Valorant has cemented its place as one of the world's most popular tactical shooters, but even the best-optimized games suffer from occasional technical hiccups.
Among these, the dreaded error code van -79 is a common frustration for players.
This error typically prevents the Riot Client from connecting to the game servers or fails to initialize the Vanguard anti-cheat system correctly.
If you are stuck staring at this error instead of loading into your next match, don’t panic.
In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to fix Valorant error code van -79, using a series of proven, step-by-step solutions to get you back in the game.
Understanding Valorant Error Code Van -79
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand what you are dealing with.
Error code van -79 is generally a sign of a connectivity issue, specifically related to the connection between your Riot Client and the game's servers.
Often, it implies that the Vanguard anti-cheat service did not start properly, or your network configuration is blocking the necessary communication required by the game.
Because it is a connectivity-based error, most solutions revolve around refreshing your network, resetting the game client, and ensuring your system permissions are set correctly.
How to Fix Valorant Error Code Van -79: The Troubleshooting Steps
We recommend trying these steps in order, as they range from the simplest quick fixes to slightly more advanced technical adjustments.
1. Restart the Riot Client
The most basic, yet highly effective solution is to completely restart your Riot Client.
Sometimes, the connection handshake simply fails during the initial boot.
Close the game entirely, ensure that the Riot Client icon in your system tray (bottom right of the taskbar) is also exited, and then relaunch the application.
This forces the client to re-establish a fresh connection to the servers.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Since van -79 is often network-related, ensure your connection is stable.
If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, try switching to an Ethernet cable to rule out packet loss or signal instability.
Additionally, consider restarting your router.
Unplug your router from the power source for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully initialize.
Sometimes, a simple refresh of your IP address and DNS settings is all it takes to clear the error.
3. Run Valorant as Administrator
Vanguard, the anti-cheat system, requires high-level system privileges to run properly.
If it is being restricted, it may trigger connection errors like van -79.
To fix this, right-click on your Valorant shortcut, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator." Click Apply and OK, then relaunch the game.
4. Update Your Network Drivers
Outdated network drivers can often cause compatibility issues with modern anti-cheat software.
Right-click the Start button, open "Device Manager," and locate your "Network adapters." Right-click your active network adapter and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for drivers." Once updated, restart your computer to apply the changes.
5. Allow Valorant Through Windows Firewall
Sometimes, your Windows Firewall may be overzealous, blocking the Riot Client from accessing the servers.
Go to your Windows Control Panel, navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, and select "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall." Ensure that both "VALORANT" and "Riot Client" are checked for both Private and Public networks.
When to Contact Support
If you have exhausted all the steps above and are still seeing error code van -79, the issue might be on Riot's end, or you may be dealing with a more complex software conflict.
In this case, your best bet is to visit the official Riot Games Support website and submit a ticket.
Attach a screenshot of the error, and be sure to list the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted so their support team can provide a faster, more targeted resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Valorant error code van -79 a hardware issue?
No, error code van -79 is generally a software or network connectivity issue rather than a hardware failure.
It typically relates to the Riot Client failing to connect to the game servers.
Will reinstalling Valorant fix the van -79 error?
Reinstalling is a last resort.
Before doing so, try restarting your router, running the game as an administrator, and checking your firewall settings, as these often fix the issue much faster.
Can I play if the error persists?
If you cannot resolve the error, you will likely be unable to launch the game, as the Vanguard anti-cheat system will not initialize properly, which is a requirement for playing Valorant.
Written by: Chloe Evans
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