Key Highlights:
- Valorant open beta now available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- No cross-play with PC, but cross-progression enabled.
- New ‘Focus’ mode replaces hip-fire for console players.
Valorant Storms onto Consoles
Riot Games has officially launched the open beta for Valorant on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
This marks a significant milestone for the tactical hero shooter, which has dominated the PC gaming scene since its initial release in 2020.
Valorant, known for its blend of precise gunplay and unique character abilities, has carved out a niche in the competitive gaming world.
Its success on PC, including a “Best Esports Game” award at the 2022 Game Awards, has paved the way for this ambitious console expansion.
Console-Specific Adaptations
Riot Games hasn’t simply ported Valorant to consoles; they’ve made thoughtful adaptations to ensure the title feels at home on these new platforms.
The most notable change is the introduction of ‘Focus’ mode, a new shooting mechanic designed to replicate the precision of mouse and keyboard controls.
Focus mode functions similarly to hip-fire on PC but with reduced sensitivity, allowing for more accurate shots.
This change aims to strike a balance between the speed needed for peeking corners and the precision required for those all-important headshots.
Some agent abilities have also been tweaked to better suit controller input, demonstrating the developer’s commitment to maintaining Valorant’s core gameplay experience across platforms. All these details were shared in the latest Xbox Wire post by Microsoft.
Cross-Play and Progression
In a decision that may disappoint some fans but will likely preserve the game’s competitive integrity, Valorant does not feature cross-play between PC and console versions.
This separation is primarily due to the significant control differences between platforms.
Although, cross-play is enabled between PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, ensuring a healthy player base for console users.
On a brighter note, Riot has implemented cross-progression between PC and console versions.
This means that players’ inventories, including hard-earned skins and battle pass progress, will carry over seamlessly between platforms.
It’s a player-friendly move that allows dedicated fans to enjoy the FPS across multiple devices without losing their progress or cosmetic investments.
Xbox Game Pass Bonuses
Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat, as they’ll receive additional bonuses both during the open beta and upon full launch.
These perks include immediate access to all currently available agents, as well as day-one access to any new agents released in the future.
This offer could significantly lower the barrier to entry for new players, potentially boosting the game’s popularity on Xbox platforms.
While the console launch is undoubtedly exciting, it’s worth noting that Valorant’s expansion plans don’t stop here.
Riot announced back in 2021 that a mobile version of the game was in development, promising to deliver the same competitive experience as its PC counterpart.
However, news on this front has been scarce since the initial announcement, leaving fans to speculate about its current status.
There have also been whispers about potential ports to other platforms, including Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck.
While these remain unconfirmed, they hint at the dev’s ambition to make Valorant accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
The console market represents a massive potential player base, and it could set a precedent for other PC-centric esports titles considering similar moves.
For now, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S owners can jump into the open beta free of charge, experiencing the high-stakes, tactical gameplay that has made the FPS a phenomenon.
Just perform a quick search on your consoles store page to find the game and you can install it for free today!