Valorant is a popular tactical shooter that has captured the attention of gamers around the world. However, like many online titles, it occasionally encounters technical issues that can disrupt gameplay. One of these frustrating occurrences is Error Code VAN 135, which prevents players from launching or logging into the game. In this guide, we will walk you through effective steps to fix this error and get you back into the action as quickly as possible.
What is Valorant Error Code VAN 135?
Error Code VAN 135 is associated with Riot Games’ Vanguard anti-cheat system, which Valorant relies on to maintain fair gameplay. This code typically appears due to a failure in Vanguard’s initialization or due to communication issues between the client and Riot’s servers. Most players see this error message when launching the game, along with a prompt that advises restarting the system.
Main Causes of VAN 135
- Corrupted or outdated Vanguard anti-cheat software
- Misconfigured system files
- Firewall or antivirus interference
- Windows services not running correctly
- Outdated system drivers or operating system
Understanding these root causes helps when applying the right solution. Below we detail several effective methods you can use to eliminate VAN 135.
Fix 1: Restart Your PC as Prompted
As simple as it may sound, many users have reported success just by restarting their computer. This allows Vanguard to reinitialize and can often clear minor bugs or miscommunications between system services and the game client.
Fix 2: Reinstall Riot Vanguard
If a restart doesn’t work, try reinstalling Riot’s Vanguard. Here’s how:
- Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Locate and stop the service named vgc.
- Now open Windows Explorer and go to C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard.
- Delete the entire Riot Vanguard folder.
- Launch Valorant again. It will automatically reinstall Vanguard.
After reinstalling, restart your PC again and launch the game. In most cases, this resolves the issue.
Fix 3: Enable the vgc Service
The vgc service is essential for Vanguard to operate correctly. If it is not enabled, Valorant can’t function properly.
- Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Search for vgc and check the box next to it if it’s unchecked.
- Click Apply, then OK, and restart your computer.
Fix 4: Disable Conflicting Antivirus or Firewall
Some antivirus programs and firewall settings may conflict with Vanguard, assuming its behavior is suspicious due to real-time filtering. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to see if this resolves the issue. Remember to enable them again after testing.
Alternatively, add both Valorant.exe and Vanguard to the exceptions list in your security software to create a permanent fix without compromising system safety.
Fix 5: Update Your Operating System and Drivers
An outdated OS or system drivers, especially network and chipset drivers, can result in Vanguard failing to load or authenticate with Riot servers. To ensure your system is up to date, perform the following:
- Use Windows Update to install the latest patches.
- Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website to grab the newest drivers.
Fix 6: Reinstall Valorant Completely
If none of the above methods resolve the problem, uninstall Valorant and reinstall it from scratch. This ensures all game files and dependencies are restored to their original state.
- Uninstall Valorant through Control Panel or Settings.
- Delete any remaining folders in C:\Riot Games.
- Restart your PC.
- Download and reinstall Valorant from the official Riot Games website.
Additional Tips
Here are some best practices to prevent the VAN 135 error from recurring in the future:
- Always shut down your PC properly to allow Vanguard to close safely.
- Avoid using system optimizer or registry cleaner tools that may disable essential services.
- Install reliable antivirus software that plays well with gaming applications.
Conclusion
Dealing with Valorant Error Code VAN 135 can be frustrating, but it’s rarely a permanent issue. By methodically working through the solutions above, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the error in under an hour. Maintaining your system’s health and ensuring Vanguard can run unimpeded are key to a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.
If the error persists even after following every fix, consider contacting Riot’s support team for detailed troubleshooting tailored to your specific setup.