Region locking is a common challenge in the gaming world, and Valorant players often face this too. If you’re looking to change your region to connect with friends or access different servers, this guide will provide clear steps to help you achieve that.
Why Is Valorant Region Locked
When you play Valorant, your account is automatically tied to a specific region based on your location when you register. Riot Games enforces this region locking for two main reasons: to provide low ping for smoother gameplay and to comply with regional laws. Low ping ensures faster response times, which is critical in a competitive game like Valorant.
However, this region locking has been a point of contention among players. Some feel that restricting play to the same region ensures fairer matches and more stable connections. Others argue that it limits their freedom to connect and play with friends from different parts of the world.
As someone who loves teaming up with international friends, I’m always looking for ways to bypass these geo-restrictions. So, how do I play Valorant with my overseas friends? Let me share two methods with you!
How to Change Region in Valorant with a VPN
Using a VPN is an effective way to bypass the region lock in Valorant. However, it’s important to note that you cannot change the region of an existing Riot Games account. To play in a different region, you’ll need to create a new Riot Games account. With this method, you can join friends overseas without restrictions.
Why Use BearVPN?
To get started, you’ll need a reliable VPN, and we recommend BearVPN. It’s a free yet dependable option that offers servers in various locations, including the United States, Korea, Turkey, and the UK. BearVPN also includes features like split tunneling, a kill switch, and double VPN for enhanced security and flexibility.
Steps to Create a New Valorant Account:
1. Download and Launch BearVPN:
Start by downloading BearVPN and connecting to the server in the region you want to access, such as the United States.
2. Create a New Riot Games Account:
Visit Riot Games’ website and register a new account. Be sure to select the same region as your VPN server location during registration.
3. Enjoy Cross-Region Gameplay:
Once your new account is set up, you can log in to Valorant and start playing with friends from other regions!
How to Change Region in Valorant Without a VPN
If you’ve moved to another country and want to keep your game data without creating a new Riot Games account, you can request a region change directly from Riot Games. This method allows you to update your region of residence while preserving your progress and account details.
Steps to Change Your Valorant Region:
1. Visit the Riot Games Support Website:
Go to support.riotgames.com and log in to your Riot Games account.
2. Submit a Region Change Request:
Once logged in, submit a request to change your region. Be sure to explain your situation, such as moving to a new country, and provide any necessary details to support your case.
3. Wait for Approval:
After submitting your request, Riot Games will review it. If approved, your account’s region will be updated, allowing you to play in the new region without needing a VPN.
What Are the Best Servers to Play Valorant
Valorant offers six regional servers: North America (NA), Latin America (LATAM), Brazil (BR), Europe (EU), Korea (KR), and Asia Pacific (AP). To ensure the best gaming experience, it’s recommended to choose a server close to your location for lower latency and smoother gameplay.
Best Servers by Region:
Asia: Players in Asia will find the best experience on servers located in Tokyo or Singapore, offering low ping and reliable connections.
Europe: For European players, top server choices include Frankfurt, Warsaw, and London. If you’re fluent in French, the Paris server is an excellent option.
Selecting the right server not only improves your connection but also ensures a more enjoyable gaming experience.
How to Lower High Ping When Playing in Different Regions?
High ping can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy smooth gameplay in different regions. Here are some effective solutions to help you reduce ping and enhance your Valorant experience:
1. Restart Your Router and Device:
A simple restart can often fix network issues and refresh your connection, potentially lowering your ping.
2. Use a VPN:
Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might throttle your connection, especially for gaming. A reliable VPN can bypass these restrictions and optimize your routing, leading to a more stable connection.
3. Shut Down Background Programs:
Close unnecessary programs or apps running in the background, as they can consume bandwidth and increase latency.
4. Connect to a Different Server:
If you’re experiencing high ping on a specific server, try switching to another nearby server for better performance.
5. Use an Ethernet Cable Instead of Wi-Fi:
A wired connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, reducing lag and ensuring consistent gameplay.
6. Optimize Your Network Settings:
Adjust your in-game settings to prioritize network performance and ensure you’re not overloading your connection with high-quality graphics or other resource-heavy features.
By following these steps, you can significantly lower your ping and enjoy a smoother gaming experience, even when playing in different regions.
Conclusion
Changing your region in Valorant can open up opportunities to play with international friends and explore different servers. Whether you use a VPN to bypass region locks or contact Riot Games to update your region officially, these methods can help you connect with players from around the world.
FAQ
1. Can I get banned for using a VPN in Valorant?
While using a VPN in Valorant is not against the rules, it’s essential to use it responsibly. Avoid using VPNs to exploit the game or gain an unfair advantage. If you’re simply bypassing region locks or dealing with ISP throttling, you’re generally safe. However, it’s always a good idea to check Riot Games’ terms of service to ensure compliance.
2. How to fix the Valorant VPN not working?
If your VPN isn’t working with Valorant, try the following:
- Check if the VPN server you’re using is reliable and not overcrowded.
- Switch to a different server for better performance.
- Ensure your VPN is configured correctly and doesn’t conflict with Valorant’s anti-cheat system.
- If needed, reach out to your VPN provider’s support for troubleshooting.
3. Can I change the Valorant region with a VPN for free?
Yes, you can change your Valorant region with a VPN for free. BearVPN, for example, offers free access to various servers, allowing you to change your region without extra cost. Just keep in mind that free VPNs may have limitations in terms of speed or server selection compared to paid versions.
