How to share replays in VALORANT

Recently, VALORANT content creator Lothar showcased a clever workaround originally shared by @tokaualol on X, showing players how to share replays in VALORANT safely—simply by swapping local files.

For years, VALORANT players have wanted an easy way to share and watch replays. The long-awaited replay system — introduced in 2025 — brought that dream a step closer, letting players review their own games locally. However, Riot’s system currently restricts replays to the account that recorded them. This means players can’t directly send their demo files to friends, coaches, or analysts without sharing account credentials, something that violates Riot’s Terms of Service. But where Riot closed one door, the community found a window.

How to share replays in VALORANT, step-by-step

Step 1: Locate Your Replay File

To start, you’ll need to find your own replay file stored locally on your computer.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command box.
2. Paste the following path and hit Enter:
   %localappdata%\VALORANT
3. This opens your VALORANT configuration folder. From here, navigate to:
   Saved > Demos
4. Inside the “Demos” folder, you’ll find your latest replay file—usually a single .dem file named with a unique string of numbers and letters.

This is the replay VALORANT currently recognizes as yours.

Step 2: Prepare the Files

Next, you’ll need two files:

• Your own replay file (already located in your “Demos” folder)
• The replay file from another player that you want to view

Here’s what to do:

• Copy and save the exact filename of your replay.
  Example: Demo_1234567890.dem
• Make a backup of your replay file by copying it to another folder (just in case).
• Take your friend’s replay file (the one they sent you) and rename it to match your own filename exactly.
  Example: Rename their file from Demo_9876543210.dem → Demo_1234567890.dem

This renaming step is what “tricks” VALORANT into loading their replay as your own.

Step 3: Swap the Files During Replay Loading

This is the most important part of the process.

• Launch VALORANT and go to your Career > Replays section.
• Begin loading your replay.
• As soon as the map is loading, press Alt + Tab to switch back to Windows.
• Open your “Demos” folder again.
• Drag and drop your friend’s renamed replay file into the folder.
• When prompted, click “Replace the file in the destination.”

Timing matters here — this replacement must happen while the replay is loading, not before or after.
Once replaced, return to VALORANT and let the loading complete.

here’s how to load into any valorant replay as long as you have the demo file pic.twitter.com/GjIZHkyXrE

— tokaua 🌸 (@tokaualol) September 17, 2025

Step 4: Confirm the Replay Swap

If done correctly, VALORANT will load the replay from your friend’s game instead of your own.

You’ll notice:

• The chat room is disconnected (since it’s not your own match data).
• The replay loads normally and can be paused, rewound, or spectated like any other.

Step 5: Restore Your Original Replay (Optional)

After reviewing the swapped replay, you can revert to your original demo in a few simple steps:

Exit the match in VALORANT.

Delete the imported replay file from the “Demos” folder.

Redownload or regenerate your own replay by launching any match and viewing it again.

The original file will now load as normal.

This ensures your own saved replay system remains intact.

Why VALORANT Replay Sharing Works — and Why It Might Not Last

This method likely exploits a technical oversight in how VALORANT handles demo verification. The game checks for a valid file name and replay structure—but not the account ownership behind it—allowing it to play foreign files when swapped during load.

There are likely two possibilities:

1. Intentional Flexibility:
   A Riot developer may have intentionally left this pathway open, allowing advanced users to share replays unofficially.
2. Unintended Loophole:
   It could be a harmless oversight in the replay file validation system.

Either way, it’s unclear how long the method will remain functional. If Riot removes it, the move might be viewed negatively by the community, since replay file sharing has been one of the most-requested features in VALORANT since launch. The discovery has already sparked conversation among analysts and pro players who want easier access to VOD reviews.

Lothar encourages the community to demonstrate demand for official replay file sharing support. In his words, “This is really important, and I think everyone should use this to show Riot that we want file sharing in the VALORANT replay system.”

Sharing VALORANT Replays Disclaimer

This guide describes a community-discovered method. It does not modify game files or breach the Terms of Service, as it only involves swapping your own locally downloaded replays. Still, proceed at your own discretion, as Riot may patch this loophole in future updates.

How to share VALORANT replay files – Conclusion

The “Demo Swap” method offers a temporary yet effective way to share and view VALORANT replays across accounts, filling a major gap in Riot’s current replay design. Whether this loophole remains or gets patched, it highlights just how strongly the community values tools for learning, analysis, and collaboration.

Until Riot introduces official replay sharing, this grassroots solution is the best way for players, coaches, and content creators to study gameplay beyond their own matches.