How to Fix Low Client FPS in Valorant Error (2024)

Low FPS (frames per second) in Valorant can ruin your gaming experience, leading to laggy visuals and delayed inputs. Below is an in-depth guide on how to troubleshoot and fix the low client FPS issue in Valorant.

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Before diving into the fixes, ensure that your system meets the minimum and recommended requirements for Valorant.

Valorant Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
• RAM: 4 GB
• Graphics: Intel HD 3000
• VRAM: 1 GB
• DirectX: Version 11

Valorant Recommended Requirements:

• Processor: Intel i3-4150 or equivalent
• RAM: 8 GB
• Graphics: Geforce GT 730
• VRAM: 2 GB

If your hardware is below these specifications, you may experience FPS issues regardless of software optimizations.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Your GPU drivers play a critical role in performance. Always keep them updated:

1. NVIDIA Users:
   • Download and install GeForce Experience.
   • Use it to check for the latest drivers and install them.
2. AMD Users:
   • Visit the AMD Driver Support page and download the latest drivers.
3. Intel Users:
   • Use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to automatically detect and update drivers.

Step 3: Optimize In-Game Settings

Adjusting your in-game settings can significantly boost FPS:

1. Launch Valorant and go to Settings.
2. Under the ‘Video’ tab:
   • Resolution: Set this to your monitor’s native resolution.
   • Display Mode: Fullscreen.
   • Graphics Quality: Set all options to ‘Low’ or ‘Medium,’ except for ‘Material Quality,’ which can be set to ‘Low.’
   • Texture Quality: Low.
   • Detail Quality: Low.
   • UI Quality: Low.
   • Vignette: Off.
   • V-Sync: Off.
   • Anti-Aliasing: MSAA 2x or None.
   • Anisotropic Filtering: 1x.
   • Improve Clarity: Off.
   • Bloom: Off.
   • Distortion: Off.
   • Cast Shadows: Off.

Step 4: Adjust Windows Power Settings

Ensure your system is set to maximize performance:

1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
2. Select ‘High Performance’ to prioritize performance over energy savings.

Step 5: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations can sometimes cause FPS drops:

1. Navigate to your Valorant installation folder.
   • Typically found at: C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64
2. Right-click on ‘VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe’ and select ‘Properties.’
3. Go to the Compatibility tab and check ‘Disable fullscreen optimizations.’
4. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK.’

Step 6: Update Windows and Disable Game Mode

Windows updates can include performance improvements, but Windows Game Mode can sometimes cause issues:

1. Update Windows:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and install any available updates.
2. Disable Game Mode:
   • Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
   • Toggle Game Mode to ‘Off.’

Step 7: Adjust GPU Settings

Fine-tune your GPU settings for better performance:

NVIDIA Control Panel:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘NVIDIA Control Panel.’
2. Go to ‘Manage 3D Settings’ > ‘Program Settings.’
3. Select Valorant from the dropdown menu.
4. Set ‘Power Management Mode’ to ‘Prefer maximum performance.’
5. Set ‘Low Latency Mode’ to ‘Ultra.’

AMD Radeon Settings:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘AMD Radeon Settings.’
2. Go to ‘Graphics’ > ‘Advanced.’
3. Set ‘Texture Filtering Quality’ to ‘Performance.’
4. Enable ‘Radeon Chill’ and set the minimum and maximum to your monitor’s refresh rate.
5. Turn off ‘Radeon Anti-Lag’ and ‘Radeon Image Sharpening.’

Step 8: Close Unnecessary Background Processes

Background applications can hog resources:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the ‘Processes’ tab.
3. Sort by ‘CPU’ or ‘Memory’ usage.
4. Right-click on unnecessary apps and select ‘End Task.’

Step 9: Clean Your System

Regular system maintenance can help improve performance:

1. Use Disk Cleanup:
   • Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, select your C: drive, and clean up system files.
2. Defragment Your Disk:
   • Open ‘Defragment and Optimize Drives’ from the Start menu, select your C: drive, and click ‘Optimize.’
3. Malware Scan:
   • Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software.

Step 10: Reinstall Valorant

If all else fails, a fresh installation might resolve lingering issues:

1. Uninstall Valorant:
   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program, find Valorant, and uninstall it.
2. Download and reinstall Valorant from the official Riot Games website.

Additional Tips

• Overclocking (Advanced Users): If you have experience overclocking your CPU or GPU, doing so cautiously can boost performance. However, proceed with caution as overclocking can be risky and void your warranty.
• Avoid Overheating: Ensure your computer has adequate airflow to prevent overheating, as excessive temperatures can reduce performance.
• Update BIOS: Keep your motherboard’s BIOS up-to-date to ensure compatibility with your hardware and operating system.

Final Thoughts

Following these steps should help you resolve the low client FPS issue in Valorant. Consistently maintaining your system, keeping drivers updated, and optimizing in-game settings will ensure smoother gameplay.

Related Valorant resources:

• Valorant Economy Guide
• Valorant Aim Training Guide
• Valorant Tips for Beginners (2024)

Sources:

• Riot Games Support
• GeForce Experience – NVIDIA
• AMD Driver Support
• Community forums and expert recommendations from various gaming platforms.