How to Fix VALORANT Error Code 43: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Valorant Error Code 43 pops up with the message: “There was an error connecting to the platform. Please restart your game client.” This error typically means the game client couldn’t connect to Riot’s servers due to a timeout or client-side issue. Whether it’s a problem with Riot’s services or your own system setup, this guide will walk you through every step to solve it.

What Causes Valorant Error Code 43?

The VAL 43 error generally occurs when:

• Server maintenance or outages
• Weak or interrupted internet connection
• Corrupted Riot Client or Vanguard files
• Riot Vanguard anti-cheat not running
• Timeout while attempting to establish a connection with Riot services

All Valorant Error Codes

How to Fix VAL 43 Error in Valorant

Follow these methods in order, as each step addresses a different possible root cause:

1. Check Riot Server Status

Before diving into troubleshooting, visit Riot’s official status page or the VALORANT Discord to see if servers are down for maintenance.

If the servers are fine, proceed to the next step.

2. Restart Riot Client and PC

• Close VALORANT and Riot Client completely.
• Use Task Manager to ensure all Riot-related processes are closed:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  • Go to Details tab
  • Look for Valorant.exe, RiotClientServices.exe, or vgc.exe
  • Right-click and choose End Task

Now restart your PC and try launching VALORANT again.

3. Delete Riot Client Settings

This can help refresh your Riot Client configuration:

1. Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
2. Navigate back to the AppData folder.
3. Go to: Local > Riot Games > Riot Client > Config
4. Delete the file: RiotClientSettings.yaml

This won’t affect your game progress.

4. Clear Ferent (Crash Report) Logs

1. Again, press Win + R and type %appdata%
2. Go back to AppData > Local > Ferent > Saved
3. Open:
   • CrashReportClient folder → Delete all files
   • Logs folder → Delete all logs

These are just crash reports and logs and can be safely removed.

5. Configure Vanguard Anti-Cheat Service (VGC)

Vanguard must be active and auto-starting:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Look for VGC
3. Right-click → Properties
4. Set Startup Type to: Automatic
5. If it’s not running, click Start
6. Click Apply > OK

6. Reset Network Configuration

Some system-level network commands may help restore connectivity.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Search for “CMD”, right-click, and choose Run as administrator
2. Run these commands one by one: netsh winsock reset ipconfig /flushdns
3. Restart your PC after executing these.

7. Check Your Internet Connection

Even a temporary drop in connection can cause VAL 43:

• Restart your modem/router
• Switch to a wired (Ethernet) connection if using Wi-Fi
• Test your speed using Speedtest
• Try turning off any active VPN or Proxy

8. Update or Repair Valorant

• Open the Riot Client
• If an update is pending, it will auto-start. If not, click the gear icon next to “Play” and select Check for Updates

To repair the game:

• Go to Riot Client > Settings > Valorant > Click Repair

9. Reinstall Valorant and Vanguard (if all else fails)

If nothing works, it’s time for a clean reinstall:

Step-by-step:

1. Uninstall VALORANT and Riot Vanguard from Control Panel or Windows Settings
2. Restart your PC
3. Visit https://playvalorant.com and download the latest installer
4. Install VALORANT and let Riot Vanguard install as part of the setup

FAQs

1. What is Valorant Error Code 43?

• Error Code 43 indicates a timeout while the Riot Client is trying to connect to its servers. It’s usually caused by network issues, server downtime, or problems with Riot’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard).

2. Is Valorant Error Code 43 a permanent ban?

• No. This error is not related to bans. It simply means there was a timeout error. Bans have separate codes like 61 (account ban) or VAN 152 (HWID ban).

3. Can restarting my PC really fix this error?

• Yes. Restarting the PC clears many background services and temporary issues. It’s the most basic and effective fix in many cases.

4. Should I uninstall Vanguard to fix error 43?

• Only if nothing else works. Vanguard is essential to run VALORANT. You can uninstall and reinstall both Vanguard and VALORANT as a last resort.

5. Will deleting RiotClientSettings.yaml affect my saved settings?

• It only resets your Riot Client preferences. Your account, progress, and in-game settings remain safe.

6. Why does Error Code 43 show up randomly after updates?

• After Riot pushes new updates, servers might temporarily go offline, or the new patch might conflict with cached files or services like Vanguard.

7. How do I check if Riot servers are down?

• Visit the Riot Games Service Status page or check community updates on the Valorant Discord.

8. Can this error occur due to slow internet?

• Yes. A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent the client from connecting to Riot’s servers, causing timeout issues like VAL 43.

9. Can I fix VAL 43 without reinstalling the game?

• Absolutely. In most cases, restarting, cleaning Riot/Vanguard config files, and resetting network settings is enough. Reinstalling is the last resort.

Final Thoughts

VALORANT error code 43 can be annoying, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix by following the steps above. Always start with the simplest: restarting your client and checking server status. And remember, if nothing works, Riot’s support portal is there for you.