Valorant on Linux or Mac – Performance, Issues & Workarounds (2025)

Native Support:

Valorant does not have official support for either Linux or macOS. The main obstacle is Riot’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which is deeply integrated with Windows and incompatible with both Linux and macOS environments.

Running Valorant on Mac

• No Native macOS Version:

• Riot Games has not released a version for macOS, and there are no public plans to do so.

• Boot Camp (Intel Macs only):

• You can install Windows on Intel-based Macs using Boot Camp, then run Valorant as if on a Windows PC. This method offers the best performance for Mac users but is not available on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs.

• Performance:

• Even with Boot Camp, Macs are not optimized for gaming, so expect lower FPS and possible thermal throttling compared to a dedicated Windows gaming PC.

• Cloud Gaming:

• Cloud gaming services are not officially supported for Valorant due to anti-cheat limitations.

Running Valorant on Linux

• No Native Linux Version:

• Riot has explicitly stated there are no plans to support Linux, mainly due to Vanguard’s incompatibility with Linux kernels and translation layers like Proton.

• Virtual Machines:

• Running Valorant inside a Windows virtual machine with GPU passthrough is possible but complex. Performance is often poor, with lag and low FPS.

• Dual Boot:

• The most reliable workaround is dual-booting Windows alongside Linux. This allows you to play Valorant natively in Windows while keeping Linux for other tasks.

Key Issues and Limitations

• Apple Silicon Macs: Boot Camp does not work on M1/M2/M3 Macs, so there is currently no supported way to play Valorant on these devices.

• Performance: Workarounds like VMs or third-party apps often cause lag, crashes, or low FPS.

• Security Risks: Unofficial tools or unsupported methods can violate Riot’s TOS or expose your system to security issues.