes for both "Private" and "Public" networks are checked for these applications.
- Click "OK."
- For third-party antivirus software: Consult your antivirus software's documentation for how to add exceptions or allow programs through its firewall. Look for options like "Exclusions," "Whitelisting," or "Allowed Programs."
Step 4: Reinstalling Vanguard (and the Game) – The Deeper Clean
If the above steps haven't worked, there might be a deeper issue with Vanguard's installation or its interaction with your system.
Sub-heading: 4.1 Reinstall Riot Vanguard
Corrupted Vanguard files can lead to a host of errors, including VAN 68.
- Close Valorant/League of Legends and the Riot Client.
- Open "Add or remove programs" (search in Windows).
- Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, click the three dots/options, and select "Uninstall."
- Restart your computer.
- Launch Valorant/League of Legends. The Riot Client should automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Sub-heading: 4.2 Clean Reinstallation of Valorant/League of Legends and Vanguard
This is the most drastic step, but it ensures a fresh start for both the game and its anti-cheat.
- Uninstall Valorant/League of Legends and Riot Vanguard through "Add or remove programs."
- Manually delete any remaining game files in the installation directories (e.g.,
C:\Riot Games\VALORANT). - Delete the Riot Games folder from
C:\ProgramData(you might need to enable "Show hidden files" in File Explorer options). - Restart your computer.
- Download and install the game fresh from the official Riot Games website. This will also reinstall Vanguard.
Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting & Last Resort
If you've made it this far, VAN 68 is proving to be a stubborn one. These steps delve into less common but still possible solutions.
Sub-heading: 5.1 Check for VPN or Proxy Interference
VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with Riot's servers.
- Disable any active VPN connections or proxy settings.
- Search for "VPN settings" and "Proxy settings" in Windows. Ensure any active VPNs are disconnected and proxy settings are off.
Sub-heading: 5.2 Ensure VGC Service is Running
Vanguard relies on the VGC service to function correctly.
- Search for "Services" in Windows.
- Scroll down and find "vgc" service.
- Right-click on "vgc" and select "Properties."
- Set the "Startup type" to "Automatic."
- If the "Service status" is "Stopped," click "Start."
- Click "Apply" and then "OK."
- Restart your computer.
Sub-heading: 5.3 Contact Riot Games Support
If you've tried all the above steps and VAN 68 persists, it's time to reach out to the experts.
- Visit the official Riot Games Support website (support.riotgames.com).
- Submit a detailed ticket, explaining all the troubleshooting steps you've already attempted. Provide any error messages, screenshots, and system information (like a DxDiag report) that might be helpful. They have tools and insights that can pinpoint more specific issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to Vanguard Error VAN 68, with quick answers:
How to check my internet connection for stability?
You can use online speed test websites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to check your internet speed and stability.
How to flush DNS cache?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns then press Enter.
How to reset network settings on Windows?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and type netsh winsock reset then press Enter. Restart your PC after.
How to add an exception in Windows Defender Firewall?
Go to "Firewall & network protection," click "Allow an app through firewall," then "Change settings," and "Allow another app..." to browse for the game/Vanguard executables.
How to disable VPN or proxy settings?
Search for "VPN settings" and "Proxy settings" in Windows settings and toggle them off or disconnect.
How to check if the VGC service is running?
Search for "Services" in Windows, find "vgc," and check its "Service status." If it's not running, set "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click "Start."
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Go to "Add or remove programs" in Windows, find "Riot Vanguard," and select "Uninstall."
How to perform a clean reinstallation of Valorant/League of Legends?
Uninstall the game and Riot Vanguard from "Add or remove programs," manually delete remaining game files, restart your PC, and then redownload and install the game.
How to contact Riot Games Support?
Visit support.riotgames.com and submit a detailed support ticket with all your troubleshooting steps.
How to tell if VAN 68 is a server-side issue?
If a widespread outage is occurring, Riot Games will often announce it on their official social media channels or service status pages. If many players are reporting the same error simultaneously, it's likely a server-side problem. In this case, your best bet is to wait for Riot to resolve it.
