Riot Games’ free-to-play first-person tactical hero shooter, Valorant, may be set for release on Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Steam Deck, based on the latest rumor.
Twitter/X user XKLaboratories has shared findings from a datamine of Valorant, which suggest that the game may be released on the Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Steam Deck in addition to PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
Among the game files is code that includes mention of social platform tags, including “AND”, “IOS”, “LNX”, “MAC”, “WIN”, “PSN”, “SWT”, and “XBL”. The listed platforms include mention of “PS4” and “SWITCH”. Additionally, it appears that Valorant will have multiple crossplay pools, including one for desktop PCs across Windows, Mac, and Linux, one for mobile platforms across iOS and Android, and one for the consoles.
As of writing, Riot Games has yet to make an announcement regarding the arrival of Valorant on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Steam Deck support is also yet to be confirmed. It would certainly make sense for the developer to release the game across a wide range of platforms, as the player base would see a substantial increase. Valorant’s minimum system requirements on PC are quite modest, which bodes well for the game’s arrival on Android and iOS devices.
Valorant is a team-based tactical shooter where players assume the roles of Agents, diverse characters representing various countries and cultures worldwide. In the primary game mode, teams are divided into attackers and defenders, each comprised of five players. Agents possess unique cooldown-based abilities that are charged through kills, deaths, orbs, or completing objectives. Each round begins with players equipped with a “classic” pistol and charges for their “signature ability.”
The in-game economy allows players to purchase weapons and ability charges based on their performance in the previous round, including kills and objectives completed. The game features an array of weapons, including sidearms, submachine guns, shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles, each with distinctive shooting patterns that require player control for accuracy.