Valorant Mobile Outside China: How to Download, Play, and What to Expect in 2025

Riot Games’ tactical FPS Valorant has already conquered PC esports, and its mobile adaptation is set to be one of the biggest releases in the shooter genre. The catch? For now, Valorant Mobile is officially available only in China, with Tencent handling the rollout, servers, and esports roadmap. But that hasn’t stopped players around the world from finding ways to get their hands on it early. If you’re curious about Valorant Mobile outside China, here’s everything you need to know: from installation steps and VPN requirements to gameplay expectations and the future of the global launch.

Why Valorant Mobile Is Limited to China Right Now

Valorant Mobile entered closed beta in China in June 2025, followed by a wider release on Chinese app stores. Tencent, in partnership with Riot, is spearheading the rollout with heavy investment into esports infrastructure, including a National Circuit and in-game tournament centers.

Outside China, however, Riot has yet to announce an official release window. This region-locking is partly due to regulatory structures in China, where Tencent has streamlined approval, and partly due to Riot’s strategy to polish the mobile experience before expanding globally.

For players outside China, this means the only way to play right now is through unofficial workarounds—downloading the Chinese version and connecting via VPN.

How to Download Valorant Mobile Outside China

The installation process differs for Android and iOS, but both require a bit of trickery. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

On Android

1. Install Popcorn App (3839 Popcorn) – This is a popular Chinese third-party app store.

2. Search for Valorant Mobile and hit download.

3. Allow APK installation when prompted.

4. Once installed, launch the game and download the in-game resources (~4GB).

5. You will need a WeChat or QQ account to log in. These accounts must be verified to work.

On iOS

1. Open your App Store profile settings.

2. Tap Country/Region and switch it to Mainland China.

3. Fill in a random Chinese address (any placeholder works).

4. Refresh the App Store and search for Valorant Mobile.

5. Download and install.

Logging In: WeChat or QQ Required

Unlike Riot’s PC client or Riot IDs, Valorant Mobile requires either a WeChat or QQ account. Both are ubiquitous in China and act as gateways for most Chinese online games. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register—and in some cases, verification may require assistance from someone who already uses these services.

Without WeChat or QQ, you simply can’t access the game.

VPN: Your Lifeline for Playing Outside China

Downloading Valorant Mobile outside China is only half the battle. To actually play, you’ll need a VPN that connects through Chinese servers. Without it, you’ll likely be disconnected during matches or locked out entirely.

VPN Best Practices

• Enable VPN before launching the game – you need it at login and during matches.

• Choose low-latency servers – not all VPNs handle China routing well; premium providers are recommended.

• Expect some lag – even the best VPNs add ping, so don’t expect buttery-smooth PC-level performance.

Storage, Performance, and Requirements

Valorant Mobile is no lightweight title. Expect the following:

• Storage: Over 4 GB for the main resource download, plus updates.

• Device specs: A mid-to-high tier device (Snapdragon 865 or newer) is recommended for stable framerates.

• Battery usage: Like other shooters, long sessions can drain your battery fast, especially with VPN running.

Why Play Valorant Mobile Early?

You might be wondering: why go through all this hassle? A few reasons:

1. Early access: Experience Valorant Mobile months (maybe years) before global release.

2. Skill building: Learn mobile-specific mechanics early, giving you a head start once worldwide servers go live.

3. Exclusive content: China-first events, skins, and rewards may not return in global versions.

4. Curiosity: For dedicated Valorant fans, it’s a chance to see how Riot has translated PC’s precise gunplay into touchscreen form.

The Esports Angle: What’s Happening in China

Tencent has already confirmed Valorant Mobile’s competitive roadmap inside China:

• Show Cup (Summer 2025) – grassroots showcase tournaments.

• China National Circuit (Q4 2025) – a structured competitive league system modeled after PC Valorant’s VCT format.

• In-game tournament center – a permanent feature where teams register and compete directly from the client.

This means China is serving as both testing ground and launchpad for Valorant Mobile esports. Riot hasn’t confirmed if these structures will extend globally, but if history with PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile is any indicator, expect a tiered global esports ecosystem post-launch.

Comparing Valorant Mobile to Other Mobile Shooters

Valorant Mobile isn’t entering an empty market. Games like PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, and Free Fire have already established massive ecosystems. However, Valorant has three unique hooks:

1. Agent abilities – a direct translation of PC’s tactical gameplay, making it distinct from “pure gun” shooters.

2. Map fidelity – early footage shows maps almost identical to PC, ensuring competitive integrity.

3. Esports-first design – Riot and Tencent are aiming for long-term esports infrastructure rather than casual arcade-style gameplay.

If Valorant Mobile outside China follows through, it could potentially challenge Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in Asia as a premier esports title.

Challenges of Playing Valorant Mobile Outside China

While exciting, there are clear drawbacks to this workaround:

• Lag: VPN routing inevitably adds latency.

• Language barrier: The current client is in simplified Chinese.

• Account risk: Using unauthorized workarounds may risk bans once Riot expands globally.

• Limited community: Matchmaking outside China means you’ll mostly face Chinese players with better ping.

Will Valorant Mobile Get a Global Release?

Riot has been tight-lipped on Valorant Mobile’s global timeline. Given the success of other Riot mobile titles (League of Legends: Wild Rift, Teamfight Tactics), it’s almost certain—but Riot seems committed to testing competitive systems in China first. A safe bet? Expect late 2025 announcements about regional betas outside China, with a wider rollout in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Playing Valorant Mobile outside China isn’t exactly plug-and-play—but it’s possible. With a Popcorn APK or App Store region switch, a WeChat/QQ login, and a reliable VPN, you can dive into Riot’s tactical shooter on your phone months before global release. Just be prepared for language hurdles, lag, and the occasional VPN hiccup.

For diehard fans, the extra effort pays off. You’ll not only experience Valorant’s mobile mechanics firsthand but also witness the birth of its esports ecosystem from the ground up in China. And when Valorant Mobile eventually launches worldwide, you’ll already have the edge.

Bottom line: If you’re patient, wait for the official release. If you’re adventurous and don’t mind the workarounds, Valorant Mobile outside China is absolutely playable right now. Just don’t forget your VPN.