If you’re looking to improve FPS in Valorant and get the smoothest gameplay possible, you’re in the right place.
Valorant is a highly competitive shooter where every frame counts. A higher FPS (frames per second) means better reaction times, clearer visuals, and an overall improved experience.
However, many players struggle with FPS drops, stuttering, and lag, which can ruin the fun and even cost you matches.
The good news? You don’t need a high-end gaming rig to get solid performance in Valorant. By tweaking some settings and making a few adjustments, you can significantly boost your FPS without upgrading your hardware.
In this guide, we’ll go over how to check your FPS, what your system needs to run Valorant, and the best ways to get the most frames out of your setup.
How to Check Your FPS in Valorant?
Before we jump into the fixes, let’s first check your current FPS. Valorant has a built-in FPS counter that you can enable in just a few steps:
- Open Valorant and go to the Settings menu.
- Navigate to the Video tab.
- Click on Stats and look for the Client FPS option.
- Set it to Text Only, Graph or Show Both to display your FPS in real-time.
Source: Setup.gg
This will allow you to monitor your FPS as you apply different settings and optimizations.
What Are Valorant’s System Requirements?
Before you start tweaking, it’s essential to know if your PC meets Valorant’s system requirements. Here’s what Riot Games recommends:
| Windows: 10 (Build 19041+) or 11 64-bit | RAM // 4GB | VRAM // 1GB | |
| MINIMUM SPECS / 30 FPS | RECOMMENDED SPECS / 60 FPS | HIGH-END SPECS / 144+ FPS | |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (Intel), Athlon 200GE (AMD) | Intel i3-4150 (Intel), Ryzen 3 1200 (AMD) | Intel i5-9400F 2.90GHz (Intel), Ryzen 5 2600X (AMD) |
| GPU | Intel HD 4000, Radeon R5 200 | Geforce GT 730, Radeon R7 240 | GTX 1050 Ti, Radeon R7 370 |
Source: Riot Games
On Windows 11, “TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot” are also required.
13 Easy Ways to Improve FPS in Valorant
If your PC is struggling to hit decent FPS, don’t worry. Let’s get into the easy fixes!
1. Lower Your In-Game Graphics Settings
This is one of the most effective methods. Start by navigating to Settings > Video > Graphics Quality. Set everything to Low or Off.
The key exceptions are Multithreaded Rendering—make sure this is On if you have a multi-core CPU, as it improves performance by utilizing all cores.
Source: Prosettings.net
This adjustment can help reduce graphical load and boost FPS, especially on mid- or low-end systems.
2. Enable High-Performance Mode
Windows sometimes restricts your CPU and GPU performance to save power, especially when plugged in. To avoid this, change your power settings:
- Open the Power & Sleep Settings on your PC.
- Click on Additional Power Settings.
- Select High Performance. This ensures your PC is always working at its best capacity, especially during gaming.
Source: Microsoft Community
3. Close Background Applications
Applications like Discord, Chrome, and Windows Update can consume CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, affecting FPS. To ensure Valorant gets all available resources:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- In the Processes tab, identify apps running in the background.
- Right-click on unnecessary processes and select End Task. Make sure to close programs that you won’t need during gameplay to maximize FPS.
Source: Ionos
4. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
Fullscreen optimizations can cause FPS stuttering in some games. To disable this:
- Right-click on your Valorant shortcut.
- Click Properties > Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Disable fullscreen optimizations. This step ensures that Valorant runs without unnecessary interference from Windows features designed for windowed modes.
Source: Boosting Factory
5. Update Your GPU Drivers
Old or corrupted drivers can drastically reduce performance. Ensure your drivers are up to date:
- NVIDIA Users: Open GeForce Experience, then click Check for Updates.
- AMD Users: Open Radeon Software and check for the latest driver updates. Updating your GPU drivers ensures that Valorant runs with the latest optimizations.
6. Enable Game Mode
Windows has a built-in Game Mode that prioritizes system resources for gaming. To activate it:
- Open Settings > Gaming.
- Toggle Game Mode to On. This reduces background tasks and prioritizes game performance, reducing lag during gameplay.
Source: Major Geeks
7. Optimize Valorant’s Config Files
By tweaking Valorant’s configuration files, you can adjust certain parameters to boost FPS. To do this:
- Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Local > Valorant > Saved > Config.
- Open GameUserSettings.ini and adjust the FrameRateLimit to unlimited to unlock FPS restrictions. Be cautious with manual edits; improper changes can affect game stability.
8. Reduce Your Resolution
Lowering your resolution can significantly improve FPS. While this reduces visual quality, it can be a game-changer, especially on older systems.
Try setting the resolution to 1280×720 instead of 1920×1080 for smoother performance.
9. Turn Off V-Sync and Anti-Aliasing
Both V-Sync and Anti-Aliasing can introduce input lag and reduce FPS:
- In Settings > Video > Graphics Quality, set V-Sync and Anti-Aliasing to Off. This reduces strain on your GPU and helps to achieve higher frame rates with less input delay.
10. Check Your Internet Connection
A poor internet connection can cause lag and stuttering, which often resembles FPS drops. To ensure a stable connection:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi to reduce latency and improve stability.
11. Select Minimalistic Skins
Skins, while fun and visually appealing, can sometimes reduce FPS, especially those with complex animations or effects.
Valorant has many skins with flashy effects, which require additional rendering power. By switching to simpler skins with fewer effects, you can see a noticeable increase in FPS without compromising the visual appeal too much.
12. Set High Priority in Task Manager
Sometimes, the default priority setting for games is not optimal. To give Valorant more of your CPU’s attention, you can set it to “High Priority” through Task Manager.
