While many differences in VALORANT between console and PC may go unnoticed, a closer look shows both major and minor distinctions. In this article, we’ll break down the main distinctions to help you decide which version is right for you in the VALORANT PC vs console comparison.

Main differences between Valorant on PC and consoles

You can see the main distinctions clearly in the table below. While some differences, like the extra shooting mode "Focus", anti-cheat system, and date of updates, might seem significant at first, for most players they don’t make a huge impact. We’ve put together this table to highlight the key differences between the two versions of the game.

Peripherals

The first and most obvious difference is the lack of support for keyboard and mouse on consoles for playing Valorant. The game does not support such connections and lacks internal settings to ensure fair matches for both console beginners and experienced PC gamers.

Even using workarounds with peripherals, as warned by Riot Games, can result in a ban, and the same applies to PC fans. Although reverse connections are possible, they are also punished with a ban. Riot Games' policy forbids using third-party devices that are not directly supported by the game, so your account could be permanently banned if you try to bypass these rules.

Ability Placement

One of the main surprises for players transitioning from the PC version to the console version will be the slight change in the placement of abilities. Looking at the bottom bar where agent abilities are located, you may notice that they are arranged in a different order. According to developers, this change was made to improve perception and control on the controller. While most abilities were intuitively placed for PC players, the console version had to adapt settings for controllers, requiring a different layout for abilities, and Riot Games solved this issue.

You will need to adapt and learn new lineups for agent abilities.

Menus Have Different Layouts

In Valorant, there are differences in management and interface between PC and consoles. On consoles, there is no specific "Play" tab as there is on PC. Instead, you need to press a button to exit the menu and begin matchmaking. Additionally, the in-game buy menu layout differs: the items are arranged differently. Players who have previously played the PC version might need some time to adjust, as many things may seem out of place the first time they launch the game on a console.

"Focus" Shooting Mode

There is one advantage to the console version of the game: it has a unique “Focus” shooting mode and aim-assist, which helps with shooting, putting the main versions behind in the "VALORANT console vs PC". However, it should not be forgotten that playing shooters on a gamepad is much more difficult than on a keyboard and mouse. This mode is similar to hip firing, but with smoother and more precise controls, allowing players to control the controller more accurately. This innovation improves the quality of shooting, bringing it closer to the results of a mouse on a PC. These changes make the gameplay on consoles more comfortable and competitive.

Differences in Patch Updates for VALORANT

The release dates of patches for the two platforms may differ. This is especially noticeable during major patches, where a new map, agent, mode, or features like replay modes are added. However, the delay is usually not long, so console players don’t need to worry about playing outdated content. In this regard, the PC version wins in the VALORANT PS5 vs PC battle.

Although there is no accurate official information, the question "How many people play VALORANT on console?" is very popular. Since the beta test, the developers have done a lot of work, adding all the agents, maps, synchronizing updates, and much more. After the successful release of the console version, Riot Games took a more serious approach to preparing for the release of the mobile version.