How to Play Valorant on Linux in 2026

Welcome, Agents; today we’re tackling the question of whether you can actually run Valorant on Linux. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every known method of getting the game running, explain why native Linux support hasn’t been implemented yet, and share optimization tips if you choose to play using one of these methods.

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Can You Play Valorant on Linux?

The short answer to whether you can play Valorant on Linux is unfortunately no. The biggest obstacle is Riot’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which is a kernel-level software tightly integrated with Windows. Vanguard prevents tampering and blocks the game from running in unsupported environments, making it incompatible with Linux-based tools like Wine or Proton. Because of these security demands, Linux users face a significant challenge.

That said, there are workarounds. While native support is missing, you can still technically run the game using a dual-boot setup with Windows or by running a virtual machine that supports GPU passthrough. Both methods have their pros and cons: dual booting is more straightforward but requires rebooting into Windows, while a VM allows you to stay inside Linux but demands very powerful hardware and may still impact performance. Let’s break down both methods of playing Valorant on Linux.

Installing Valorant on Linux Using Dual Boot

Since you can’t install Valorant directly in Linux, dual-booting is the most reliable option to play. With dual boot, you can keep Linux as your main OS while booting into Windows whenever you want to game. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Back Up Your Data: Always create backups before modifying partitions to avoid losing files.
2. Create a Windows Partition: Use GParted on Linux to shrink your Linux partition and free space for Windows.
3. Create a Windows Installation USB: Download the official Windows ISO and make a bootable USB using Rufus or UNetbootin.
4. Boot from the USB: Restart your system, enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F10, or DEL), and boot from the USB stick.
5. Install Windows: Choose the unallocated space you created earlier. Make sure not to overwrite your Linux partition.
6. Update GRUB Bootloader: If Windows overwrites GRUB, restore it by booting into a live Linux USB and running:

   sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt   (replace X with your Linux partition)
   sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
   sudo update-grub
               

7. Restart and Test: Reboot, and you should now see the GRUB menu letting you choose between Linux and Windows.
8. Boot into Windows: Select Windows when you want to play Valorant.
9. Install Valorant: Once in Windows, download the game from Riot’s official site and install it.
10. Play: Launch Valorant on Windows and play as normal.

This approach ensures a smooth and secure Valorant experience while still keeping your Linux environment intact for everyday use.

Installing Valorant on Linux Using a Virtual Machine

If you don’t want to reboot constantly, you could use a virtual machine with GPU passthrough. This lets you stay in Linux while running a Windows VM with direct GPU access. Here’s how:

1. Install a VM Manager: Use software like VirtualBox or VMware that supports GPU passthrough.
2. Create a Windows VM: Set up a new Windows virtual machine and allocate enough resources (RAM, CPU cores).
3. Enable GPU Passthrough: Configure the VM to use your graphics card for smoother gameplay.
4. Install Valorant: Once Windows is running inside the VM, install Valorant as you normally would.
5. Launch and Play: Run Valorant in the VM. Keep in mind performance may not match native Windows.

This solution allows you to stay inside Linux, but it’s complex to configure and can still run into performance and compatibility issues with Vanguard.

Less Reliable Ways to Play Valorant on Linux

Some methods might look promising but are not reliable due to Vanguard blocking or poor performance:

• Wine/Proton (via Steam or Lutris): Normally useful for Windows apps, but Valorant won’t run since Vanguard blocks it.
• Cloud Gaming Services: Platforms like GeForce Now or Shadow don’t work properly with Valorant due to anti-cheat restrictions and latency issues.
• Non-GPU Virtual Machines: Running Valorant in a standard VM without GPU passthrough results in unplayable performance.

Best Settings for Playing Valorant on Linux

For smoother gameplay, optimization is essential whether you use dual boot or a VM:

• Game Settings: Use medium or low graphics settings, turn off shadows and post-processing, cap frame rates, and reduce bloom/vignette.
• VM Settings: Allocate at least 8GB RAM, 4 CPU cores, enable GPU passthrough, and maximize video memory.
• System Settings (Dual Boot): Keep drivers updated, especially GPU drivers, and disable unnecessary background tasks in Windows.

Even with optimization, expect some performance loss in a VM setup. Dual booting generally provides the best results for competitive play.

Playing Valorant on Linux – Pros & Cons

Here are the benefits and downsides of trying to play Valorant on Linux:

Pros:

• Dual booting gives flexibility to use both Linux and Windows.
• You can keep Linux as your main OS without fully switching to Windows.

Cons:

• Virtual machines often cause lag, FPS drops, or graphical issues.
• No native support due to Vanguard, so you must rely on complex setups.

F.A.Q.

Can I play Valorant on Linux?

It is possible, but only through unofficial workarounds. Since Vanguard anti-cheat doesn’t function on Linux, you’ll need to either set up a virtual machine with GPU passthrough or install Windows through a dual-boot setup to play.

How well does Valorant run on Linux?

Performance varies depending on the chosen method. Dual-booting into Windows generally provides the smoothest gameplay. Virtual machines can work, but often come with reduced performance unless you have strong hardware to support GPU passthrough.

Can I run Riot Games on Linux?

Running most Riot titles on Linux is challenging because of Vanguard. While Valorant is heavily restricted, other games like League of Legends can be played more easily using compatibility layers such as Wine or Lutris since they don’t rely on the same anti-cheat system.

What are Valorant specs for Linux?

• OS: 64-bit Linux distribution (kernel 5.4.0 or newer)
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti or AMD RX 580
• Storage: Large SSD to accommodate a Windows installation

Conclusion

In conclusion, while running Valorant on Linux is possible through workarounds, it comes with trade-offs. The lack of native support is a major setback, and both dual boot and VM setups require extra effort. For players who want the most reliable performance, dual booting is recommended. VM setups, while convenient, are complex and demanding. Still, for dedicated Linux users who love Valorant, these solutions provide a way to enjoy the game without fully leaving Linux behind.