If your problem sounds like this:

  • VALORANT keeps stuttering or hitching for a moment during gameplay.
  • My game briefly freezes, then continues normally.
  • VALORANT repeatedly pauses or skips for a split second while I'm playing.

Resolution

Micro-freezing or stuttering can look like brief pauses, hitches, or skipped moments during gameplay before the game continues normally.

If your FPS stays consistently low instead, troubleshoot Low FPS. If VALORANT becomes completely unresponsive and doesn't recover on its own, troubleshoot Game Freezing or Unresponsive instead.

  1. Check the minimum system requirements. Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for the game you're trying to play.
  2. Set Power Mode to Best Performance. If you're playing on a laptop, power-saving settings can sometimes limit performance. Temporarily switch to Best Performance and test the game again.
  3. Run the Riot Client as administrator. Windows permissions can sometimes get between Riot Client, your game, and Vanguard. Run the Riot Client with administrator permissions, then try launching your game again.
  4. Update graphics card drivers. Outdated graphics drivers can cause crashes, freezes, black screens, and other visual issues, and updating your GPU drivers can help resolve these problems.
  5. Update Windows. Windows updates include bug fixes, security updates, and compatibility improvements that can affect your game and DirectX. Install all available Windows updates, restart your PC if prompted, then try launching your game again.
  6. Perform a clean boot. Clearing up background processes can ensure other programs aren't fighting for the spotlight against your game, and a clean boot helps you clear those potential troubles.
  7. Check and repair system files. Missing or corrupted system files or disk errors can contribute to stuttering. Use SFC and DISM to check for and repair problems.

Still Having Issues?

If you still the issue after trying these steps, submit a ticket to Player Support. Make sure you attach your logs so we can take a closer look and help get you back in the game.