After nearly four years of silence, Riot Games has finally announced that their popular tactical hero shooter, Valorant, is making its way to mobile devices. The development is being handled by Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios. Although an exact release date hasn't been set, the initial launch is planned for China, with broader release details to follow.
Valorant blends the tactical gunplay of Counter-Strike with the unique agent abilities reminiscent of Overwatch. The game's core mode features a 13-round 5v5 match where each player has only one life per round, and includes familiar objectives like bomb defusal and planting, appealing especially to fans of Counter-Strike.
The collaboration between Riot and Lightspeed is not surprising, given that both entities are under the Tencent umbrella. This official confirmation is a welcome update after a long wait for news on Valorant Mobile.
Valorous
With the immense popularity of Android in China, a multi-OS release seems almost certain. Currently, the only solid information we have is from Riot's announcement, which confirms that Lightspeed is developing the game and that it will first launch in China.
While this news hints at a global release in the future, ongoing trade issues, particularly those affecting smartphones crucial for mobile gaming, might delay a worldwide rollout. Tencent, Lightspeed, and Riot will need to navigate these challenges before announcing a definitive international launch date.
In the meantime, if you're eager to get your gaming fix, don't limit yourself to puzzles or cooking simulation games. Check out our curated list of the best shooters available on Android and iOS to keep your trigger finger sharp until Valorant Mobile hits the global scene.