Ultimate Guide To Fixing The Valorant Stuck on Downloading 0 Issue

Are you a fan of Valorant but frustrated with download issues? Many users report the annoying ‘Valorant stuck on downloading 0%’ error.

This comprehensive article will explain what this error means, its causes, and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back into the game as quickly as possible.

Valorant Stuck on Downloading 0

Understanding the “Valorant Stuck on Downloading 0%” Error

The “Valorant stuck on downloading 0%” error is a common issue where the game download or update fails to progress beyond 0%. This can occur due to various reasons including server problems, internet connectivity issues, or software conflicts.

Causes of the Valorant Download Stuck at 0% Error

The root causes can be:

  1. Server Overload: High traffic on Riot Games servers can lead to download interruptions.
  2. Internet Connection: Unstable or slow internet can hinder the download process.
  3. Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Security software may mistakenly block Valorant’s download.
  4. Corrupted Files: Previously downloaded game files may become corrupted.
  5. Outdated Software: Out-of-date system drivers or Riot client can cause compatibility issues.

How to Fix Valorant Stuck on Downloading 0% Error

Follow these methods step-by-step to resolve the issue:

Method 1: Check Server Status

  1. Visit the official Riot Games Service Status page to check for any known issues.
  2. Wait for any server-related problems to be resolved by Riot Games.

Method 2: Restart Your Modem/Router

  1. Unplug your modem/router, wait for a minute, and plug it back in.
  2. Try downloading the game again once the internet connection is re-established.

Method 3: Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily

  1. Turn off any firewall or antivirus programs temporarily.
  2. Retry downloading Valorant to see if the issue persists.

Method 4: Run the Riot Client as an Administrator

  1. Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut and select ‘Run as administrator’.
  2. Allow the client to make changes and attempt the download once more.

Method 5: Clear Valorant Cache

  1. Type %localappdata% in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Riot Games’ folder and delete the ‘Valorant’ subfolder.

If the problem continues, consider reinstalling Valorant.

Method 6: Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause issues with downloading games. Here’s how you can update them:

  1. Type “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Expand the “Network adapters” section.
  3. Right-click on your network device and choose “Update driver.”
  4. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.

Method 7: Change DNS Settings

Sometimes, your default DNS settings may not be optimal. Switching to a public DNS like Google’s can help:

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on “Change adapter settings.”
  3. Right-click your active network connection and select “Properties.”
  4. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
  5. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter 8.8.8.8 as the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate DNS server.

Method 8: Flush DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache might prevent you from downloading the game:

  1. Press Win+R, type cmd, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Method 9: Use a Wired Connection

If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired Ethernet connection to ensure stability during the download process.

Method 10: Disable VPN or Proxy

If you’re connected to a VPN or proxy, disable it. These services can often slow down or interfere with game downloads.

Reinstalling Valorant (Val)

Should none of the above methods work, here’s how to reinstall Valorant:

  1. Uninstall Valorant and the Riot Client through the Control Panel.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Download the latest version of Valorant from the official website.
  4. Install the game by following the on-screen instructions.

How Long Does It Take to Download Valorant?

The download time for Valorant can vary based on your internet speed and the game’s size. Typically, with a stable and fast internet connection, it can take from a few minutes to several hours.

How Many GB Does Valorant Take?

Valorant is not particularly large compared to other FPS games. As of my last update, it requires about 20 GB of hard drive space for the initial installation, with additional space needed for updates and patches.

How to Update Valorant

To update Valorant:

  1. Open the Riot Client.
  2. If there’s an update available, the client will automatically start updating Valorant.
  3. Wait for the update to complete before launching the game.

Clearing Valorant Cache

Clearing the cache can resolve issues with game performance or startup:

  1. Press Win+R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the ‘Valorant’ folder and then to ‘Saved’.
  3. Delete the ‘webcache’ folder, and then restart the game.

Managing Valorant Installation Size

As Valorant gets updated with new content, the game size may increase. To manage this:

  1. Regularly clear your cache as mentioned previously.
  2. Uninstall and reinstall Valorant periodically to remove old patch data that can accumulate over time.

Reinstalling Valorant: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve decided to reinstall Valorant, here’s a more detailed guide:

  1. Uninstall the Game:

    • Go to “Add or Remove Programs” in Windows Settings.
    • Find Valorant and the Riot Client in the list and uninstall them.
  2. Remove Residual Files:

    • Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory where Valorant was installed.
    • Delete any remaining files or folders related to the game.
  3. Download the Latest Installer:

    • Visit the official Valorant website and download the latest version of the installer.
  4. Install Valorant:

    • Run the installer as an administrator.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
  5. Update Windows:

    • Ensure your operating system is up-to-date, as this can affect game performance and compatibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ‘Valorant stuck on downloading 0%’ error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with the steps provided. Remember to check your internet connection, disable any interfering software, and clear your cache.

If all else fails, reinstalling the game is a reliable fallback. With patience and these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back to enjoying Valorant in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Valorant Download Issues

Q1: What does “Valorant stuck on downloading 0%” mean?

A: This error signifies that the game download or update process is unable to progress and is stuck at the 0% mark, indicating no data transfer is occurring.

Q2: Why is my Valorant download stuck at 0%?

A: This could be due to server issues, internet connection problems, firewall or antivirus blocking the download, corrupt game files, or outdated system software.

Q3: What are the first steps I should take if my Valorant download is stuck?

A: Initially, check the server status, restart your modem/router, disable any firewalls or antivirus programs, and run the Riot Client as an administrator.

Q4: How do I clear my Valorant cache?

A: Press Win+R, type %localappdata%, enter the ‘Riot Games’ folder, and delete the ‘Valorant’ subfolder. This clears the cache that might be causing issues.

Q5: How long does it typically take to download Valorant?

A: The download time can range from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your internet speed and the current size of the game files.

Q6: How much storage space does Valorant need?

A: Valorant requires about 20 GB for the initial installation, with additional space for future updates and patches.

Q7: How do I reinstall Valorant?

A: Uninstall the game and the Riot Client from the Control Panel, restart your PC, download the latest version of Valorant from the official website, and follow the installation prompts.

Q8: What should I do if I’m unable to update Valorant through the client?

A: Try clearing the cache, checking for server status, or reinstalling the game if updates fail to download.

Q9: Can a VPN affect my Valorant download?

A: Yes, VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection or cause routing issues, which may result in download problems.

Q10: What do I do if none of the solutions work?

A: If all else fails, contact Riot Games Support with details of the steps you’ve taken and any error messages you’ve received for further assistance.

Q11: Is it safe to disable my firewall or antivirus while downloading Valorant?

A: It can be safe temporarily, but make sure to re-enable them after the download. Ensure you’re downloading Valorant from the official source to avoid security risks.