Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYes. The ASUS ROG Ally can run the Windows PC version of VALORANT. Its Windows 11 software and Ryzen Z1-series hardware exceed Riot’s basic requirements, but launch compatibility depends on Riot Vanguard: TPM 2.0, UEFI mode, Secure Boot, and current firmware must be configured correctly.
Compatibility at a glance
| VALORANT requirement | ROG Ally position |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 build 19041 or newer, or Windows 11 64-bit | The Ally ships as a Windows 11 handheld PC. |
| 4 GB RAM | The Ally has 16 GB of system memory. |
| 1 GB VRAM | Its integrated Radeon graphics use shared system memory and are above VALORANT’s entry-level graphics requirement. |
| TPM 2.0 on Windows 11 | Must be present and enabled for Vanguard. |
| UEFI Secure Boot on Windows 11 | Must be enabled and correctly configured. |
Riot’s official requirements are the controlling specification: VALORANT system requirements. Meeting the hardware requirements does not guarantee that Vanguard will accept every firmware or Windows configuration.
Which ROG Ally models can run it?
ROG Ally Z1 Extreme
The original Z1 Extreme model uses an eight-core, 16-thread Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, RDNA 3 graphics, 16 GB of memory, and a 7-inch 1920×1080 120 Hz display. ASUS lists up to 8.6 TFLOPS for its graphics configuration. Details are in ASUS’s launch specifications: ASUS ROG Ally announcement.
ROG Ally Z1
The less powerful base Z1 has a six-core, 12-thread processor and four RDNA 3 graphics compute units. It is still suitable for VALORANT, but results from a Z1 Extreme should not be treated as a guarantee for the base model. ASUS’s processor information is available at the Ryzen Z1 announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- [Superior Display] 7" IPS FHD (1920x1080) 120Hz Touchscreen Display; Wi-Fi 6E MT7922, Bluetooth 5.4, No Fingerprint
- [Powerful Performance] 2nd Gen Ryzen Z2 A 2.80GHz Processor (upto 3.8 GHz, 4MB Cache, 4-Cores, 8-Threads, ); AMD Radeon shared Integrated Graphics
- [High Speed and Multitasking] 16GB OnBoard RAM; 65W PSU, Type-C Power-In, 4-Cell 60 WHr Battery; White Color
- [Enormous Storage] 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD; 2 USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro SD Reader, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, Windows 11 Home-64, 1 Year Manufacturer warranty from GreatPriceTech (Professionally upgraded by GreatPriceTech)
- [Includes] Dockztorm 11-in-1 RGB Docking Station for ROG Xbox Ally/ROG Ally X/ROG Ally, it combines 10 physical ports with RGB lighting: HDMI, RJ45, USB-C host, USB-C 10Gbps, USB-A ports, PD input, plus SD/TF slots—built to expand your ROG Ally setup for gaming, networking, and accessories
ROG Ally X
The same Windows-client compatibility principle applies to the ROG Ally X: it can run the PC game when supported Windows and Vanguard security requirements are satisfied. Its different hardware should be assessed separately for performance, battery life, and ports.
Windows matters
This advice concerns the Windows PC edition installed through the Riot Client. A Linux or other replacement operating system does not provide the same supported installation path, and the console edition is a separate platform experience.
Install VALORANT through the official client
- Start Windows and connect to a reliable internet connection.
- Run Windows Update and restart if Windows requests it.
- Open the official VALORANT download page.
- Download and install the Riot Client and VALORANT.
- Allow Riot Vanguard to install when prompted.
- Restart the Ally if the installer requests it.
- Launch from Windows or the Riot Client, sign in, and allow game updates to finish.
Installing the game and passing Vanguard’s security checks are separate steps. If the client installs but will not launch, continue with the Windows and firmware checks below. Riot’s installation support hub is here.
Rank #2
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Check Secure Boot and TPM before changing BIOS settings
Check Secure Boot
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
msinfo32and press Enter. - Find Secure Boot State and confirm it says On.
- Confirm BIOS Mode says UEFI.
Check TPM 2.0
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
tpm.mscand press Enter. - Confirm that the TPM is ready for use.
- Check that Specification Version is 2.0.
Microsoft explains the relationship between UEFI and Secure Boot at its Secure Boot documentation. Riot’s TPM-specific guidance is at the TPM 2.0 guide.
Enter the Ally BIOS safely
ASUS documents two routes. Power on the Ally and repeatedly press or hold the volume-down button. Alternatively use Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings. Labels can vary slightly by Windows build. See ASUS’s BIOS-access instructions.
In firmware, check that the system is using UEFI, Secure Boot is enabled, TPM 2.0 is enabled (on AMD systems it may be called fTPM), and Windows Boot Manager remains the normal boot target. Do not disable security features or alter Secure Boot keys as a workaround.
Rank #3
- [Xbox experience brought to life by ROG] : The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- [Xbox Game Bar integration] : Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- [All your games, all your progress]: Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- [Never stop gaming]: Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- [Game-ready storage and fast memory]: Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 1TB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Firmware and BitLocker warning
Update BIOS and ASUS firmware only with the package for the exact Ally model. ASUS warns that a firmware update can trigger BitLocker or Device Encryption recovery. Before changing firmware, make sure you can access your recovery key and follow ASUS’s current procedure at the fTPM and BIOS troubleshooting guide. ASUS’s Secure Boot notes, including the Windows UEFI mode setting, are at this support page.