By doing this, the operating system will allocate more processing power to the game, which can help reduce lag and improve FPS during intense moments in matches.
To set Valorant to high priority in Task Manager, follow these steps:
- Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Valorant: Under the “Processes” tab, locate Valorant (or Riot Client).
- Set Priority: Right-click on Valorant and select “Go to details.”
- Change Priority: Right-click on Valorant in the “Details” tab, hover over “Set priority,” and select “High.”
13. Use NoPing’s Boost FPS feature
If you’re already using NoPing to reduce latency and stabilize your ping (which is awesome for online games), you should definitely take advantage of the Boost FPS feature.
How it helps:
- Closes unnecessary background services
- Frees up RAM and CPU resources
- Optimizes network routes to reduce data congestion (which indirectly helps FPS in online matches)
How to use the Boost FPS feature:
- Sign-up through the website and download NoPing (you can test it for free).
- When you open the software, click on “Boost FPS” in the left side menu.
- On the next screen, you’ll see a range of options to customize the feature (there are over 50 settings). You can enable or disable everything and choose between Windows default or user settings. You can also filter the options using the bar on the right.
And that’s it! Boost FPS is now activated. Just launch your game and enjoy high FPS!
How to Fix FPS Drops in Valorant?
If your FPS is fine but suddenly drops mid-game, here’s how to fix it:
1. Monitor Your CPU and GPU Temperatures
Overheating can cause thermal throttling, making your FPS drop. Use HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temperatures.
- Ideal CPU Temps: Below 80°C.
- Ideal GPU Temps: Below 85°C.
2. Limit Background Updates and Downloads
Windows updates or background downloads can use up system resources. Disable automatic updates while playing Valorant.
3. Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile Size)
- Search Advanced System Settings in Windows.
- Go to Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory.
- Set Custom Size (e.g., Initial: 4096MB, Maximum: 8192MB).
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Some apps like Discord and Chrome use GPU acceleration, which can cause FPS drops.
- Discord: Go to Settings > Advanced and turn off Hardware Acceleration.
- Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > System, turn off Hardware Acceleration.
5. Perform a Clean Boot
- Search System Configuration (msconfig).
- Go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft Services, then disable unnecessary ones.
- Restart your PC and check if FPS drops are gone.
Why Is It Important to Have High FPS in Valorant?
In Valorant, every frame counts. As a tactical, team-based shooter where reaction time and precision are key, having a high and stable frame rate (FPS – frames per second) can significantly impact your overall performance and gameplay experience. Below, we break down exactly why FPS matters so much in this type of game.
1. Smoother Visuals for Better Awareness
Higher FPS means the game is updating your screen more frequently, resulting in smoother motion and transitions. This is especially important in a game like Valorant, where reading small movements — like an enemy peeking around a corner or crossing your line of sight — can mean the difference between reacting in time or getting eliminated. A stutter-free experience makes it easier to track opponents, follow animations, and maintain situational awareness.
2. Faster Reaction Times
Even milliseconds matter in a competitive shooter. Higher FPS reduces the delay between what’s happening in the game and what you see on your screen. This allows for faster reactions to in-game events, giving you a competitive edge in gunfights.
When you pair high FPS with a high-refresh-rate monitor (like 144Hz or 240Hz), your inputs are registered more quickly, and you’re more likely to outplay an opponent with slower visual feedback.
3. Lower Input Lag
Input lag is the delay between when you perform an action (like moving your mouse or pressing a key) and when it registers on screen. Low FPS contributes to increased input lag, making your controls feel sluggish or delayed.
With high FPS, your actions feel more responsive and precise — crucial for aiming, flick shots, and tight movement control. This is especially valuable for agents who rely on pinpoint accuracy or fast-paced abilities.
4. Improved Hit Registration
Although hit registration is primarily handled server-side, your client’s FPS can still influence how accurately your movements and actions are communicated to the server.
Low FPS might cause animation skipping or misalignment between where you’re aiming and where the game registers your shot. With high FPS, your shots and actions align more closely with your visual feedback, reducing the risk of frustrating inconsistencies during critical moments.
5. More Consistent Gameplay
Consistency is a cornerstone of competitive improvement. Sudden FPS drops during combat or ability use can throw off your timing and break your focus.
A high and stable FPS ensures a smoother, more predictable experience — one where your practice translates effectively into results. Whether you’re holding angles, retaking sites, or using utility, consistent FPS helps maintain rhythm and confidence.
6. Maximizing Your Hardware and Setup
Modern gaming PCs and laptops are often capable of pushing FPS well beyond 60, especially in a well-optimized game like Valorant.
Not taking advantage of that potential is a missed opportunity. If you’re using a high-refresh-rate monitor but stuck at a low FPS, you’re not seeing the full benefits of your setup. Optimizing your system to reach higher FPS helps you get the most out of your hardware investment.
7. Better Overall Experience and Comfort
Finally, high FPS simply makes the game feel better. Visual stutters, input delays, and screen tearing can be distracting and frustrating.
A high-FPS experience is more immersive and comfortable, reducing visual fatigue and allowing you to stay focused for longer gaming sessions — especially important for players grinding competitive ranks or participating in tournaments.
Improving FPS in Valorant doesn’t require expensive upgrades. With the right settings and optimizations, you can squeeze the best performance out of your setup.
Start with the easy fixes like lowering graphics settings, closing background apps, and updating drivers.
If you’re experiencing FPS drops, check your temperatures and disable unnecessary background processes.
Did you know NoPing has a Boost FPS feature? You can optimize the use of CPU and RAM to increase your FPS up to 60%! Try NoPing for free for 7 days!
