How to Change Servers in VALORANT (Full Guide)

Server choice is a major factor in your VALORANT experience. Whether you are looking for lower ping, trying to play with friends in another country, or relocating to a new region entirely, knowing how to change servers in VALORANT is essential. While Riot Games does not allow unrestricted region switching to protect competitive integrity, there are legitimate ways to select preferred game servers and request an account region change when eligible. This guide explains every method thoroughly and addresses common questions players ask, including how to change server in Valorant and how to change Valorant servers safely.

Can You Change VALORANT Server Region?

There are two different concepts players often confuse. You can choose a preferred in-game server for matchmaking, and you can request a Riot account region change if you have moved countries. These are not the same thing. Riot does not allow constant free region hopping, but you do have real options depending on your situation.

Selecting preferred servers affects where you queue and your ping, while a Riot account region determines which set of servers and competitive system you belong to. Understanding this distinction is important when searching for how to change servers on Valorant or how to change servers in Valorant. For example, if you are in Europe and would prefer to play on Paris or Frankfurt over Bahrain or Istanbul due to your ping being lower, you can do that.

How to Change Server in VALORANT When Queueing

If your goal is simply to play on a different in-game server, like our above example on how to play on different EU servers in Valorant, this can be done directly from the client.

Steps to Select a Preferred Server

1. Open VALORANT and click “Play.”
2. Select your game mode.how to change servers in valorant
3. On the matchmaking screen, look at the upper-right corner for the server icon.
4. Click it to see all available servers and estimated ping.
5. Select one or more preferred servers before queueing.

Riot will then prioritize your chosen servers when matching you. This method is the intended approach for players wondering how to change servers in Valorant without altering their account region. Keep in mind that Riot may still place you elsewhere if necessary for queue health or party balancing.

How to Request a Riot Account Region Change

Players asking how to make an EU Valorant account or how to switch regions on their account because they moved countries may need a Riot region change instead of just selecting servers. This applies when relocating to a new continent or competitive ecosystem.

Steps to Request a Region Change

1. Visit the Riot Account Management page.
2. Log in and go to Support.
3. You need to submit a region change request ticket with an explanation (e.g., relocating or playing with friends in another region.)
4. Wait for Riot’s response. Note that it might take some days for the change to be approved.
5. After confirmation, keep playing!

Note that this act’s ranked rating on your account will be reset, although you keep your skins, account progress, and the like. The MMR shouldn’t change too much either.

This ensures players have legitimate access to their appropriate competitive region without abusing region systems. This approach is the correct method for players seeking how to change servers in Valorant permanently after moving.

How to change servers on VALORANT using a VPN

Some players attempt to create accounts with VPNs, hoping to bypass regional restrictions. This is strongly discouraged. Riot can detect account manipulation, and using VPNs to alter region data may lead to issues accessing competitive modes or support. If your real intention is simply to play on another server for fun or to join friends once in a while, use preferred server selection instead.

If your intention is to relocate your account permanently, filing a proper region-change request will avoid complications.

Why VALORANT Limits Region Switching

VALORANT’s competitive structure is heavily regional. Ranked ladders, esports ecosystems, and server pools are built around distinct locations. Riot limits region switching to prevent matchmaking exploitation and maintain fair integrity across leaderboards. This is why you cannot freely change your Riot account region as a casual preference, and why players searching how to change servers Valorant need to follow official processes.

Common Issues When Switching Servers

Some players may find they cannot select certain servers due to location, queue restrictions, or party settings. Ranked can also behave differently across regions, and a region change can affect progress. If you are exploring how to change servers in Valorant to avoid difficult competition or remain anonymous, be aware Riot designs systems to prevent this.

Key Tips for Switching Servers in VALORANT

It is always recommended to queue on the closest server available to you for the lowest ping. Only pursue a Riot region change if you have physically moved to another region. When playing casually with friends abroad, everyone should select the same preferred server before queueing. Avoid using shortcuts or VPN-based tricks when trying to figure out how to change servers on Valorant. Following official methods ensures your account stays safe and stable.

How to change VALORANT servers – Final Thoughts

Players frequently wonder how to change Valorant servers, and the good news is that Riot offers legitimate paths. You can select the servers you want to play on directly from the queue menu, and if you have relocated internationally, you can request a Riot region transfer. With the right steps, you can access the servers that provide the best gameplay experience and maintain a secure account at the same time.