Gab Hernandez 
Valorant’s console launch is fast approaching, and some fans wonder if the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will have the same free-to-play model as the PC version.
Historically, Riot Games has kept its mainline games on the PC platform. League of Legends understandably remains on the PC due to the functional requirement of a keyboard and mouse. The Wild Rift team was working on a console release for Wild Rift until recently, but it has since been canceled. No Riot Games-developed title made its way to consoles, except Valorant and the upcoming LoL fighting game 2XKO.
As a first-person shooter with mechanics similar to Overwatch and Apex Legends, translating those classic FPS mechanics to a console is far simpler. Console players who tried Valorant during its closed console beta period gave it resoundingly positive reviews. But what of the monetization system? Does Valorant on consoles require money and are skins carried over? How does all this work? Thankfully, the answers are out there.
Will Valorant be free-to-play on PS5 and Xbox consoles?
Valorant is set to remain free-to-play on consoles, with paid microtransactions.
Notable Xbox Game Pass leaker eXtas1s claims Valorant will be a free-to-play title on consoles. Riot has not confirmed the news as of yet but hasn’t indicated that the monetization system will change. Valorant’s PC version is also free-to-play, so this likely doesn’t surprise most players.
Valorant is free-to-play but has microtransactions using the Valorant Point currency, which is purchased with real cash. Valorant Points can be used across both the PC and console versions of the game. It can be used to purchase skins, profile items, and in-game playable characters.
The “agent” characters can be unlocked by playing the game and completing challenges, but most skins and many other profile items are exclusively available through purchase with Valorant points.
Does Valorant require an Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus
Valorant does not require a Game Pass or PlayStation Plus subscription to play.
Separate from Valorant’s free-to-play model and use of microtransactions are the PS5 and Xbox multiplayer services. Thankfully, players seemingly don’t have to pay for the simple opportunity to play the game.
“No, you do not need a subscription to play Valorant. PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass provide benefits to subscribers but are not required to play Valorant,” Riot Games stated on the official Valorant site regarding the beta.
While this was specifically regarding the beta, it’s unlikely this changes. Free-to-play games typically don’t require subscriptions on Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft consoles. This approach is used in Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, and many other free-to-play games.
That said, an Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus subscription will offer extra benefits to Valorant players. This is technically separate from Valorant’s free-to-play model, but those who play other games on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S may benefit from booting up the tactical shooter once in a while.
An Xbox Game Pass subscription automatically unlocks all agents and provides a 20% XP boost for battle passes. A PlayStation Plus subscription offers monthly rewards for a variety of free-to-play games. These perks haven’t been seen during the beta period, but will seemingly come over time.
What is the release date for Valorant on consoles?
Valorant will reportedly launch for consoles as a free-to-play title on July 26, 2024.
The news also comes from eXtas1s, who reported on Valorant’s free-to-play status. Limited Beta players will receive a special player card for their participation.
Notably, Valorant on console will not feature cross-play between console and PC players. Riot cited balance issues as part of the decision. Games including Overwatch 1 have struggled with this, with Ana being significantly better on consoles while Ashe was considerably worse.
However, cross-play between consoles does work, so Xbox and PlayStation fans can still find games with ease. If Valorant lands on Nintendo Switch’s successor, they’ll likely join the fray as well.
