Valorant Console Beta: All You Need to Know

Valorant

15 Jun

Andre Guaraldo

The Valorant Console Beta is here, bringing Riot Games' tactical shooter to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of this Console Beta, including how to sign up, available maps and modes, cross-play features, and tips for transitioning from PC to console.

Get ready to dive into the action and experience Valorant like never before.

Valorant Console Beta start date and availability

The Valorant Console Beta launched on June 14, 2024. Initially available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan, the beta is expected to expand to additional regions soon. While Riot Games has not announced an end date or official release timeline, the current phase aims to test and refine the console experience, much like the PC version did when it came live

How to sign up for the Valorant Console Beta

To join the Valorant Console Beta, follow these steps:

Register on the Official Valorant Beta Website: Sign up to get selected for the beta
Receive an Invitation: Selected players will get an invitation and a referral link.
Share the Referral Link: Invite up to five friends to join the beta using your referral link.

Valorant Console Beta landing page (credits: Riot Games)

For PlayStation users:

Visit the PlayStation Store.
Click on your profile at the top.
Select "Redeem Code"
Enter the beta key from the referral link.

For Xbox users:

Open the Xbox guide by pressing the Xbox button.
Go to the Xbox Store.
Press the View button to open the side menu, then click "Redeem."
Enter the beta key from the referral link.

Cross-Play and Cross-Progression

The Valorant Console Beta supports cross-progression, allowing players to share progress, XP, and skins across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. However, cross-play between PC and console players is disabled to maintain competitive balance. All platforms will receive skins, agents, patches, and live-service updates simultaneously.

Maps in the Valorant Console Beta

Initial Maps Available on June 14

Ascent
Bind
Haven
Abyss (new map introduced with the console beta)

Upcoming Maps

Sunset (available from June 25th, patch 9.00)
Lotus (available from July 9th)
Icebox (available from July 23rd)

Team Deathmatch Maps

District
Kasbah
Piazza
Drift

Important: Custom Games allow access to all maps not in the regular rotation.

Game modes available in the game

The Valorant Console Beta features multiple game modes, with Competitive mode arriving in a future update:

Unrated
Swift Play
Deathmatch
Team Deathmatch
Custom Games
Competitive (coming in patch 9.0, June 25th)
Basic Training Tutorial: A new Basic Training Tutorial helps newcomers learn essential gameplay mechanics, including shooting, agent abilities, and match formats.

Achievements and trophies in the Valorant Console Beta

The Valorant Console Beta introduces 16 achievements and trophies for players to earn:

And that’s how it gets done!: Win one game
Who’s next?: Get one kill
I’m built different.: Earn a Clutch
I know exactly where you are.: Get 10 wallbang kills
Next time we’ll use wooden sticks!: Get a Thrifty
Beep beep beep, enough of that.: Defuse the Spike with less than one second remaining
Five in, five out.: Get a Flawless
Must I do everything?: Get an Ace
Right between the eyes.: Get 300 headshots
They’re super dead!: Get 1000 headshots
That’s going to leave a scar.: Deal 250,000 points of damage
Looks like I got a little carried away.: Deal 500,000 points of damage
Time for a field test.: Use your abilities 2,000 times
Take control.: Use your abilities 4,000 times
Here comes the party!: Use your Ultimate 125 times
You want to play? Let’s play.: Use your Ultimate 300 times

Achievements can be earned in Unrated, Spike Rush, or Team Deathmatch modes. Deathmatch mode does not count towards achievement progress.

Tips for PC Players Transitioning to Console

For those transitioning from PC to console in the Valorant Console Beta, consider these tips:

Use focus for precision: The Focus feature (left trigger) helps with precise aiming by reducing sensitivity and enabling quiet movement.
Adjust to the Classic’s mechanics: The Classic pistol functions differently on console. Use Focus for normal firing and the hip fire input for right-click burst.
Customize your crosshair: Larger crosshairs may work better on console. Valorant offers extensive crosshair customization options.
Choose the right Agents: Agents excelling in close-quarters combat, such as Iso, Clove, Reyna, and Phoenix, are particularly effective on console.

Best Controller Settings for Valorant Console Beta

To gain a competitive edge in the Valorant console beta, it's crucial to optimize your controller settings. Here are the best configurations for both PS5 and Xbox controllers, tailored for different roles and playstyles.

Best PS5 and Xbox Controller Settings

Below are the recommended settings for both PS5 and Xbox controllers using the Traditional preset:

Focus/Sniper Scope (Hold): L2 (PS5), LT (Xbox)
Fire: R2 (PS5), RT (Xbox)
Ability 1: L1 (PS5), LB (Xbox)
Ability 2: R1 (PS5), RB (Xbox)
Ability 3: R3 (PS5), RS (Xbox)
Ultimate: L1 + R1 (PS5), LB + RB (Xbox)
ADS: L2 + R3 (PS5), LT + RS (Xbox)
Equip Melee: L3 (PS5), LS (Xbox)
Comm Wheel/Ping: D-Pad Up
Drop Equipped Item: D-Pad Left
Plant/Defuse/Equip Spike: D-Pad Down
Inspect/Open Spray Wheel (Hold): D-Pad Right
Equip Secondary: Triangle button (PS5), Y button (Xbox)
Crouch (Toggle): Circle button (PS5), B button (Xbox)
Jump: X button (PS5), A button (Xbox)
Reload/Activate/Use: Square button (PS5), X button (Xbox)

These settings follow the Traditional preset layout, which is versatile and well-suited for most players. However, you can customize them based on your preferences.

credits: Riot Games

Alternative Controller Settings

If the Traditional layout doesn't suit your style, consider these alternative presets:

Bumper Shooter: Ideal for players who frequently use snipers. This layout enhances precision and control for long-range engagements.
Fighter: Perfect for Duelists who need agility and quick reflexes. This layout places jumping and shooting controls within easy reach to facilitate rapid movements and attacks.
Tactician: Designed for Controllers and Sentinels who play more strategically. This layout prioritizes support and positioning, allowing players to manage abilities and focus on team dynamics effectively.

AND THAT's IT!

The Valorant console beta offers a fresh way to experience the game, with achievements, trophies, and controller settings tailored for console gameplay. Whether you’re a PC player or completely new to Valorant, optimizing your controller settings will enhance your performance and enjoyment in the beta. Follow all Valorant action at Strafe and in our Social Media!

Featured Image Credits: Riot Games

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