After nearly four years of silence, Riot Games has finally announced that their acclaimed 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 exact release date remains under wraps, the initial launch will target China, with plans for a broader rollout to follow.
Valorant, which skillfully blends the tactical gunplay of Counter-Strike with the unique agent abilities reminiscent of Overwatch, offers a thrilling 13-round 5v5 match format. Each player has a single life per round, and the gameplay often includes a defusal/planting objective, a nod to Counter-Strike enthusiasts.
The collaboration between Riot and Lightspeed isn't surprising, given their mutual ownership by Tencent. This official confirmation breaks the long silence surrounding Valorant Mobile and is eagerly welcomed by fans.
Valorous
Given the dominance of Android in China, a multi-OS release is virtually assured. Riot's announcement has confirmed that Lightspeed is actively developing the game, with a China-first strategy in place. While this suggests a global release is on the horizon, ongoing trade issues, particularly concerning smartphones crucial for mobile gaming, may delay a worldwide rollout. Patience might be required before Tencent, Lightspeed, and Riot provide concrete timelines for Valorant's global mobile launch.
In the meantime, if you're eager for action, don't settle for less intense games. Check out our curated list of the best shooters available on Android and iOS to keep your trigger finger sharp until Valorant Mobile arrives.
