The most common cause of this issue is a recent update that has not been properly integrated or conflicts with existing files. Other potential causes include corrupted game files, outdated graphics drivers, or background applications interfering with the game. Occasionally, the problem may also present itself on a map loading screen. In such instances, it is advisable to cap your FPS at 30 or lower before joining a matchmaking queue. After entering the game, you can then return the FPS settings to normal. This temporarily reduces the load on your CPU during the loading screen. If this proves to be a successful workaround, consider upgrading to a more powerful CPU to maintain consistent frame rates. You can refer to our guide on “Best CPU for Valorant” for more information.
1. Reinstall Riot Vanguard
Reinstalling Riot Vanguard can resolve the problem because it reinitializes the anti-cheat service, which is crucial for VALORANT to run. If the Vanguard files are corrupted or not functioning correctly, the game may fail to load. Reinstalling ensures that Vanguard is reset to a proper working state, allowing VALORANT to start and run as intended.
2. Delete the Misconfigured Manifest Files
Deleting misconfigured manifest files can resolve loading issues because these files contain essential information about how VALORANT runs, including which resources to load. If they’re incorrect or corrupt, the game might not start correctly. By deleting them, you force the game to create fresh, error-free manifest files when it’s launched again, potentially fixing the loading screen problem.
3. Run VALORANT as Administrator
Running VALORANT as an Administrator grants the game elevated privileges, allowing it to access system-level files and settings that it might not otherwise have permission to modify or interact with. This can resolve issues related to restricted access or permissions, which may be the underlying cause of the game being unable to progress past the loading screen. By providing full administrative rights, the game can ensure all its necessary components are functioning correctly, thereby potentially fixing the problem.
4. Transfer VALORANT to SSD
If VALORANT is installed on a hard drive, it’s recommended to transfer it to a Solid State Drive (SSD) due to SSDs’ superior speed. Hard drives rely on spinning platters to access data, resulting in slower performance than the memory chips used by SSDs. Thus, moving VALORANT to an SSD could potentially resolve the loading screen issue.
5. Allow VALORANT Through Windows Firewall
Allowing VALORANT through Windows Firewall can resolve your problem because the firewall may mistakenly identify the game as a potential threat and block its internet connection. VALORANT requires a stable connection to its servers for gameplay and updates. By adding VALORANT and its related services to the list of permitted applications, you ensure that the firewall does not interfere with the game’s ability to communicate over the internet, which is crucial for loading game assets and playing matches.
6. Reset Network Settings
Resetting the network settings can resolve VALORANT loading issues by restoring your internet connection’s configurations to their default state. This can help eliminate any incorrect settings, such as DNS problems or invalid proxy configurations, that might be causing network instability or slowdowns, which in turn could prevent VALORANT from connecting to its servers effectively. By resetting the network, you ensure a clean slate for your network settings, potentially leading to a more stable and faster connection suitable for online gaming.
7. Run VALORANT in High Priority
Running VALORANT in high priority mode directs the operating system to allocate more of the computer’s processing resources to the game. This can help ensure that VALORANT has the necessary CPU and memory resources for optimal performance, potentially preventing issues like being stuck on the loading screen due to competition with other processes for system resources. By prioritizing VALORANT, other less critical background tasks are de-prioritized, which may help the game run more smoothly, especially during the loading phase.
8. Add Valorant to Graphics Preference Settings
Adding VALORANT to Graphics Preference Settings can allow your system to allocate more resources to the game, ensuring that it has enough graphical processing power. By setting VALORANT to ‘High performance’ in these settings, the system prioritizes VALORANT’s graphical workload, which may resolve issues related to inadequate graphics processing that could be causing the game to get stuck on the loading screen. This adjustment specifically instructs your computer to use the most powerful graphics hardware available, improving game performance and stability.
9. Enable Secure Boot and TPM
Technologies like TPM and Secure Boot enhance security by allowing systems to only boot trusted programs, which is particularly pertinent to Windows 11. Vanguard relies on these features to verify a system’s trustworthiness. Should Secure Boot or TPM be disabled, it could result in the VAN9003 error or cause VALORANT to get stuck on the loading screen. To enable these features, refer to the guide on “How to enable TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot.”
10. Reinstall Graphics Drivers with DDU
Reinstalling graphics drivers with Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can resolve issues by completely removing all traces of the current driver versions, including registry entries and residual files that might be causing conflicts or errors. A fresh installation of the latest graphics drivers ensures that VALORANT interacts properly with the GPU, potentially fixing any loading screen freezes or performance problems related to outdated or corrupted drivers. This process provides a clean slate for your graphics drivers, often resulting in more stable and optimized game performance.
10.1 Run File Signature Verification
The file signature verification utility is used to detect unsigned drivers, which could include corrupted graphics drivers.
10.2 Reinstall Drivers with DDU
Device Manager is commonly used to uninstall drivers, but it fails to remove the driver data from the Windows Registry. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is better suited for completely removing drivers and associated registry entries.
11. Reinstall VALORANT
Reinstalling VALORANT can resolve the loading screen issue by completely removing the game’s existing files, which may be corrupt or damaged, and replacing them with a fresh set of files. This process ensures that any glitches or errors caused by the game’s files are eliminated, potentially restoring functionality and allowing the game to load properly. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve any issues preventing VALORANT from progressing past the loading screen.
