Experiencing the “VALORANT Error Code VAN -1” can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to jump into the game. This error usually indicates problems with your internet connection, Riot’s servers, or the game client itself. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through several effective troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue quickly and get back to playing VALORANT on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Before you begin, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your computer and are connected to the internet. You’ll also want to close any other applications that might be using bandwidth to streamline the troubleshooting process.

Step 1: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

The first step in troubleshooting your connection is to use the built-in Windows network troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and fix various network problems that might be preventing VALORANT from connecting to the servers.

  1. Click on the Start menu and type “troubleshoot settings” in the search bar. Open the settings.
  2. In the troubleshooting settings, click on Other troubleshooters.
  3. Locate the Network Adapter option and click the Run button next to it.
  4. Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix any detected issues.

Step 2: Flush DNS Cache

If the network troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to flush your DNS cache. This can help clear outdated information that might be causing connection issues.

  1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if prompted.
  3. In the command window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns.
  4. After the DNS cache is cleared, type in the next command and press Enter: netsh winsock reset.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 3: Check Riot Games Server Status

Sometimes, the issue might not be on your end. Checking the status of Riot Games servers can help determine if the problem is widespread. Visit the Riot Games Server Status page to confirm.

Step 4: Reinstall VALORANT

If none of the above steps worked, consider reinstalling VALORANT. This can resolve issues related to corrupted game files. Here’s how:

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs.
  2. Select Uninstall a program and find VALORANT in the list.
  3. Right-click and select Uninstall. Follow the instructions to remove the game.
  4. After uninstalling, download the latest version from the official VALORANT website and reinstall the game.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Make sure your internet connection is stable and try disabling any VPNs or firewalls temporarily, as they may interfere with the game’s connection. If you experience frequent disconnections, consider contacting your internet service provider to check for outages or issues.

Conclusion

Following these steps should help you resolve the “VALORANT Error Code VAN -1” and restore your connection to the game. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to VALORANT support for further assistance. Enjoy your gaming experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the error persists after following these steps?

If the error continues, ensure that your game files are not corrupted, and check your firewall settings. Reaching out to Riot Games support can also provide additional troubleshooting help.

Will this work on both Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, this guide is applicable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Can I use these steps for other connection errors in VALORANT?

Many of the steps outlined here can be useful for troubleshooting other connection errors in VALORANT as well. Just ensure to adapt the steps as necessary based on the specific error code.