How to Change Game Shard in Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide
Changing game shards in Valorant can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, addressing common issues and FAQs along the way.
Why Change Game Shard?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of changing game shards, it’s essential to understand why you might want to do so. Changing game shards allows you to join a different community, which can be beneficial for a variety of reasons:
• Find a community that fits your playstyle: Join a community with players who share your values and playstyle, making the game more enjoyable.
• Avoid toxic communities: Leave a toxic community and find a more welcoming environment where you can relax and have fun.
• Get into a ranked play environment: Move to a game shard with more active and competitive players.
Changing Game Shard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing game shards is relatively simple. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Main Menu
When you open Valorant, click on the main menu () on the top-left corner of the screen. From here, navigate to the Server () option.
Step 2: Select "Shard Change"
Click on the Shard Change () button to bring up a list of available shards. Make sure you’re in a party with at least one player from the shard you want to change to.
Step 3: Choose a Shard
Browse the list of available shards and select the one you want to change to. Click Join Shard to initiate the change.
Step 4: Wait for the Process to Complete
The game will prompt you to join the new shard, and you’ll need to wait for a short period while the system processes the change. Be patient, as this can take up to a minute or more depending on your connection and server traffic.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are a few common issues you might encounter when changing game shards:
- Failed to change shard: Try rebooting the game and restarting the process. If the issue persists, check your internet connection and ensure you’re not being throttled by your ISP.
- Shard already full: Join a party with other players who want to change shards, as you need a minimum number of players to create a shard party.
- Shard change didn’t work: Contact Riot Support if you experience persistent issues changing game shards.
Game Shard Types
Riot provides several types of game shards, each catering to a specific player type:
| Game Shard Type | Description | Player Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Unranked | Perfect for casual play and experimentation. | New players, those looking to hone their skills |
| Unranked Competitive | Ideal for those who want to participate in competitive matches but aren’t interested in Ranked play. | Casual competitive players |
| Ranked | Suitable for experienced players looking to climb the competitive ranks. | Competitive players looking for ranked play |
Additional FAQs
- Can I change game shards if I’m already in a match?
No, you can’t change game shards while in a match. You’ll need to leave the match and restart the game before changing shards. - Do I lose progress if I change game shards?
No, you won’t lose progress. Your progress will carry over to your new game shard, including your inventory and any achievements you’ve earned. - Can I switch back to my old shard?
Yes, you can. Repeat the shard change process to return to your original game shard. - Will I have the same players on my new shard?
Possibly, but not guaranteed. You may have some players carry over, but it depends on various factors, such as the size of your shard and player retention rates. - Can I invite friends to join me on my new shard?
Yes, you can. Use the friend invitation system to bring your friends to your new shard. - Will changing shards affect my rankings?
It may, depending on your rank and the ranking system. You may lose or gain ranking points depending on the shard’s ranking curve and population. - Can I join a new shard if my original shard is down?
Try joining other shards in the same region, or wait for your original shard to become available again. - Will I encounter lag on a new shard?
Lag can occur on any shard, regardless of its region. Try closing and reopening the game, or adjust your game settings to mitigate lag issues.
Conclusion:
Changing game shards in Valorant can be a straightforward process, especially with the guidance provided above. Remember to stay patient and persistent, as technical issues can arise. Keep in mind that shard types cater to specific player types, and join a shard that fits your playstyle for a more enjoyable gaming experience. Happy gaming!