How Big is Valorant on PC?
Released in June 2020, Valorant is a free-to-play first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, the same team behind League of Legends. The game has quickly gained popularity, attracting millions of players worldwide. If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering how much disk space you’ll need to install and run Valorant on your PC.
Initial Install Size
The initial installation size of Valorant on PC is around 40 GB. This is the base size required to install the game and its essential files. This may vary slightly depending on your operating system (Windows or macOS) and the version you download.
Total Game Size
As you start playing the game, the file size may grow as more data is generated. According to Riot Games, the total game size can reach around 70-80 GB after several hours of playtime. This is due to the game’s architecture, which is designed to generate terrain data, collision detection, and other important features in real-time.
How the File Size Affects Your Gameplay Experience
Here are a few things to consider regarding the file size and your gameplay experience:
• Initial Load Times: If you’re starting from scratch, it may take some time to load the game’s assets. As the game runs in the background, the files are loaded into memory, allowing for a smoother experience.
• Disk Space Availability: Ensure you have at least 70-80 GB of available disk space on your PC to run the game efficiently. Having sufficient free space also reduces the likelihood of slow load times or game crashes.
• Online Performance: Keep in mind that having sufficient bandwidth and a reliable internet connection will impact your online gameplay. Download speeds of 20-50 Mbps are recommended for optimal performance.
• Upgrades and Patches: Riot Games releases regular updates, bug fixes, and balance changes for the game. These patches may add more files to the game’s total size. Monitor your disk space regularly to ensure you have enough room for new updates.
File Organization and Compression
To help manage the file size and storage space, Riot Games employs several strategies:
• Compression: They use Zstandard, a highly efficient compression algorithm to reduce file size and optimize storage.
• Directory Organization: The game’s directory is organized to keep frequently used files readily available for faster loading times. Assets like maps, characters, and game sounds are stored in separate directories, reducing clutter and increasing overall performance.
• Streamed Files: Riot Games also employs async streaming for specific assets, allowing the game to load critical files while the player waits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions regarding Valorant’s file size and storage:
Q1: Is there a way to decrease the game’s file size?
No, Riot Games does not provide a feature to manually decrease the game’s file size.
Q2: Can I install the game on an SSD or HDD?
Either is fine, but consider an SSD (Solid-State Drive) for better load times and overall performance. However, both HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD will store the game files, and the performance may vary slightly.
Q3: Is Valorant optimized for PC or Cross-platform?
Valorant is currently PC-only, with no console release announced. While it might become a cross-platform game in the future, its primary focus remains on PC for now.
Q4: Does Valorant support custom resolution settings?
Yes, Valorant supports custom resolution settings and graphics configurations to suit your PC hardware. Ensure you meet the recommended system requirements for the best performance.
Q5: What’s the system requirements for Valorant?
Refer to the table below:
| System Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-4150 3.50 GHz | Intel Core i5-7600K 3.80 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Graphics 6100 or equivalent | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560 |
Q6: Are there any graphic settings I can adjust for improved performance?
Yes, Valorant provides adjustable graphic settings in the game settings menu, allowing you to balance performance with visual quality.
Q7: Can I disable VSync to reduce input lag?
Yes, Valorant’s vertical sync (VSync) can be disabled in the graphics settings menu. Disabling VSync can help reduce input lag, but keep in mind this may lead to screen tearing and lower graphics quality.
Q8: Can I move Valorant files to another location or storage device?
No, Riot Games advises against moving Valorant files or data outside of the game’s installation directory. Doing so may result in errors or affect the game’s performance.
In conclusion, the file size of Valorant on PC may range from 40 to 80 GB, depending on your usage. To ensure the best experience, make sure you have sufficient disk space available and meet the recommended system requirements. Riot Games employs various strategies to manage file size, such as compression and directory organization. While Valorant is currently a PC-exclusive game, its popularity may lead to potential console releases in the future.