In recent years, the gaming industry has taken significant steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment for players. One such initiative that gained popularity is the introduction of Pride cards in Valorant, a popular tactical shooter from Riot Games.

Pride Cards are not just cosmetic items; they represent an important step in the fight for the rights and equality of the LGBTQ+ community. They showcase Valorant's support for players and advocate for the equality of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Details of the Valorant Pride event

In June 2021, Riot Games released a cosmetic item collection called the Pride Collection, dedicated to celebrating Pride Month. This collection included eight in-game cards that players could obtain for free by entering codes on the official game website.

The Pride Collection in-game cards feature vibrant and colourful images symbolizing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Each card displays a flag with various patterns and decorative elements. Players can use these in-game cards as their profile to show support for the inclusive community.

In 2022, Riot Games released a new Pride Collection, including new in-game cards and a submachine gun Gun Buddy. The new collection was available for free in the game store for a month.

The release of the Pride Collection was positively received by the Valorant community. Many players thanked Riot Games for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and in-game cards became a popular way for players to express their pride and support.

How to unlock Pride cards in Valorant

Initially, during the release of Pride cards in Valorant, players could obtain them by entering a secret code published by developers on their social pages. Later, Riot Games switched to a less complicated method and introduced them in the in-game store. Below is a method describing how users obtained their cards.

The method to obtain Valorant Pride cards depends on when you are trying to acquire them:

During Pride month (usually June):

1. Launch Valorant.
2. Open the in-game store and find the store icon in the main menu or access it through settings.
3. Explore the Pride collection, possibly with other featured sets, so look for a dedicated tab or section highlighting Pride items.
4. Select items from the Pride set. You can choose individual cards or the entire set. Remember, during Pride Month, they are usually free, so the price should be listed as zero credits.
5. Click on the selected items. Choose the cards you want to unlock.
6. Add the set to your cart – this will finalize your selection.
7. Complete the checkout process, confirm the purchase, and enjoy your new Pride player cards.

Outside of Pride Month:

The official method to obtain Pride cards outside of Pride Month is currently unavailable. Riot Games typically offers them for free in June to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and they have not established a permanent alternative for acquiring them later.

Here are a few unofficial possibilities, although their availability and reliability may not be guaranteed:

• Activation codes: Some websites or content creators may distribute codes that unlock specific Pride cards. However, these codes may be limited in quantity or only work for a certain period.
• Trading platforms: Online marketplaces specializing in digital goods may occasionally offer Pride cards. Be cautious with such platforms and ensure they are trustworthy before making any transactions.

Remember, always choose reliable sources and official channels when attempting to acquire in-game items.

Valorant Pride card collection

The Valorant Pride Card Collection, like all pride items in the game, is a special set of cosmetic items released annually in honour of Pride Month (usually in June). These items aim to symbolise inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The collection features vibrant designs inspired by various flags and pride themes. Additional thematic titles accompany your cards, along with a cute charm for your weapon, often matching the theme of the Pride collection for the year.

In the Pride set (available year-round), there are 8 player cards dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. The cards are not explicitly named after specific identities, but their art includes various colours and themes of the pride flag.

Here is a list of Pride cards available in Valorant:

1. The Pride set of cards, available year-round, includes various colours and themes representing the pride flag.
2. Pride // Rainbow (code: PRISMATIC), available for a limited time, features the theme of overall LGBTQ+ pride.
3. Pride // Cotton Candy (code: COTTONCANDY), available for a limited time.
4. Pride // Primary (code: PRIMARY), available for a limited time.
5. Pride // Galactic (code: GALACTIC), available for a limited time.
6. Pride // Sunset (code: SUNSET), available for a limited time, pertains to the identity of bisexuality.
7. Pride // Twilight (code: TWILIGHT), available for a limited time, pertains to the identity of asexuality.
8. Pride // Sherbet (code: SHERBET), available for a limited time, pertains to the identity of lesbianism.

You can use these cards in Valorant matches to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

READ MORE: All of the LGBTQ+ characters in Valorant

How to get Pride cards in 2024

Unfortunately, the Pride Collection and its cards are no longer available as it was a limited-time promotion. It was not automatically added to players' accounts, so it had to be claimed during that window.

For future Pride months starting from June 2024, we can expect a new Pride Collection with new cards to be offered in the in-game store. The cards are likely to be free to obtain, as in previous instances. You may need to manually unlock them through the store, so keep an eye out for them in June.

If you are a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, here are some tips for alternative support:

• Use themed rainbow weapon skins or sprays. Some sets or individual skins may feature rainbow colours and designs inspired by Pride.
• Join a community or Discord server focused on LGBTQ+ gamers. Connecting with others who share your identity can be an excellent way to celebrate Pride.

Remember that regardless of the availability of specific Pride cards, Valorant encourages inclusivity and celebrates diversity within its community. You can still find ways to express yourself and participate in the celebration during Pride Month.

In conclusion

In recent years, developers have been paying special attention to incorporating inclusivity in their games and company culture. This includes creating LGBTQ+ representation in their games and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

The release of the Pride Collection is a significant step in supporting an inclusive community in the gaming industry. Riot Games demonstrates that it cares about its players, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The company continues to take steps towards inclusivity, striving to create games that are accessible and appealing to all players, regardless of their background or identity.