Valorant continues to be one of the most popular tactical shooters, but lag, FPS drops, and network stuttering can still affect gameplay. This 2025 guide offers updated methods to optimize your system, improve ping, and achieve smoother performance.
Understanding the Causes of Lag
Lag in Valorant generally comes from:
- Low hardware performance
- Network instability
- Background software conflicts
- Outdated drivers or system settings
✅ Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Optimize In-Game Settings
Lowering certain graphics settings can significantly improve FPS.
| Setting | Recommended Value | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Multithreaded Rendering | On | Better CPU utilization |
| Material Quality | Low/Medium | Reduces GPU load |
| VSync | Off | Prevents input delay |
| Anti-Aliasing | None/FXAA | Lightens GPU workload |
Tip: Use Fullscreen Mode instead of borderless to reduce input latency.
2. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers cause severe performance issues.
- For NVIDIA: Visit GeForce Experience
- For AMD: Download updates from AMD Adrenalin
Enable Game Mode and Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows settings.
3. Improve Network & Lower Ping
If your issue is stutter instead of FPS drop, it’s likely network-related.
Fixes:
- Use Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi
- Close apps like Discord screen share, Chrome, or Steam downloads
- Enable Valorant High Priority mode:
- Open Task Manager → Details →
VALORANT.exe→ Set Priority: High
- Open Task Manager → Details →
Ping Comparison Chart
| Connection Type | Average Ping | Stability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 5–25 ms | ★★★★★ |
| 5 GHz Wi-Fi | 30–60 ms | ★★★★☆ |
| 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | 60–120 ms | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Mobile Hotspot | 100+ ms | ★☆☆☆☆ |
4. Disable Background Processes
Apps using CPU, RAM, or bandwidth will cause lag.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → End unnecessary tasks
- Disable Overlays (Xbox Game Bar, Discord Overlay, Radeon Overlay)
🛠️ Advanced Fixes (Optional)
Edit System Configuration
- Press Win + R, type
msconfig - Go to Services
- Check Hide all Microsoft Services
- Disable unnecessary startup apps
Clear Cache & Temp
- Press Win + R, type
%temp%, delete all files
Performance Comparison After Fixes
| Status | FPS | Input Delay | Ping Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Optimization | 40–80 FPS | High | Unstable |
| After Optimization | 120–250 FPS | Low | Stable ✅ |
⭐ Final Suggested Settings (2025 Ready)
- Resolution: Native
- Display Mode: Fullscreen
- Render Quality: Low/Medium
- Texture Quality: Medium (if GPU allows)
- Riot Vanguard: Keep updated
Conclusion
By optimizing in-game settings, updating drivers, improving your network setup, and removing background tasks, Valorant can run significantly smoother even on mid-range PCs. These methods aim to enhance FPS consistency and reduce lag spikes for competitive gameplay.