How To Increase Fps In Valorant Without Upgrading Hardware

For competitive players, every frame counts. In a fast-paced tactical shooter like Valorant, high and stable frames per second (FPS) can mean the difference between landing a clutch headshot and missing entirely. While upgrading hardware is one way to boost performance, it’s not always feasible—especially when budgets are tight or components are hard to source. The good news is that you don’t need a new GPU or CPU to get smoother gameplay. With the right optimizations, you can significantly increase FPS in Valorant through software tweaks, system settings, and intelligent configuration.

Valve’s Source engine successor may be lightweight compared to other AAA titles, but Riot Games designed Valorant with esports precision in mind. That means even minor stutters or drops below 144 FPS can disrupt aim consistency and reaction time. Fortunately, most of these issues stem from suboptimal settings rather than hardware limitations. By fine-tuning both your operating system and in-game preferences, you can unlock hidden performance gains—sometimes boosting FPS by 30% or more without spending a dime.

Optimize Windows for Gaming Performance

Your operating system plays a major role in how efficiently your hardware delivers resources to Valorant. Many default Windows settings prioritize background tasks, visual effects, and power efficiency over raw performance—ideal for productivity, but detrimental to gaming.

Start by disabling unnecessary startup programs. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable apps like Discord, Steam overlays (if duplicated), cloud storage sync tools, and third-party RGB control software. These consume memory and CPU cycles even when minimized.

Next, adjust your power plan. Navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select “High performance” or create a custom plan under \"Ultimate Performance\" if available on Windows 10/11 Pro. This ensures your CPU runs at maximum clock speeds during gameplay instead of throttling down to save energy.

Tip: Use the built-in Windows Game Mode. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and toggle it ON. It prioritizes system resources for active games and reduces background interruptions.

Also consider turning off visual effects. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Performance Settings, then choose “Adjust for best performance.” Alternatively, manually disable animations like fade effects, shadows, and window previews while keeping essential features enabled.

Adjust In-Game Video Settings Strategically

The single most effective way to boost FPS in Valorant is optimizing its video settings. Unlike many shooters, Valorant allows granular control over graphical fidelity, making it highly customizable for low-end systems.

Launch Valorant, go to Settings > Video, and begin adjusting the following options:

• Display Mode: Set to Fullscreen (Exclusive). This bypasses desktop compositing and reduces input lag.
• Resolution: Stick to native resolution unless you're struggling severely. Lower resolutions reduce clarity and targeting precision.
• Graphics Quality Preset: Choose “Low” or customize manually.
• Texture Detail: Set to Low. High textures use more VRAM but offer no competitive advantage.
• Detail & Effects: Disable completely. Particle effects and environmental details add clutter without benefit.
• Shadows: Turn Off. Shadow rendering is GPU-intensive and rarely affects visibility in maps.
• Anti-Aliasing: Use FXAA only if needed. MSAA and TAA cost significant FPS; FXAA has minimal impact.
• V-Sync: Always Off. It caps FPS and introduces input delay.
• Vertical FOV: Keep at default unless you have specific sensitivity preferences.

“Players often overlook shadow and effect settings because they seem minor, but in Valorant, turning them off can yield 15–25 extra FPS on mid-range GPUs.” — Jason Reed, Competitive FPS Optimization Analyst

Advanced Rendering Tweaks via Console Commands

Valorant supports console commands accessible via the Developer Console. Enable it in Settings > General > Enable Developer Console. Then press ~ during gameplay to open the command line.

Enter these performance-enhancing commands:

Command	Effect
r_dynamic 0	Disables dynamic lighting, reducing GPU load
cl_bobamt_vert 0 cl_bobamt_horz 0	Removes weapon bobbing (also improves visual stability)
viewmodel_fov 65 viewmodel_offset_x 2.5 viewmodel_offset_y 0 viewmodel_offset_z -2	Reduces screen obstruction and improves target focus
fps_max 0	Removes FPS cap (set to monitor refresh rate if desired)

These commands eliminate non-essential rendering processes and streamline visual output for responsiveness. You can automate them by creating an autoexec.cfg file in your Valorant config directory so they apply at launch.

Manage Background Processes and System Resources

Even with optimized settings, background applications can steal critical CPU time and RAM from Valorant. A common culprit is real-time antivirus scanning, which intermittently spikes disk and processor usage.

Exclude the Valorant installation folder from continuous scans. For Windows Defender, go to Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings > Exclusions and add the entire Riot Games\\VALORANT directory. Do the same for third-party antivirus tools.

Close all non-essential browser tabs, especially those with video playback or streaming content. Chrome alone can consume over 1GB of RAM with multiple extensions active. Consider using a lightweight browser like Firefox or Brave when gaming.

Additionally, disable RGB lighting software such as iCUE, Armoury Crate, or Synapse unless absolutely necessary. These run persistent daemons that occupy CPU cores and can interfere with USB polling rates for mice and keyboards.

Tip: Use MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server to monitor real-time FPS, CPU/GPU usage, and temperatures. Identify bottlenecks during gameplay sessions.

