How to Fix Error VAL 57 in Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering the VAL 57 error in Valorant can be frustrating, preventing you from jumping into your favorite game. This error typically indicates a problem with Riot Games’ servers or a connectivity issue on your end. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to get you back in the game.

Understanding Error VAL 57

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the VAL 57 error. Generally, it points to:

  • Server Issues: Riot Games’ servers might be experiencing downtime, maintenance, or unexpected problems.
  • Network Connectivity: Problems with your internet connection, such as packet loss or instability.
  • Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Security software might be blocking Valorant’s access to the internet.
  • Riot Client Issues: Glitches or corruption within the Riot Client itself.
  • Outdated Drivers: Rarely, outdated network drivers can contribute to connectivity problems.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix VAL 57

Here’s a detailed breakdown of troubleshooting steps, starting with the simplest and moving towards more advanced solutions:

1. Check Valorant Server Status

The first step is always to verify if the problem lies with Riot Games’ servers. You can check the official Valorant server status page:

  • Visit the Riot Games Service Status website: This page provides real-time updates on any known issues or ongoing maintenance affecting Valorant. Simply Google “Valorant server status”.
  • Look for announcements: If there’s a widespread outage or planned maintenance, Riot Games will usually announce it on their social media channels (Twitter, Facebook) or the Valorant forums. It’s also worth checking the official Valorant Discord.

If the servers are down, the only thing you can do is wait for Riot Games to resolve the issue. No amount of troubleshooting on your end will fix a server-side problem. Check back periodically for updates.

2. Restart Your Router and Computer

A simple restart can often resolve temporary network glitches.

  • Restart your router: Unplug your router from the power outlet, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Allow the router to fully restart.
  • Restart your computer: A complete system restart can clear temporary files and processes that might be interfering with Valorant’s connection.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly:

  • Run a speed test: Use a website like Speedtest.net to check your download and upload speeds. Make sure they are within the normal range for your internet plan.
  • Ping test: Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS) and ping a reliable website like Google (ping google.com). Check for packet loss and high latency. High latency indicates a slow connection, while packet loss indicates data is being lost during transmission.
  • Try a wired connection: If you’re using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired Ethernet connection to eliminate potential wireless interference.

4. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Valorant’s connection. Temporarily disable them to see if that resolves the issue.

  • Disable Windows Firewall: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” and disable it for both private and public networks. Remember to re-enable it after testing.
  • Disable Antivirus Software: Right-click on your antivirus icon in the system tray and select the option to disable it (usually for a specific period). Remember to re-enable it after testing.

If disabling your firewall or antivirus fixes the issue, you’ll need to configure them to allow Valorant through.

5. Allow Valorant Through Firewall and Antivirus

Instead of completely disabling your security software, it’s best to add Valorant as an exception:

  • Windows Firewall:
    • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall”.
    • Click “Change settings”.
    • Click “Allow another app…”.
    • Browse to the Valorant executable file (usually located in C:\Riot Games\Valorant\live).
    • Add both the Valorant.exe and the RiotClientServices.exe. Ensure both private and public are checked.
  • Antivirus Software: Refer to your antivirus software’s documentation for instructions on how to add exceptions or whitelisted applications. You’ll need to add both the Valorant.exe and RiotClientServices.exe.

6. Run Valorant as Administrator

Running Valorant with administrator privileges can sometimes bypass permission issues:

  • Right-click on the Valorant shortcut on your desktop.
  • Select “Run as administrator”.

7. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can occasionally cause connectivity problems. While less likely the root cause, it’s still worth updating them:

  • Open Device Manager: Search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar.
  • Expand “Network adapters”.
  • Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver”.
  • Choose “Search automatically for drivers”.

8. Reinstall Valorant and the Riot Client

If none of the above steps work, a clean reinstall of Valorant and the Riot Client might be necessary. This will ensure that you have the latest versions of all the necessary files.

  • Uninstall Valorant: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Find Valorant and click “Uninstall”.
  • Uninstall Riot Client: Similarly, uninstall the Riot Client.
  • Download and reinstall: Download the latest version of Valorant from the official Valorant website and reinstall both the game and the Riot Client.

Contact Riot Games Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still encountering the VAL 57 error, the best course of action is to contact Riot Games Support. They can provide personalized assistance and investigate any underlying issues with your account or the game itself.

  • Visit the Riot Games Support website: Navigate to the official Riot Games Support website.
  • Submit a ticket: Create a support ticket detailing the problem you’re experiencing, the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, and any relevant information about your system.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VAL 57 error in Valorant and get back to enjoying the game.