How to Change Servers in Valorant & Play in Any Region [2024]

Riot Games automatically locks your Valorant account to the region you created it in, which limits your server options. This can be a problem if you want to play with international friends or find yourself stuck with high ping. Valorant support can help you change your region, but only if you have the wrong region listed on your account.

Thankfully, you can change your Valorant region manually with a VPN. It’s a simple app that hides your real IP address and replaces it with a new one from a VPN server. This makes Valorant think you’re in a different location and lets you switch regions. So, for example, if you connect to a VPN’s UK server and create a new account, you’ll be able to play the game on its EU servers.

We’ve tested 60+ VPNs for Valorant, and our top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has servers worldwide, so you can play in any region you want. Plus, it delivers consistently low ping and fast speeds for lag-free gaming. You can try it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can get a full refund. Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Play Valorant With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Valorant in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

How to Change Valorant Region: The Ultimate Guide

A VPN is the easiest way to change your Valorant account region temporarily. The only downside to this method is that you won’t be able to bring your inventory, skins, or season rank over to this new region; you have to create a brand-new account. If you just want to play casually with overseas friends, though, this is the best way to do it.

1. Download a VPN

I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers consistently low ping for lag-free Valorant gaming. Plus, it has a global server network, so you can play with your friends anywhere.

Once you sign up, downloading the app for your preferred device takes only a minute

2. Connect to a VPN Server

Once you’ve signed in to the app, press the server list button and select the All Locations tab. Pick a server in the region where you’d like to play Valorant.

Connecting to a nearby server will also give you a lower ping for smooth gameplay

3. Create a New Riot Games/Valorant Account

Visit Valorant’s website, click on the Play For Free button, and then Make One. Fill out the details to complete your registration, and make sure to use a valid email to verify your account.

Make sure you have a spare email that hasn’t been used to create another Riot Games account

4. Download Valorant

If you haven’t already, connect your VPN to the same region you used when you created your new account. Log in using the credentials you used when creating it.

To be safe, I remained connected to the same India (via Singapore) server I used for signup

5. Check Your Valorant Region

Once you've created your new account and logged in, head over to the Party menu to verify your assigned region. You can also check this in the Personal Information menu of your Riot Games account. If your country is the same as the VPN server you chose when you created your account, you have successfully changed your Valorant region.

I could choose between 5 Asia Pacific servers since my account was locked to this region

6. Enjoy Playing Valorant in Your New Region

Remember to stay connected to the VPN to protect you from DDoS attacks, IP leaks, and more. Take a look at our guide covering all the ways a VPN will keep you secure while you game.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs for Valorant in 2024

The best VPNs for Valorant provide military-grade security without compromising your gameplay and offer tons of servers that let you play with friends in different regions. After extensive testing, here’s a quick rundown of the best VPNs we found:

1. ExpressVPN — Low Ping for Lag-Free Gaming in New Valorant Region

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN outperformed all VPNs we tested in terms of speed and ping. This makes it an ideal choice for playing Valorant without slowdowns in your new region. During my tests on its distant India (via Singapore) server from the UK, I recorded an average ping of only 60 ms. On its nearby UK servers, I only saw a 4% speed drop with an average ping of 20 ms.

It offers servers in 105 countries, including all Valorant regions. This extensive coverage helps minimize high ping issues regardless of which region you create an account in. During my ExpressVPN tests, I experienced consistent speeds and no connectivity problems while playing Valorant.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN is one of the pricier VPN options out there. However, it often provides generous discounts and offers throughout the year to make its plans more affordable. You can also try it risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with the service, getting a full refund is easy.

2. CyberGhost — Gaming-Optimized Servers to Find the Ideal Connection for Valorant

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s gaming servers worked flawlessly during my tests from the UK. These are designed to deliver low ping and a smooth gaming experience. I had an average ping of 25 ms on nearby servers and only 78 ms on a server in LA. However, the Melbourne server showed a 39% speed drop from the UK — significantly more than ExpressVPN's 20% on a similar connection.

That said, its speed is still leagues ahead of most VPNs, and it’s one of the more affordable options for securing your Valorant gameplay as its long-term subscriptions start at $2.19/month. Plus, you can try CyberGhost for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee — just ask for a refund if you’re not impressed.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security to Optimize Your Connection for Valorant

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

What sets PIA apart is its highly customizable security features, letting you choose between different levels of encryption, packet size, protocols, and more. While its extensive customization options might overwhelm beginners, the app comes pre-configured for immediate use. You can start playing right away and experiment with settings as you become more familiar with the service.

PIA offers budget-friendly plans, with subscriptions starting at just $2.19/month for long-term commitments. You can test it risk-free with Valorant thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Valorant

We used strict testing criteria while we were trying out different VPNs for Valorant. First, we considered the speeds and ping to ensure the service was fast enough for lag-free gaming. We also made sure it offered a large enough network with stable connections so you could play with friends worldwide. Finally, we made sure each one offers military-grade security features like encryption, DDoS protection, and kill switches to stay safe while you play.

Additional Benefits of Using a VPN for Valorant

While using a VPN for Valorant helps you change your region and play with your friends from abroad, there are other benefits as well. Here are some of the additional advantages:

• DDoS protection. VPNs can protect you from DDoS attacks by hiding your real IP address and routing your traffic through an encrypted VPN server. This makes it difficult for attackers to pinpoint your device and launch an attack, even more so if the VPN you choose regularly rotates its IPs, like ExpressVPN.
• Play on restrictive networks. Some public networks, such as those in libraries or schools, may restrict access to online games like Valorant, gaming-related websites, or services like VoIP (Voice over IP). A VPN lets you bypass these restrictions, allowing you to squeeze in a quick match during lunch breaks or study sessions.
• Lower ping. In some cases, a VPN can actually lower your ping. If your ISP is throttling gaming traffic or using inefficient routing, a VPN might provide a more direct path to Valorant servers. During testing, I occasionally saw ping improvements of 5–10 ms on certain routes.
• Improved matchmaking times. Another benefit of using a VPN with Valorant is the potential for reduced matchmaking times. When you connect to a server in a region with a higher player population, you're more likely to find matches quickly. This is especially useful during off-peak hours in your local region or if you're playing from a location with a smaller player base.

