If you are currently getting Error code 29 in Valorant, you are certainly not alone. Many players encounter this frustrating connection error right when they are hyped up and ready to jump into a competitive match. This specific error is primarily related to network connection issues, often involving the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system or Windows firewall restrictions. When the game fails to establish a stable connection with the Riot servers, it defaults to this error code, effectively locking you out of the action.
Understanding Why You Are Getting Error Code 29 in Valorant
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand what is actually happening.
Error Code 29 is a classic network-related issue.
It essentially means that Valorant is struggling to talk to the game servers.
This can occur for several reasons: your firewall is blocking the game, your Riot Vanguard service is corrupted or not running, or your current network configuration is interfering with the game's security protocols.
Because this is a client-side issue, it is usually something you can resolve on your own without waiting for Riot to perform server maintenance.
1. Run Valorant as an Administrator
The most immediate and often the most successful fix when getting Error code 29 in Valorant is running the game with administrative privileges.
Windows sometimes restricts games from accessing certain network protocols or background services unless they have full elevated permissions.
To do this, locate your Valorant shortcut on your desktop, right-click it, and select 'Properties.' Go to the 'Compatibility' tab, check the box that says 'Run this program as an administrator,' and click Apply.
Restart the game and see if the connection issue persists.
2. Check Your Windows Firewall Settings
Your Windows Firewall acts as a gatekeeper.
Occasionally, it can be a bit too aggressive and misidentify Valorant or the Riot Client as a security risk, effectively blocking them from the internet.
You should ensure that 'VALORANT.exe' and 'RiotClientServices.exe' are allowed through your firewall.
Navigate to your Control Panel, go to System and Security, then Windows Defender Firewall.
Select 'Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall' and ensure both Valorant and the Riot Client have private and public network access enabled.
If they aren't on the list, click 'Change settings,' then 'Allow another app,' and browse for the installation files.
3. Reinstall or Update Riot Vanguard
Riot Vanguard is the kernel-level anti-cheat system that must be running for Valorant to function.
If Vanguard fails to start properly, the game will trigger an Error Code 29 because it cannot verify the integrity of your system.
You can force Vanguard to restart by looking for the Vanguard icon in your system tray (bottom right of your taskbar), right-clicking it, and selecting 'Exit Vanguard.' Afterward, restart your computer.
If that doesn't work, you may need to completely uninstall the Vanguard anti-cheat via 'Add or remove programs' in Windows settings, restart your PC, and then launch the Riot Client, which will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.
4. Perform a Network Reset and Flush DNS
Sometimes the issue isn't the game, but the way your computer is handling internet traffic. A corrupted DNS cache can often lead to connection errors. To fix this, open your Command Prompt as an administrator (search for 'cmd' in the Start menu). Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. After that, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter. Once these commands have executed successfully, restart your computer. This clears out outdated network information and resets your socket configuration to a clean state, which often resolves connectivity problems.
5. Check Third-Party Antivirus Software
While Windows Firewall is a common culprit, third-party antivirus software like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender can also block Valorant from connecting to the servers.
If you are using third-party security, try temporarily disabling your real-time protection to see if you can launch the game without getting Error code 29 in Valorant.
If the game launches successfully, you need to add an 'Exception' or 'Exclusion' for the Riot Games folder in your antivirus settings so that it stops scanning or blocking the game files.
6. Utilize a Wired Connection
Valorant is a highly sensitive tactical shooter that requires a stable connection to the server.
If you are playing on a spotty Wi-Fi connection, packet loss can occur, which the game interprets as a connection failure, leading to Error Code 29.
If possible, plug your PC directly into your router using an Ethernet cable.
This creates a much more stable environment and eliminates the potential for interference that plagues many wireless adapters, especially in crowded residential areas.
7. Reinstall the Game
If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting steps above and you are still getting Error code 29 in Valorant, there might be a corrupted game file that isn't being repaired by the patcher.
In this case, a clean reinstallation is the final resort.
Uninstall Valorant and the Riot Client completely, download the latest installer from the official Riot Games website, and perform a fresh installation.
This ensures that every file is correct and up to date, eliminating any remnants of corrupted data causing the communication breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does getting Error Code 29 in Valorant mean I am banned?
No, Error Code 29 is generally a connection or software conflict issue.
It is not an indication of a ban, which usually displays a different message notifying you of account restrictions.
Why does Riot Vanguard cause Error Code 29?
Riot Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat.
If it fails to initialize correctly when you start your PC, Valorant cannot connect to the servers, resulting in an error because the game's security integrity cannot be verified.
Should I contact Riot Support if these fixes don't work?
Yes, if you have tried all the steps, including reinstalling the game and updating drivers, there may be a more specific issue with your ISP or a rare hardware conflict.
Opening a ticket with Riot Support is the recommended next step.
Can my router settings cause this error?
Yes, router settings, specifically firewall or port filtering, can sometimes block the ports Valorant requires to communicate.
Ensuring your network is not blocking game traffic is a valid troubleshooting step.
Written by: Joshua Adams
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