The error code “VAN-81” in VALORANT can occur when Vanguard isn’t working. This error prevents players from logging into the game, but a simple fix can solve the issue quickly.
The Riot Vanguard anti-cheat program is the main defense against cheaters in VALORANT. It automatically detects cheaters by scanning the system and applies the necessary punishment.
An active and properly working Vanguard client is essential for playing VALORANT. However, sometimes updates, other installed programs, or changes to system settings can cause Vanguard to malfunction.
Understanding the VAN-81 error code in VALORANT
The VAN-81 error code means that “VALORANT has encountered a connection error,” according to Riot’s support page. Typically, this error is related to issues with Vanguard that affect the ability to connect to VALORANT.
How to fix the VAN-81 error code in VALORANT
Follow these steps to fix the VAN-81 error code in VALORANT:
Restart your PC and the Riot client
Try restarting the Riot Client and your PC to fix the VAN-81 error code in VALORANT. To restart the Riot Client:
- Open the Task Manager.
- Right-click on all Riot-related processes and select “End Task.”
Reset your PC after ending all Riot processes running in the background. This acts as a refresh for the connection to Vanguard and VALORANT.
Whitelist VALORANT and Riot processes in Windows Firewall
The VAN-81 error code in VALORANT can appear when essential game files are picked up by Windows Firewall. To prevent this, you can set VALORANT and Riot processes as exceptions in Windows Firewall. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows Key + S.
- Search for “Firewall.”
- Select “Allow an app through Firewall.”
- Check the list for Riot Client and VALORANT and ensure that both are listed/enabled.
- If you can’t see any VALORANT or Riot executable files on this list, you’ll need to manually add them via the “Allow another app” button.
Once you complete the process above, restart your PC before launching VALORANT.
Give administrative rights to VALORANT and Vanguard
Giving admin rights to VALORANT and Vanguard can allow these processes to bypass whatever is causing the VAN-81 error code in VALORANT.
- Right-click on VALORANT and Vanguard’s executable files.
- Click on Properties.
- Choose Compatibility.
- Check the box that reads “Run this program as an administrator.”
Reinstall both VALORANT and Vanguard
If restarts aren’t working, you’ll have to take more drastic measures and reinstall both VALORANT and the Vanguard anti-cheat program. To do so, go to “Add or Remove programs” from the Windows menu. Search for VALORANT, then hit uninstall. Repeat the same process for Riot Vanguard.
If you still have the Riot client installed, reopen the client, go to the All Games section on the main menu, select VALORANT, and hit install. This will reinstall both the game and the Vanguard client.
If both a restart and a fresh reinstallation don’t work, you can submit a ticket on the VALORANT page of the Riot support website.