Ever feel like every time you launch Valorant, you get slapped with another update? You’re not alone. It’s like the game updates more often than you eat snacks. And let’s be real — it can get annoying, especially when you’re ready for some quick action.
Let’s break down why this keeps happening and what you can do to stop Valorant from updating over and over.
Why Does Valorant Update So Much?
Valorant is an online competitive shooter. That means things are always changing. Agents get new powers, guns get tweaked, bugs get fixed. Riot Games wants to keep it balanced and fun. But that adds up to lots of little — and big — updates.
Here are a few reasons why it updates so often:
- Patch updates every two to three weeks.
- New agents and maps rolling out regularly.
- Bug fixes for things like hit reg or server errors.
- Security updates to fight cheaters.
This might sound good on paper… That is, until you stare at that update bar for 15 minutes every time you want to play.
Okay, So How Do I Stop the Update Loop?
If your Valorant keeps updating every time you launch it — even if there’s no new content — that’s not normal. It’s called the “update loop,” and yes, it’s fixable!
Try these simple steps:
- Run Riot Client as Admin
Right-click on the Riot Client icon and select “Run as Administrator.” This makes sure the updates install correctly. - Keep Riot Client Updated
Sometimes the game itself isn’t the issue — it’s the launcher. Make sure you’re running the latest Riot Client. - Repair the Game Files
Open the Riot Client, click the gear icon, and select “Repair.” This checks for corrupted files and fixes them. It can stop those endless mini-updates. - Disable Auto-Startup for Riot Vanguard
Sometimes Vanguard (the anti-cheat) keeps resetting. Turn off its auto-start or try reinstalling it. - Reinstall Valorant
When all else fails, do the dramatic thing — uninstall and reinstall the whole game. It usually clears up whatever’s broken.
Bonus Tips to Keep Things Smooth
Want to make sure you’re not stuck in this mess again? Here are a few bonus ideas:
- Free up storage space — Updates need room to unpack.
- Keep drivers updated — Your GPU can affect how updates process.
- Don’t interrupt updates — Let them finish properly. Closing the client mid-update is asking for trouble.
How About Turning Off Auto Updates?
Well… bad news. You can’t stop Valorant from updating completely. Riot Games doesn’t let you play on old versions. It’s a multiplayer game, after all. Everyone has to be on the same patch.
But here’s what you can do:
- Set updates to happen at a specific time. Have it update while you eat dinner or sleep.
- Use a good internet connection. Faster downloads = less time wasted.
- Launch the game early. Open Valorant 10 minutes before your squad time. Just in case there’s an update surprise.
The Takeaway
Valorant updates often. That’s just how it works. But if it feels like it’s updating every single time you press play, you might be stuck in the update loop. Use the tips in this guide to break free!
No more watching the loading bar crawl. No more solo queue FOMO. You’re back in the game — smooth and ready to frag.
Now go grab your main and show them who’s boss.
