Valorant Open Beta Isn’t as Open as Riot Games Would Have You Think

The closed beta for Valorant on consoles has finally ended. The official Twitter/X account for the game recently announced that the open beta is now accessible to everyone on PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles.

While there was a huge wave of excitement initially, it was quickly dampened by a crucial detail: the open beta isn’t available for everyone. If you’re not one of the lucky ones who can access it, there’s no telling how long you’ll have to wait before you can.

The Valorant Open Beta Comes With Regional Restrictions

The immeasurable happiness that emerged from Riot Games’ fanbase when it declared that the Valorant closed beta was finally transitioning to an open beta didn’t last very long.

no more codes. download now. pic.twitter.com/fwCNYapH7M

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) July 26, 2024

Earlier this week, it dropped an announcement exclaiming that codes were over, and PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users could download and play the game starting then.

Not every user, it seems like. A few people questioned the availability in certain regions, as they couldn’t find it in their respective digital marketplaces. Turns out, you’re better off sticking with the PC version, and it’s not because of skill issues.

Not really. I can’t find “Valorant” on Playstation Store for Australia…

— Joshdachu (@Joshdachu_) July 26, 2024

Riot Games clarified that, for now, the open beta is only available in the same regions as the closed beta—USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil. They told players to stay tuned for updates on wider regional availability.

Although the game is accessible in many regions on PC, the console version’s limited release has left many frustrated and disappointed, with entire regions excluded, including large portions of its player base in Africa and Asia.

The Desperation Is Real, as People Beg Riot Games for Access

As it turns out, the ‘open’ beta isn’t as open as you think it would be.

To say that ‘some’ fans were disappointed after Riot clarified the game’s accessibility in certain regions is an understatement.

is not a open beta pic.twitter.com/WUtGmUUBoK

— EMYI (@MGTMX1) July 26, 2024

Many were under the impression that the open beta would be globally accessible, only to find out otherwise while searching for it in their console’s digital store.

so annoying been waiting so long to play but can’t cause no servers is australia!!!

— zyu (@zyuu1x) July 26, 2024

The comment section under the clarification post is filled with pleas from players around the world, urging the company to make the open beta accessible in their respective regions soon.

BRO WE WANT TO PLAY THE GAME IN SOUTH AFRICA!

— Zoro (@Zoro68559378) July 28, 2024

One look at the thread, and you can see there’s an extremely high demand from fans worldwide to open the game to more regions.

No doubt, the game will come to more regions one day. It’s a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if.’ Until then, eager console players are going to have to find another game to play until Valorant‘s arrival.

What are your thoughts on the restricted open beta? Are you one of the many players waiting for it to reach your region? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!