Riot banning console Valorant players using keyboard and mouse

Valorant is currently in its beta phase for consoles and is expected to be released in the near future. While the stand-out feature and expected problem Riot was to face was definitely the move from keyboard and mouse to controller, the developer has been relatively successful. However, some players still want to play the old fashioned way.

Multiple Valorant players tried connecting their keyboard and mouse to play Valorant on consoles. While this no doubt gave them a major unfair advantage over controller players, Riot was quick to shut these people down. Reports state that multiple gamers who were using keyboard and mouse to play Valorant on consoles have already been banned.

Here’s everything you need to know about this juicy story and what’s next for console Valorant players.

Valorant Console Beta Launches with Controller-Only Support 

The wait is finally over for console players, with Valorant coming to PS5 and Xbox Series S/X as part of a beta test that started on June 14th. For players on these platforms who have been itching to play the game since launch, this is a huge deal. But there’s a catch: you can only play with a controller. Riot said on their official website:

“Keyboard and mouse are not supported, and attempts to use them on console (like spoofing) will result in a ban. VALORANT console is meant to be played with a controller.”

Since the beta launched, Riot made it crystal clear that the console version was meant to exclusively be played on controllers, which was done to ensure a level playing field for players on the platform. 

Riot Bans Mouse & Keyboard Valorant console players

Despite Riot’s clear rules, some players tried to get sneaky and test their luck. Using adapters like XIM, players have started using a mouse and keyboard to play the game. For those who don’t know, XIM adapters are these nifty devices that let you hook up a mouse and keyboard to your PS5 or Xbox Series X and trick the console into thinking you’re using a controller. 

Players using such a device are granted a ridiculously unfair advantage of being able to use a mouse while also having access to aim assist features. This led to cheaters running loose in the game, pretty much ruining the experience of any player unfortunate enough to come across them. 

Riot wasn't having any of it though, as they’ve already got their anti-cheat system up and running to sniff out anyone trying to sneak in with a XIM adapter. If you get caught using one, it's an instant ban. Several videos have popped up online of players getting banned mid-game with a “cheater detected” message. 

Valorant’s tech lead, Marcus Reid, confirmed that anyone caught using these adapters would be instantly banned. Moreover, Riot’s head of anti-cheat, Philip Koskinas, even shared a video of a player getting banned, proudly noting their first success. Even in this early beta stage, it's clear that Riot is serious about keeping the game fair. 

Can cheaters avoid bans in Valorant console?

Well, that’s a tough one. The thing about Valorant on PC is that players can download it for free without any issue at all and can make a new account if they get banned. However, the same isn’t true for Valorant on console, at least during the beta phase.

Players must get invite codes to be added to the ongoing beta, which means getting banned requires them to hunt for another beta code. Thanks to this, cheaters are less likely to be able to evade the ban.

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What's Next for Console Players?

Players are left to ponder whether these strict controller-only rules are gonna stick around as the beta rolls on. As of now, the matchmaking in the console version is limited to PS5 and Xbox Series S/X only to keep things balanced and fair. 

Riot seems to want to avoid mixing PC and Console players to prevent mismatched competition, which is the main focus in competitive gaming. The console launch is a big step for Valorant, and it's great to see Riot’s focus and integrity, which will continue to shape the future of the game on all platforms.