What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The message “VALORANT has encountered a connection error” is not a diagnosis on its own. Note the complete popup, especially its VAN code, then follow the matching Riot Games Support instructions in order. Several codes point to Riot Vanguard startup or readiness issues—not necessarily a problem with your internet connection.
Find the VAN code before troubleshooting
Write down or capture the full error dialog, including the code shown at the bottom. Riot uses similar connection-error wording for several different VAN errors, and the recommended steps vary by code. Avoid running every possible fix at once: follow the official page for your exact code and check whether VALORANT launches after each step.
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The code-specific pages below were published by Riot Games Support in July 2026. Open the page for your code for its complete, current sequence:
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What the common VAN codes indicate
These interpretations come from Riot’s code-specific support pages. They help explain why a generic connection message can call for Windows or Vanguard checks rather than network changes.
#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
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- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
| Code | Riot’s stated issue | Where its recommended sequence begins |
|---|---|---|
| VAN 133 | Vanguard could not verify that the PC is ready or encountered an initialization issue. | Update Windows and restart; check the Vanguard service if you are not using Vanguard Pre-Check. |
| VAN -104 | Vanguard is having trouble starting, staying connected, or confirming readiness. | Restart the PC; check Windows date, time, and time zone. |
| VAN 0 | Vanguard could not verify readiness or encountered an initialization issue. | Update Windows and restart; check the Vanguard service. |
| VAN 1067 | Vanguard encountered an unexpected issue while starting or checking in with the system. | Update Windows; disconnect controllers; run Riot Client as administrator. |
| VAN 68 | Vanguard lost a connection or session it needs while the game was launching or running. | Restart the PC; check Windows time and the Vanguard service. |
Follow the steps for your specific code
VAN 133
Use Riot’s VAN 133 guide. Its sequence covers Windows updates and a restart, the Vanguard service (if you are not using Vanguard Pre-Check), reinstalling Vanguard, a clean boot, reinstalling VALORANT, and connection troubleshooting. Test the game after each step rather than doing the entire list automatically.
VAN -104
Follow Riot’s VAN -104 guide in order: restart the PC, verify Windows date, time, and time zone, and check the Vanguard service. Later steps include reinstalling Vanguard, a clean boot, reinstalling the game, and connection troubleshooting.
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- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
VAN 0
Riot’s VAN 0 guide starts with Windows updates and a restart, followed by checking the Vanguard service. Reinstalling Vanguard, clean boot, reinstalling the game, and connection troubleshooting appear later in its sequence.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →VAN 1067
Use the VAN 1067 guide. Riot’s listed sequence includes updating Windows, disconnecting controllers, running Riot Client as administrator, and checking the Vanguard service. Later steps cover clean boot, a malware scan, reinstalling Vanguard, connection troubleshooting, and reinstalling VALORANT.
Rank #3
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
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- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
VAN 68
Follow the VAN 68 guide: restart the PC, check Windows time and the Vanguard service, then proceed through its later recommendations, including reinstalling Vanguard, clean boot, and reinstalling the game. Riot also specifically names Killer Network Service for this code. If the game opens, the guide suggests checking in Practice Tool or a custom game when available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to contact Riot Player Support
If the steps on the matching page do not resolve the error, submit a Player Support ticket and attach the logs requested by Riot. For VAN 133, Riot explicitly says: “If you still see the error after trying these steps, submit a ticket to Player Support.” See the VAN 133 support page for that instruction; the other code guides also direct users to a ticket with logs if unresolved.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
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