You’re hyped up, headset on, squad ready… and then boom — VAN 84 error code kicks you out of Valorant. Nothing feels worse than getting locked out of the game right when you’re ready to frag.
The positive side? This issue is very frequent, and it doesn’t require you to be a tech expert to repair it. It’s usually or a minor network glitch or a problem with Riot’s servers. Let’s take it down in simple English -What VAN 84 actually is, what it means, the reason it pops up, and the steps to fix it that are effective.
What Exactly is the Valorant VAN 84 Error?
Think of VAN 84 as your PC trying to call Riot’s servers — but the line gets cut off. It’s a connection error that basically says:
👉 “Hey, we can’t talk to Riot right now.”
It usually pops up with:
“There was an error connecting to the platform. Please restart your game client.”
Now, that doesn’t mean your game is broken. It just means something is blocking the connection.
The usual suspects are:
- Riot’s servers are down or overloaded.
- Your internet is unstable (Wi-Fi drops, high ping, packet loss).
- Firewall or antivirus is blocking Valorant.
- Riot’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard) glitched.
Why Does VAN 84 Happen?
Let’s be real — it’s not always your fault. Here are the main causes:
- Server Issues – Riot sometimes does maintenance or their servers just hiccup. If that’s the case, no fix on your side will help — you just have to wait.
- Weak Internet Connection – Spotty Wi-Fi, ISP issues, or high traffic at home can cut your link to the servers.
- Firewall/Antivirus Blocking – Sometimes your own PC thinks Valorant is suspicious and blocks it.
- Vanguard Anti-Cheat Fails – Vanguard runs in the background, but if it doesn’t load correctly, you’ll see VAN errors.
How to Fix Valorant VAN 84 Error (Step by Step)
Here’s the gamer’s checklist you should run through:
1. Check if Riot’s Servers Are Down
- Visit Riot’s Server Status or check @PlayVALORANT on Twitter.
- If servers are down, grab a snack and chill — it’s not on your end.
2. Restart Valorant (and Your PC)
Sometimes a good ol’ restart works wonders. Close the game, restart your PC, and launch Valorant again.
3. Restart Your Router/Modem
- Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet (wired connection). It’s way more stable.
4. Turn Off VPNs or Proxies
Valorant doesn’t get along with VPNs. If you’re using one, turn it off and try again.
5. Allow Valorant & Vanguard Through Firewall
- Open Windows Security → Firewall & Network Protection.
- Select Allow an app through firewall.
- Make sure Valorant and Vanguard are both checked for private & public networks.
6. Restart Riot Vanguard
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager.
- Find VGC (Vanguard) → End Task.
- Restart your PC (Vanguard will reload).
7. Update Your Network Drivers
Old drivers can cause connection drops.
- Press Win + X → Device Manager → Network Adapters.
- Right-click → Update Driver.
8. Reinstall Valorant (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, uninstall both Valorant and Vanguard completely, then reinstall from Riot’s official website.
Pro Tips to Avoid VAN 84 in the Future
- Stick to a wired Ethernet connection if you can.
- Restart your router once a week to keep things fresh.
- Keep Windows, network drivers, and Valorant updated.
- Don’t run heavy downloads or streams while playing.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that the Valorant VAN84 problem can be a hassle but it’s not death of the internet. The majority of the time it’s a minor server or network issue that can be fixed by restarting the firewall, modification or a router reset.
If Riot’s servers are down and you’re not able to access the servers… it’s your opportunity to stretch out or grab a drink or even go to the Valorant professional stream until Riot is able to get things back online.
The bottom point: Don’t panic -VAN 84 is only temporary and you’ll be back playing around in a flash.
FAQs: Valorant VAN 84 Error Code
1. What does VAN 84 error mean in Valorant?
It means your game client can’t connect to Riot’s servers.
2. Is VAN 84 error my fault?
Not always — sometimes Riot’s servers are just down.
3. How do I fix VAN 84 quickly?
Restart Valorant, your router, and check firewall settings.
4. Can VPNs cause VAN 84?
Yes, VPNs often trigger connection errors.
5. Does restarting Vanguard fix it?
Yes, restarting Vanguard often resolves VAN errors.
6. How do I know if servers are down?
Check Riot’s status page or Valorant’s Twitter.
7. Can outdated drivers cause this error?
Yes, network driver issues can trigger VAN 84.
8. Will reinstalling Valorant fix it?
It’s the last resort but usually fixes corrupted files.
9. Why does VAN 84 keep happening to me?
Unstable internet or firewall blocks are the most common causes.
10. How can I prevent it in the future?
Use Ethernet, keep everything updated, and avoid VPNs.