TL;DR
- Valorant launches globally on June 2 with staggered regional release times
- PC exclusive at launch with potential future console and mobile releases
- Episode 1: Ignition introduces new agent Reyna, Ascent map, and mystery game mode
- North America gets 8 AM ET/5 AM PT, Europe 6 AM GMT launch times
- Game features accessible system requirements for broad PC compatibility
Riot Games’ highly anticipated tactical shooter Valorant officially releases on June 2, marking the transition from closed beta to full public availability. Players who missed the beta period and veterans alike are eagerly preparing to dive into the competitive experience from minute one.
Valorant Global Launch Timeline
LAUNCHING —In 12 hours – Korea, Japan, and most of Asia-PacificIn 18 hours – Europe, Turkey, MENA, Russia, and CIS countriesIn 25 hours – North America, Latin America, and South AmericaEPISODE 1: IGNITION. pic.twitter.com/mXmXw86zRQ
— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) June 1, 2020
The most critical question for every player involves precise server activation timing. Riot Games provided definitive regional schedules through their official Twitter announcement, detailing exactly when each territory’s servers would come online.
North American players can access the game starting at 8:00 AM Eastern Time or 5:00 AM Pacific Time. European servers activate simultaneously at 6:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time. Asian regions including Korea and Japan receive earliest access approximately 12 hours before North American launch.
Platform Availability and Future Expansion
At initial release, Valorant remains exclusively available on PC platforms. PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices won’t support the game at launch, though industry leaks suggest potential console and mobile adaptations may emerge later. For the June 2 release, only computer players can participate in the tactical combat experience.
Fortunately, the game’s technical specifications accommodate a wide range of hardware configurations, ensuring accessibility for most modern gaming computers. This strategic design choice allows maximum player participation while maintaining competitive integrity across different system capabilities.
The PC-exclusive launch follows Riot’s established pattern of platform-focused releases, similar to their approach with League of Legends. This enables optimized performance and balanced gameplay from day one.
Episode 1: Ignition Content Expansion
Valorant’s full release introduces substantial new content including fresh agent Reyna, additional Ascent map, and undisclosed game mode. These elements collectively form “Episode 1: Ignition,” representing the inaugural seasonal framework for the evolving game ecosystem.
The newly introduced agent Reyna, officially revealed just days before launch, brings unique abilities that were partially disclosed through Millenium’s leaks. Ascent, the new battlefield environment, joins the map rotation, providing welcome variety after the limited beta map selection.
While specific details about the additional game mode remain scarce, community speculation strongly indicates its availability coinciding with the official launch. This expansion addresses player feedback requesting more diverse gameplay experiences beyond the core competitive mode.
Action Checklist
- Verify your region’s specific launch time and convert to local timezone
- Check system compatibility and ensure graphics drivers are updated
- Prepare for potential server queues during peak launch hours
- Download latest client updates before official launch time
- Familiarize yourself with new agent Reyna’s abilities and Ascent map layout
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Valorant release time for North America, European players revealed Complete guide to Valorant's launch times, platform availability, and new Episode 1 content