Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get Riot Vanguard for VALORANT
So, you're ready to dive into the tactical, high-stakes world of VALORANT. You've seen the clips, you've heard the hype, and now you want to experience the thrill for yourself. But before you can plant the Spike or clutch that round, there's one crucial step: getting Riot Vanguard.
Don't worry, it's not a separate application you have to hunt down and download. It's an essential part of the VALORANT experience, designed to maintain a fair and secure playing field for everyone. Let's get you set up and ready to go.
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| How To Get Vanguard Valorant |
Step 1: Prepare for the Tactical Onslaught - Check Your System!
Before we even think about downloading, let's make sure your PC is up to the task. Riot Vanguard and VALORANT are a package deal, and they need a specific environment to run smoothly. Nothing is more frustrating than a download that fails because your system isn't ready.
Minimum Requirements (30 FPS):
OS: Windows 10 (Build 19041+) or 11 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (Intel) or Athlon 200GE (AMD)
RAM: 4GB
VRAM: 1GB
GPU: Intel HD 4000 or Radeon R5 200
Recommended Specs (60 FPS):
CPU: Intel i3-4150 (Intel) or Ryzen 3 1200 (AMD)
GPU: Geforce GT 730 or Radeon R7 240
High-End Specs (144+ FPS):
CPU: Intel i5-9400F 2.90GHz (Intel) or Ryzen 5 2600X (AMD)
GPU: GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon R7 370
A Crucial Note for Windows 11 Users: If you're on Windows 11, you'll also need to have TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot enabled in your BIOS. This is a security measure that Vanguard requires. Don't know what that is? Don't fret! We'll cover it in the FAQ section.
Ready? Let's move on to the next step.
Step 2: Embark on the Download Mission - Getting VALORANT
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Riot Vanguard doesn't have a separate download file. It's automatically installed alongside VALORANT. So, the key is to get the VALORANT installer.
Sub-heading: Head to the Official Source The most reliable and safest way to get the game is from the official VALORANT website.
Open your web browser and go to playvalorant.com.
On the homepage, you'll see a prominent button that says "PLAY NOW" or "DOWNLOAD". Click on it!
Sub-heading: Create or Log in to Your Riot Games Account If you're new to Riot Games, you'll need to create a free account.
You will be prompted to either log in with an existing Riot Games account or create a new one.
If you're creating a new account, you'll need to provide an email address, date of birth, and create a username and password. Choose a strong password!
Once your account is created, you may need to verify it through an email.
Sub-heading: Download the Riot Client Installer After you've logged in or created your account, the website will automatically start downloading a small installer file, which is the Riot Client. This is the launcher you'll use to install and launch VALORANT and other Riot Games titles.
Step 3: Install the Riot Client and the Game
Now that you have the installer, let's get everything installed.
Run the downloaded installer file. It's usually a small .exe file named "Install VALORANT" or something similar.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will ask you to choose an installation location. By default, it will install to your C: drive, but you can change it in the advanced settings.
Once the Riot Client is installed, a new window will open, and you'll see the Riot Client interface. Log in with the Riot Games account you just created.
In the Riot Client, you'll see VALORANT. Click on the "Install" button next to it.
This is the main game download, and it can be quite large (over 30GB), so make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough free space on your hard drive.
Step 4: The Vanguard Installation and the Crucial Reboot
This is the key step to getting Riot Vanguard.
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Sub-heading: The Automatic Installation of Vanguard While the VALORANT game files are downloading and installing, Riot Vanguard will also install automatically in the background. You won't see a separate progress bar for it.
Sub-heading: The Mandatory Reboot This is the most important part of the process. After the VALORANT installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. This reboot is absolutely essential for Riot Vanguard to install properly at the kernel level of your operating system. Vanguard is a kernel-mode anti-cheat, which means it runs at a very low level of your PC to detect cheating. It needs a reboot to properly integrate with your system.
Sub-heading: Look for the Shield Icon Once your computer has restarted, you should see the Riot Vanguard icon (a red shield with a "V" on it) in your system tray (the area on your taskbar next to the clock). This indicates that Vanguard is running and active.
Step 5: Launch VALORANT and Start Playing!
Now, you're all set!
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Open the Riot Client again.
Click on the VALORANT icon.
The game should now launch without any Vanguard-related errors.
Congratulations! You're now ready to join the fight!
10 Related FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Issues
How to know if Riot Vanguard is running?
You can tell if Riot Vanguard is running by looking for the small, red shield icon with a "V" in your system tray on the taskbar.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
You can uninstall Riot Vanguard through the Windows "Add or Remove Programs" feature in your system settings. Just be aware that if you uninstall it, you won't be able to play VALORANT or other Vanguard-compatible Riot Games titles.
How to fix Vanguard not running error?
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Often, restarting your PC and the Riot Client will solve this issue. If it persists, you may need to uninstall both VALORANT and Vanguard and perform a fresh reinstallation.
How to enable TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot for Vanguard?
You need to enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, Del, or Esc). In the BIOS, look for "Security" or "Boot" settings to find and enable TPM and Secure Boot. The exact steps vary by motherboard manufacturer.
How to troubleshoot installation stuck at 0%?
Check your internet connection first. If it's stable, ensure you have enough free storage space on your hard drive. You can also try pausing and resuming the download in the Riot Client.
How to fix the "We couldn't install a required dependency" error?
This is a common error. Try restarting your computer. If that doesn't work, you may need to manually uninstall Riot Vanguard and then reinstall it by launching the Riot Client again.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How to change the VALORANT download location?
During the installation of the Riot Client, click on "Advanced Options" or "Advanced Settings" to choose a different installation path before clicking "Install."
How to update Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard updates automatically with VALORANT patches. When a new game patch is released, the Riot Client will prompt you to download and install the update for both the game and Vanguard.
How to prevent Vanguard from blocking other applications?
If Vanguard is interfering with a legitimate program, you can temporarily exit it by right-clicking the shield icon in the system tray and selecting "Exit Vanguard." However, you will need to restart your computer to launch VALORANT again.
How to contact Riot Games support for Vanguard issues?
If you've tried everything and are still facing problems, you can submit a ticket to Riot Games Support through their official website. Provide as much detail as possible, including error codes and screenshots, to help them assist you.
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