How to Fix Error VAN 185 in Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing the VAN 185 error in Valorant can be frustrating, preventing you from jumping into your favorite game. This error typically indicates a problem with Valorant’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, or its communication with the game servers. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions.

Understanding the VAN 185 Error

Before diving into the fixes, it’s essential to understand what the VAN 185 error signifies. It usually points to an issue with Vanguard’s initialization or its ability to communicate with Valorant. This can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Vanguard not running: The anti-cheat system might not be active.
  • Driver conflicts: Conflicts with other drivers on your system can interfere with Vanguard.
  • Firewall issues: Your firewall might be blocking Vanguard’s access to the internet.
  • Corrupted game files: Damaged or incomplete Valorant files can lead to errors.
  • Outdated Windows: An outdated operating system can cause compatibility problems.

Solutions to Fix the VAN 185 Error

Here are the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the VAN 185 error in Valorant:

1. Restart Your Computer

The simplest solution is often the most effective. Restarting your computer can resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing Vanguard from running correctly.

2. Restart Riot Vanguard

Sometimes, simply restarting Vanguard can fix the error. Follow these steps:

  1. Exit Valorant: Ensure the game is completely closed.
  2. Locate the Vanguard icon: Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of your screen).
  3. Right-click the icon: Select “Exit Vanguard.”
  4. Restart Valorant: Launch Valorant again. This will automatically restart Vanguard.

3. Run Valorant and Riot Vanguard as Administrator

Granting administrative privileges ensures that Valorant and Vanguard have the necessary permissions to run correctly.

  1. Locate Valorant’s executable: Find the Valorant executable file (usually in C:\Riot Games\Valorant\live).
  2. Right-click the executable: Select “Properties.”
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab: Check the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator.”
  4. Apply the changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
  5. Repeat for Vanguard: Find the Vanguard executable (usually in C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard) and repeat steps 2-4.

4. Ensure Riot Vanguard is Running

Verify that Vanguard is running in the background.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc: This opens the Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Services tab: Look for “vgc” and “vgk” in the list.
  3. Check the status: Ensure that both services are running. If they aren’t, right-click each service and select “Start.”

5. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If restarting doesn’t work, reinstalling Vanguard can resolve deeper issues.

  1. Uninstall Vanguard: Go to the Control Panel, then “Programs and Features.”
  2. Find Riot Vanguard: Select it and click “Uninstall.”
  3. Restart Your Computer: This is crucial to remove all Vanguard files.
  4. Launch Valorant: Valorant will prompt you to install Vanguard again. Follow the on-screen instructions.

6. Check Your Firewall Settings

Your firewall might be blocking Vanguard’s connection. Allow Valorant and Vanguard through your firewall.

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall: Search for “Firewall” in the Windows search bar and select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
  2. **Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.”
  3. **Click “Change settings.”
  4. Find Valorant and Vanguard: If they are not in the list, click “Allow another app…” and browse to the executable files for both programs (see paths in step 3).
  5. Ensure both Private and Public are checked: Click “OK” to save the changes.

7. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause conflicts. Update them to the latest version.

  1. Identify Your Graphics Card: Determine the manufacturer of your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
  2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Download the latest drivers from the official website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
  3. Install the Drivers: Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

8. Update Windows

Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.

  1. Go to Settings: Click the Windows Start button and select “Settings.”
  2. **Click “Update & Security.”
  3. Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button and install any available updates.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping identify if a background program is interfering with Vanguard.

  1. Press Windows Key + R: Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab: Check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all.”
  3. Go to the Startup tab: Click “Open Task Manager.”
  4. Disable all startup items: Disable each item in the Task Manager by selecting it and clicking “Disable.”
  5. Apply the changes: Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and then “OK” in the System Configuration window. Restart your computer.

After performing a clean boot, launch Valorant to see if the error is resolved. If it is, re-enable services and startup programs one by one to identify the culprit.

10. Contact Riot Support

If none of the above solutions work, contact Riot Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized troubleshooting steps based on your system configuration.

Conclusion

The VAN 185 error in Valorant can be a nuisance, but by following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to playing. Remember to go through each solution systematically and be patient. Good luck, and happy gaming!