After nearly four years of silence, Riot Games has finally broken the news that their tactical hero shooter, Valorant, is set to make its way to mobile devices. The development is being spearheaded by Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios. While an official release date remains under wraps, the rollout is expected to begin in China before expanding globally.
Valorant stands out in the gaming world as a unique blend of tactical gunplay reminiscent of Counter-Strike, and the diverse agent abilities akin to Overwatch. The game's core mode features a 13-round 5v5 match format where players have one life per round and engage in objectives similar to planting or defusing a bomb, a mechanic well-loved by Counter-Strike enthusiasts.
The collaboration between Riot and Lightspeed Studios is a natural fit, especially since both are under the Tencent umbrella. This official announcement has been eagerly awaited and warmly received by the gaming community, signaling the end of the long wait for Valorant Mobile.
Given the widespread use of Android devices in China, a multi-OS release seems almost certain. Riot has confirmed that Lightspeed Studios is working on the project and that the initial launch will prioritize China. This news hints at a broader release in the future, although current global trade issues, particularly those affecting smartphone availability for mobile gaming, might delay the worldwide rollout.
While we await further details on the international release of Valorant Mobile, fans with a penchant for action don't need to settle for non-shooter games. Explore our curated list of the top shooters available on Android and iOS to keep your gaming skills sharp in the meantime.