Vanguard errors and practical fixes
| Symptom | Likely area | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| VAN9001 or a TPM-related message | TPM 2.0/fTPM is unavailable or disabled | Check tpm.msc, then review the Ally’s firmware settings. |
| VAN9003 or a Secure Boot message | Secure Boot is off, legacy boot is in use, or the configuration is invalid | Use msinfo32 and confirm UEFI plus Secure Boot On. |
| A boot-security restriction | Vanguard is enforcing additional security or firmware requirements | Follow the exact Riot prompt and update Windows, BIOS, or security settings through official instructions. |
| The game stopped working after a firmware or Windows update | Firmware, certificates, drivers, or Vanguard state changed | Restart, update through ASUS and Windows, and avoid unofficial fixes. |
| BitLocker recovery appears after a BIOS update | Device Encryption protection was triggered | Use your recovery key and complete ASUS’s recovery procedure. |
| Settings appear enabled but launch still fails | Stale firmware, Secure Boot key state, Vanguard installation, or unsupported configuration | Update firmware, reboot, and use Riot Support rather than repeatedly changing BIOS settings. |
Riot describes newer motherboard and boot-security restrictions at its Vanguard security update. ASUS’s June 30, 2026 support guidance covers current fTPM and BIOS-related anti-cheat failures: ASUS support. Do not bypass Vanguard, disable Secure Boot, use unofficial loaders, or modify the client.
Performance: what to expect
VALORANT is considerably lighter than the AAA games ASUS uses in Ally demonstrations. The Z1 Extreme has useful headroom for high-refresh competitive play, while the base Z1 remains capable with sensible settings. The meaningful target is stable frame pacing and low input latency, not a universal FPS promise.
Results vary with model, BIOS and driver versions, Armoury Crate settings, wattage mode, charger state, resolution, background processes, and graphics settings. ASUS’s published tests used explicit conditions such as Turbo mode at 30 W, 1080p, V-Sync off, FPS limiter off, and specified software versions; those conditions are not current universal VALORANT results. Product information is at the Ally product page.
A sensible test setup
- Start at 1920×1080 and low or competitive graphics settings.
- Set the display to 120 Hz when your chosen mode can sustain useful frame rates.
- Disable unnecessary overlays, recording tools, and background launchers.
- Compare Performance and Turbo modes, both plugged in and on battery.
- Try an FPS cap if it produces steadier frame pacing.
- Record the exact model, BIOS, driver, wattage, resolution, and settings alongside any result.
Controls: playable is not the same as ideal
The Ally has integrated analog sticks, triggers, bumpers, face buttons, and a D-pad. ASUS lists the built-in control hardware at its product announcement. However, VALORANT is designed around precise mouse aiming and keyboard access. Riot’s PC requirements do not establish native compatibility for every handheld-control configuration.
For serious ranked play, use a USB or Bluetooth mouse and a compact keyboard. A USB-C dock or hub can add those peripherals, Ethernet, charging, and an external monitor. Wired devices through a dock are usually the simpler desk arrangement; check the dock’s power-delivery and display specifications. Casual handheld play and travel use are possible, but test your chosen control mapping before relying on it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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Best Value
- XBOX EXPERIENCE BROUGHT TO LIFE BY ROG The Xbox gaming legacy meets ROG's decades of premium hardware design in the ROG Xbox Ally. Boot straight into the Xbox experience just like a console.
- XBOX GAME BAR INTEGRATION Launch Game Bar with a tap of the Xbox button or play your favorite titles natively from platforms like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games, or Windows games on the go.
- ALL YOUR GAMES, ALL YOUR PROGRESS Powered by Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally gives you access to your full library of PC games from Xbox and other game stores. With Xbox Play Anywhere, you can pick up right where you left off on your PC or Xbox and jump back into the game anytime.
- NEVER STOP GAMING Powered by ultra-efficient AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, the ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance and can game for hours, even away from a wall outlet.
- GAME-READY STORAGE AND FAST MEMORY Store your full library and multitask seamlessly with 512GB SSD and 16GB of LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM. The ROG Xbox Ally makes playing any game in the palm of your hand possible.
Should you use an Ally for VALORANT?
| Use case | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Casual handheld play | Yes, once Vanguard checks pass. |
| Travel gaming | Yes, provided Windows security and controls are configured beforehand. |
| Serious ranked play | Usable, but a mouse and keyboard are strongly preferable. |
| Buying solely for VALORANT | Usually not the best rationale if you already own a gaming laptop or desktop; the Ally makes more sense as a general portable Windows gaming PC. |
The Ally’s advantages are native Windows access, a portable 120 Hz display, and hardware above VALORANT’s entry-level requirements. Its drawbacks are Vanguard-related launch failures, less natural precision controls, Windows handheld friction, and the need for careful firmware changes. ASUS’s official product and support information is available at the product page and the support page.
Vanguard On-Demand is not universal
Riot has announced an optional Vanguard On-Demand mode that can start Vanguard with a Riot game rather than keeping it active continuously. Riot ties the feature to a modern security configuration including Windows 11 25H2, UEFI Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, VBS/HVCI, IOMMU, and potentially updated BIOS firmware. Availability depends on Windows build, system configuration, and Riot’s rollout; it should not be assumed on every Ally. See Riot’s announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ASUS ROG Ally run the console version of VALORANT?
No. It runs the Windows PC client through the Riot Client; the console edition is a separate platform experience.
Will every ROG Ally automatically pass Vanguard?
No. TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, Windows state, firmware, and Vanguard configuration can determine whether launch is allowed.
Is the base Z1 as fast as the Z1 Extreme for VALORANT?
No performance result should be transferred between models. Both can run the game, but the Z1 Extreme has the stronger processor and graphics configuration.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: VALORANT is playable on the ASUS ROG Ally. Confirm supported Windows, TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, current model-specific firmware, and a workable mouse-and-keyboard setup before expecting reliable competitive play.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