Valorant VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes

If you're having trouble using a VPN with Valorant, don't worry. Here are some fixes you can try:

• Restart Valorant and your VPN. Sometimes, simply closing both the game and VPN and then reopening them in the correct order (VPN first, then Valorant) can resolve connection issues.
• Switch servers. If one VPN server isn't working, try connecting to a different one in the same region. I've found that simply switching servers can sometimes help fix the issue.
• Change VPN protocols. If you're using OpenVPN, try switching to WireGuard or IKEv2. Outside of proprietary protocols, WireGuard often provided the best performance for Valorant.
• Disable your firewall temporarily. Sometimes, firewalls can block VPN connections. If disabling it fixes the issue, add an exception for your VPN in the firewall settings.
• Use obfuscated servers. If your network is actively blocking VPN traffic, try using obfuscation, either via a dedicated server or a special protocol. These are designed to bypass network blocks so you can use your VPN with Valorant.
• Update your VPN app. Outdated VPN software can cause connection issues. Always ensure you're running the latest version of your VPN application.
• Reinstall your VPN app. Application files can become corrupted, which will prevent your VPN from working correctly. If none of the above solutions have worked so far, try uninstalling and reinstalling your chosen VPN app.
• Contact support. If none of these solutions work, contact your VPN's customer support. They often have specific troubleshooting steps for gaming-related issues.

Where Are Valorant's Servers Located?

Valorant has servers spread across multiple regions to provide players with the best possible gaming experience. Here's a comprehensive list of Valorant’s regions:

• North America
• Europe
• Brazil
• Latin America
• Asia Pacific (including South Korea and Japan)
• Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Valorant limits your server options based on your account's region. You'll typically see 2–3 nearby servers within your region. For example, when I played in the UK with an EU account, I could usually choose between servers in London, Paris, and Madrid.

When choosing a server, prioritize the one closest to your physical location for the lowest ping and best performance. I don’t recommend playing competitively if your chosen server has a high ping, as this will severely impact gameplay.

Is It Possible to Change my Riot Games Region Once I've Already Created an Account?

You can only use your existing account in a new Valorant region under certain circumstances. If you've moved to a new country, you can contact Riot support to request a region change. If approved, you'll keep your skins but lose your current season's rank. This is the only official way to change regions while retaining your inventory. You have to wait 90 days between each change.

Otherwise, you can freely switch between the 2–3 server options in your account's region without losing skins or progress. For example, a European player might switch between France, Turkey, and MENA servers as many times as they like. This means you may still be able to play with overseas friends without changing your Riot Games region.

To access servers outside your assigned region (like a European player wanting to play in North America), you'll need to create a new account using a VPN. However, remember that this new account starts fresh — you won't have access to skins or progress from your original account.

Will Valorant Ban Me for Using a VPN?

Riot Games, the developer of Valorant, doesn't explicitly prohibit VPN use in their terms of service. However, the situation is nuanced and worth understanding in detail.

Using a VPN for legitimate reasons, such as protecting your privacy or improving your ping, is acceptable. Many players use VPNs without issues. However, Riot Games reserves the right to take action if they believe VPN use is facilitating cheating or other prohibited behavior. If you use a VPN with Valorant for the following things, Riot may take action against your account:

• Bypassing bans. Using a VPN to circumvent a previous ban is against Valorant's terms of service and could result in further penalties.
• Cheating. If you use a VPN in conjunction with cheating software, you'll likely face consequences.
• Purchasing items. Using a VPN to buy items at lower prices in other regions is against Riot's policies.

FAQs on Changing Your Valorant Region With a VPN

Am I allowed to have multiple Riot Games accounts to play Valorant?

Yes, you can have multiple Riot Games accounts to play Valorant. Because it’s a free-to-play game, you can create as many accounts for Valorant as you like without breaking its terms of service. You’ll just need a new email address for every new Riot Games account. If you want to create a new account in a different region, you need a reliable gaming VPN so you can connect to a server in that particular region.

Otherwise, Riot Games will assign you a region in accordance with your actual location. If you create your account in Germany, for example, you’ll only have access to Valorant’s EU servers.

Does using a VPN to play Valorant in different regions increase ping?

Yes, using a VPN to change your Valorant server can increase your ping. This happens because your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through an additional server, so it has to travel further, which can result in a slight delay in data transmission. However, this increase in ping is usually minimal if you choose a reliable VPN with a large server network and fast servers.

In some cases, a VPN may actually improve your ping by bypassing ISP throttling and redirecting your traffic through a less congested route. This can result in a more direct and faster connection to Valorant’s game servers.

Can I play Valorant with a free VPN?

Yes, but I don’t recommend using a free VPN to play Valorant. It’s always a better option to get a low-cost premium VPN with a money-back guarantee instead.

Most free VPNs come with limited speeds, which will make your Valorant experience laggy. They usually have a small server network which limits your options to change your Valorant region and reduces your speeds due to network congestion. Additionally, their poor security will make your game susceptible to DDoS attacks.

On top of that, you can’t be 100% sure that your data isn’t being logged or sold to third-party advertisers since these free VPNs have to make money somehow.

To summarize, the best VPNs for changing your Valorant region are…

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