Network and Audio Optimization

While network conditions don’t directly affect FPS, poor latency can create the illusion of choppiness. Ensure you’re connected via Ethernet whenever possible. Wi-Fi introduces variable ping and packet loss, disrupting smooth frame pacing.

In Audio settings within Valorant, lower the audio quality to “Low” or “Medium.” High-quality positional audio uses additional processing power, particularly on integrated sound cards or older motherboards.

Update Drivers and Firmware

Outdated drivers are a silent FPS killer. Graphics card manufacturers regularly release optimizations for new games. Visit NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software, or Intel Arc Control to ensure your GPU drivers are up to date.

Specifically look for “Game Ready” or “Adrenalin” updates labeled for Valorant or esports titles. These often include pre-configured profiles that automatically apply optimal settings.

Don’t neglect chipset and network drivers either. Download the latest versions from your motherboard manufacturer’s website. Updated LAN/Wi-Fi drivers improve data throughput and reduce CPU overhead from packet processing.

BIOS updates, though riskier, can also enhance performance—especially for newer CPUs running on older firmware. Check your motherboard support page for any BIOS revisions that improve power delivery or memory compatibility.

Memory Management and Page File Tuning

If you have 8GB of RAM or less, virtual memory becomes crucial. Windows manages this through the page file (paging file), which acts as overflow storage when physical RAM fills up.

To optimize it: Go to System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file,” then select “Custom size.” Set Initial Size to 1.5x your RAM (e.g., 12288 MB for 8GB) and Maximum to 2x (16384 MB).

This prevents constant resizing during gameplay, which causes micro-stutters. Place the page file on your fastest drive—preferably an SSD—even if it’s not your OS drive.

Step-by-Step Optimization Timeline

Follow this structured sequence to maximize FPS gains without hardware changes:

1. Day 1 – System Audit: Check current FPS using cl_showfps 1. Record baseline performance in different maps.
2. Day 1 – Startup Cleanup: Disable non-critical startup apps via Task Manager.
3. Day 1 – Power Plan: Switch to High Performance mode and enable Game Mode.
4. Day 2 – Driver Updates: Update GPU, chipset, and network drivers.
5. Day 2 – In-Game Settings: Apply low preset, disable shadows/effects, set fullscreen exclusive.
6. Day 3 – Console Commands: Input key commands via developer console or autoexec.
7. Day 3 – Background App Control: Close browsers, RGB software, and voice comms when not in use.
8. Day 4 – Monitor Results: Re-test FPS in same scenarios. Document improvements.
9. Ongoing – Maintenance: Repeat driver checks monthly and clear temporary files weekly.

“Most players see immediate 20–40 FPS increases just by switching to fullscreen mode and disabling shadows. The rest comes from disciplined system hygiene.” — Lena Park, Esports Systems Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

Will lowering resolution increase FPS significantly?

Yes, but with trade-offs. Dropping from 1080p to 720p can boost FPS by 30–50%, depending on GPU limits. However, reduced pixel density makes precise aiming harder. Most pros recommend maintaining 1080p and optimizing settings instead.

Can overclocking help increase FPS safely?

Yes, modest overclocks on GPU and RAM can yield extra frames. Use tools like MSI Afterburner for GPU and XMP profiles in BIOS for RAM. Avoid aggressive CPU overclocks unless cooling is sufficient, as thermal throttling hurts sustained performance.

Does closing Discord really make a difference?

It can. Discord with push-to-talk, screen sharing, or active calls uses CPU and network resources. Even idle, its overlay injects into games and adds minor overhead. Closing it fully—not just minimizing—can recover 5–15 FPS on lower-end systems.

Final Checklist for Maximum FPS

Use this checklist before each competitive session to ensure peak performance:

• ✅ Set Windows Power Plan to High Performance
• ✅ Enable Game Mode in Windows Settings
• ✅ Run Valorant in Fullscreen (Exclusive) mode
• ✅ Set all graphics settings to Low except Anti-Aliasing (FXAA)
• ✅ Disable Shadows, Lighting, and Post Processing
• ✅ Launch with essential apps only (close browsers, RGB suites)
• ✅ Verify GPU drivers are updated
• ✅ Confirm page file is properly configured (for 8GB RAM or less)
• ✅ Use console commands to disable weapon bob and dynamic lights
• ✅ Connect via Ethernet, not Wi-Fi

Conclusion: Play Smarter, Not Just Harder

Increasing FPS in Valorant doesn’t require expensive upgrades. With deliberate system tuning, strategic setting choices, and disciplined resource management, you can unlock dramatically smoother gameplay on existing hardware. The techniques outlined here are used daily by semi-pro and amateur players alike to maintain competitive edge without breaking the bank.

Performance optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Revisit your settings periodically, especially after game patches or driver updates. Small adjustments compound into meaningful advantages over time—cleaner visuals, faster reactions, and greater confidence in high-pressure rounds.

🚀 Ready to test your optimized setup? Launch Valorant, run a deathmatch, and check your FPS counter. Share your before-and-after results in the comments below—your experience could help another player break past their performance ceiling.