How to Change Download Location of Valorant?
Valorant, a popular tactical first-person shooter game, requires a significant amount of space to download and install. By default, the game downloads and installs its files in the C:Program FilesVALORANT directory on Windows computers. However, some users may want to change the download location to free up space on their primary drive or to organize their files in a specific manner. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to change the download location of Valorant.
Why Change Download Location?
Before we dive into the process, let’s discuss why you might want to change the download location of Valorant:
- Free up space: If you’re running low on space on your primary drive, changing the download location can help you free up some space.
- Organize files: You might want to keep your games organized in a specific folder or partition, making it easier to find and manage your files.
- Improve performance: Changing the download location can also help improve game performance by moving the game files to a faster storage drive.
How to Change Download Location of Valorant?
Changing the download location of Valorant is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
- Exit the game: Make sure you exit Valorant before proceeding with the following steps.
- Open the Steam directory: Open the Steam directory on your computer by following the path: C:Program Files (x86)Steam. If you’re using a 64-bit system, the path might be C:Program FilesSteam instead.
- Find the Valorant folder: Look for the VALORANT folder within the Steam directory.
- Create a new folder: Create a new folder in the desired location (e.g., C:Games or D:Games) to serve as the new download location.
- Move the Valorant folder: Drag and drop the VALORANT folder to the new location you created in step 4.
- Update the Steam game directory: Right-click on the VALORANT folder in the new location and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Move button and select the new location as the default download location.
- Start the game: Launch Valorant and check if the game is downloading files to the new location.
Tips and Considerations
Here are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind when changing the download location of Valorant:
- Make sure the new location has enough space: Ensure that the new location has enough free space to accommodate the game files.
- Move the entire folder: Make sure to move the entire VALORANT folder and not just the game files. This ensures that all necessary files are moved to the new location.
- Update Steam correctly: Make sure to update the Steam game directory correctly to avoid any issues with game performance or updates.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you manage your game files and directories:
- Use a separate hard drive: Consider using a separate hard drive for your games to improve performance and free up space on your primary drive.
- Create a backup: Create a backup of your game files regularly to ensure that your data is safe in case of any issues or formatting.
- Organize your files: Organize your game files and directories in a way that makes sense to you, such as using separate folders for different games or genres.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Q: Can I change the download location of Valorant on a console?
A: No, the download location of Valorant cannot be changed on console platforms.
Q: Will changing the download location affect game performance?
A: In most cases, changing the download location will not affect game performance. However, if you move the game files to a slower storage drive, it may impact performance.
Q: Can I move the Valorant folder to an external hard drive?
A: Yes, you can move the Valorant folder to an external hard drive. However, make sure to consider the read and write speeds of the external drive when doing so.
Q: How do I update the Steam game directory if I change the download location?
A: To update the Steam game directory, right-click on the Valorant folder in the new location, select Properties, and then click on the Move button to select the new location as the default download location.
Q: Can I change the download location of Valorant on macOS?
A: Yes, the steps to change the download location of Valorant on macOS are similar to those on Windows. However, you’ll need to locate the Steam directory and Valorant folder using the Finder instead of File Explorer.
Q: Will changing the download location affect game updates?
A: No, changing the download location will not affect game updates. Steam will continue to download and install updates to the game files, regardless of their location.
Q: Can I move the Valorant folder to a different user account?
A: Yes, you can move the Valorant folder to a different user account. However, make sure to update the Steam game directory correctly and ensure that the new location has enough space to accommodate the game files.
Conclusion
Changing the download location of Valorant is a simple process that can help you free up space on your primary drive, organize your files, and improve game performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can move the game files to a new location and take advantage of the benefits that come with it. Remember to consider the read and write speeds of the new location and update the Steam game directory correctly to avoid any issues. Happy gaming!