Is VALORANT Crossplay? What You Need to Know in 2025

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried convincing a friend to play VALORANT with you — only to find out they’re on a different platform — you know the frustration. The big question on every gamer’s mind: is VALORANT crossplay yet? With the game now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025, the hope was high. After all, playing with friends should be easy.

But here’s the truth: crossplay in VALORANT exists — only partially. In this article we break down exactly what “crossplay” means for different platform combinations in 2025. We’ll walk you through console vs PC matchmaking, what “cross‑progression” means, tips for squad planning, and answer common questions like “Is VALORANT crossplay PC and PS5?”, “Is it cross‑play in customs?”, or “Will crossplay come to Xbox and PS5 soon?”

Let’s get into it.

What “Crossplay” Means for VALORANT in 2025

When we talk about “crossplay,” we mean the ability for players on one platform (say PC) to join matches with players on another platform (like PS5 or Xbox).

• As of 2025, VALORANT supports limited, console-only crossplay.
  
• PC players remain in a separate matchmaking pool. If you play VALORANT on PC, you only match with other PC players.
  
• Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can play together — crossplay works between those consoles.
  
• The decision to exclude PC-console crossplay is deliberate: the developer aims to maintain fairness and competitive balance, citing differences between keyboard/mouse inputs and controller aim as too great.
  

In short: if you and your friends are all on consoles, you’re good. If any of you is on PC, you can’t play together — at least for now.

Why Riot Keeps PC and Console Separate

There are a few key reasons behind this platform divide:

Input & Competitive Balance

• Keyboard and mouse give a precision advantage — especially important in tactical shooters like VALORANT. Mixing controller users and PC players could give an unfair edge.
  
• On consoles, all players use controllers. That levels the playing field for crossplay between PS5 and Xbox.
  

Fairness & Integrity

• Competitive fairness and rank integrity are key. Console and PC modes keep separate leaderboards and matchmaking ratings (MMR).
  
• This helps prevent complaints about “aim‑assist advantage,” “mouse skill dominance,” or “controller users getting destroyed.”
  

Consistent Ecosystems

• Console versions are built with controller-focused UI and balancing, while PC stays mouse/keyboard native. That separation helps optimize each version.
  
• The crossplay limitation also reduces potential technical issues — especially when retrofitting games built originally for PC to consoles.
  

What Works Anyway — Cross‑Progression & Shared Inventory

Though matchmaking is split, there is a connecting thread across platforms: cross-progression.

• As long as you log in with the same Riot Games Account (Riot ID), your inventory — agents, skins, cosmetics, battle pass progress — transfers between PC and console.
  
• This means: buy a skin on PC, and it’s available on PS5 or Xbox — even though you can’t play together with PC players.
  
• It’s a good compromise: you lose cross‑platform matchmaking, but you don’t lose your grind or cosmetic investments.
  

Is VALORANT Crossplay in Customs or Private Matches?

A recurring question among players is whether crossplay might work in customs or unranked modes — even if not in ranked or competitive playlists.

• The separation applies generally: PC cannot be mixed with console — in any mode.
  
• Even in customs matches or private lobbies, the game restricts cross‑platform matchmaking for PC vs console.
  
• Community anecdotes reflect disappointment, with some players wishing for crossplay in fun, non-competitive modes.
  

This suggests that even custom modes don’t bypass platform restrictions — meaning you still need to be on the same platform to play together.

The Current State by Platform (2025)

Platform Combination	Crossplay (Matchmaking)	Cross‑Progression / Shared Inventory
PC ↔ PC	Yes	Yes
PS5 ↔ Xbox Series X	S	Yes (console crossplay)
PC ↔ PS5 / Xbox	No	Yes (shared account content)

5 Expert Tips for How to Handle VALORANT Crossplay (or Lack Thereof)

Here are some practical recommendations if you’re playing VALORANT in 2025 and want to squad up or manage your gameplay across platforms:

1. Use the same Riot ID across devices — That ensures your skins, Agents, and battle pass progress stay consistent whether you switch between PC and console.
   
2. Choose friends on the same platform — Before you plan a session, confirm everyone’s on PC or console to avoid matchmaking headaches.
   
3. Coordinate console crossplay carefully — If you and friends are on console, enable crossplay in settings (often enabled by default) to let PS5 and Xbox players match together.
   
4. Set expectations for competitive modes — Remember that PC vs console crossplay isn’t available even in customs; plan accordingly when organizing custom lobbies or tournaments.
   
5. Use cross-progression smartly — If you play on multiple platforms, take advantage of shared inventory to switch devices without losing skins or unlocked content.
   

Common Questions and Misconceptions (FAQs)

Is VALORANT crossplay PC and PS5?

No. PC and PS5 players cannot match together.

Is Valorant cross‑play PS5 and Xbox?

Yes. Console crossplay between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S works.

Is VALORANT crossplay in customs/private matches?

No. PC and console cannot mix in any mode, including customs.

Does cross-progression work between PC and console?

Yes. Your Agents, skins, battle pass progress, and inventory carry over when you use the same Riot account on different platforms.

Is VALORANT crossplay expected to change soon (2025)?

Not officially. PC and console matchmaking pools remain separate as of 2025.

What This Means for Players in Pakistan, UAE, and Middle‑East Region

If you’re gaming from the Middle East — Abu Dhabi, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, or anywhere regionally — these points matter:

• If you and your friends use different devices (some on PC, some on PS5/Xbox), you won’t be able to squad up together in the same match.
  
• Use the same Riot account across platforms to keep skins, agents, and progression shared.
  
• If you coordinate region‑lock servers or ping, playing with friends on the same platform still ensures smoother matchmaking.
  
• For console players across PS5 and Xbox, crossplay gives flexibility — you don’t have to own the same console brand to play together.
  

Conclusion

So, is VALORANT crossplay? The answer is yes — but only partially. As of 2025, PC players remain isolated from console players. That said, PS5 and Xbox users can match together, and everyone enjoys cross‑progression through shared Riot accounts.

If you want your crew to squad up smoothly, make sure you’re on the same platform. Use cross‑progression wisely so you don’t lose skins or Agent unlocks when switching.

Ready to jump into a match — but want to read more about VALORANT’s best PC settings or console‑optimization tips? We’ve got guides coming up soon.

What do you think — will you stick to PC, or squad up across consoles? Let me know!