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If VALORANT shows “VALORANT has encountered a connection error. Please relaunch the client to reconnect,” note the full message and any VAN code displayed with it. The message alone does not identify the cause: Riot’s code-specific guides describe several Vanguard startup, readiness, or session problems and prescribe different steps. Match your code to Riot’s instructions and try them in the order given.
Find the VAN code before changing anything
Write down or capture the complete error, including its VAN code. The same connection-error wording appears on several Riot Support pages, but the recommended repair depends on the code. A generic connection message does not by itself prove that your internet connection is at fault.
Use the matching Riot Games Support guide below. The articles were published in July 2026; consult the linked page for its full, current sequence rather than combining fixes from different codes.
| Code | Riot’s stated issue | First steps Riot lists |
|---|---|---|
| VAN 133 | Vanguard could not verify that the PC is ready or encountered an initialization issue. | Update Windows and restart; check that the Vanguard service starts automatically if you are not using Vanguard Pre-Check. |
| VAN -104 | Vanguard is having trouble starting, staying connected, or confirming readiness. | Restart the PC; check Windows date, time, and time zone. |
| VAN 0 | Vanguard could not verify readiness or encountered an initialization issue. | Update Windows and restart; check the Vanguard service. |
| VAN 1067 | Vanguard encountered an unexpected issue while starting or checking in with the system. | Update Windows; disconnect controllers; run Riot Client as administrator. |
| VAN 68 | Vanguard lost a connection or session it needs while the game was launching or running. | Restart the PC; check Windows time; check the Vanguard service. |
Follow the repair sequence for your code
After each step, launch VALORANT to check whether the error is gone. Riot’s VAN 68 guide suggests checking in Practice Tool or a custom game when available. If a step does not help, continue with the next step on that code’s Riot page.
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VAN 133
After updating Windows and restarting, check whether the Vanguard service is set to start automatically if you are not using Vanguard Pre-Check. Riot’s remaining sequence is to reinstall Vanguard, try a clean boot, reinstall VALORANT, and then use its connection guide. Follow Riot’s VAN 133 guide for the full instructions.
VAN -104
Restart the PC, then verify the Windows date, time, and time zone. Next, check the Vanguard service. Riot lists reinstalling Vanguard, a clean boot, reinstalling VALORANT, and connection troubleshooting as later steps. Follow Riot’s VAN -104 guide in order.
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VAN 0
Update Windows and restart, then check the Vanguard service. Riot’s subsequent steps are reinstalling Vanguard, a clean boot, reinstalling VALORANT, and connection troubleshooting. See the VAN 0 guide for the complete sequence.
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VAN 1067
Update Windows, disconnect controllers, and try running Riot Client as administrator. The remaining Riot sequence includes checking the Vanguard service, a clean boot, scanning for malware, reinstalling Vanguard, connection troubleshooting, and reinstalling VALORANT. Use the VAN 1067 guide for the full steps.
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VAN 68
Restart the PC, check Windows time, and check the Vanguard service. Riot then lists reinstalling Vanguard, a clean boot, reinstalling VALORANT, disabling Killer Network Service, and connection troubleshooting. Keep the Killer Network Service step specific to VAN 68; it is not a general recommendation for every connection error. Follow the VAN 68 guide for the complete instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the error still appears
If the code-specific sequence does not resolve the problem, submit a ticket to Riot Player Support and attach logs. Riot’s VAN 133 guide explicitly directs players to submit a ticket if the error persists; the other listed code guides also provide ticket-and-logs escalation.
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Do not assume that replacing a router, installing a VPN, or disabling security software will fix this error. Riot’s guidance ties the steps to the code, and connection troubleshooting generally comes later in the sequence.
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