After years of speculation, Riot Games has finally confirmed the existence of VALORANT Mobile, offering a first look at the mobile adaptation of its globally successful 5v5 tactical shooter. The mobile title is set to launch exclusively in China at first, with Riot promising to expand to other regions in the future. The news was delivered in a formal announcement and trailer, confirming that LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, developers of PUBG Mobile, are co-developing the project with Riot.
While leaks and playtest footage emerged as early as 2023, official confirmation arrived during Riot's Season 2025 update. Studio Head Anna Donlon confirmed the mobile port was well underway and that "an amazing team" was handling the development. Now, we know that team is LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, a mobile powerhouse with accolades from Google Play and the Golden Joystick Awards. Check out the new trailer down below:
Exclusive Chinese Launch and Pre-Registration
The first rollout of VALORANT Mobile will be in China, with a dedicated website now live at valm.qq. However, it is region-locked and written entirely in Chinese. Chinese players can pre-register for the next playtest and earn exclusive in-game rewards such as player cards. A press release on the site describes the gameplay as retaining VALORANT’s tactical core while adapting to touch controls with simplified mechanics and new animation features like mobile-exclusive MVP cutscenes.
Gameplay Features and Replay Mode
According to the translated announcement and from this tweet we can see that VALORANT Mobile will include the following:
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Feature smooth gameplay with no compromise on core experience
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Include exclusive maps and mobile-friendly abilities
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Debut a long-requested Replay mode
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Offer special launch cosmetics and progression rewards
These additions show Riot’s commitment to treating VALORANT Mobile as more than just a port, instead building a tailored experience from the ground up.
Why China First? And What’s Next?
China is a logical first choice, given its massive mobile gaming audience. Despite being three years late to join the global VALORANT ecosystem, China’s server region launched officially in 2023 and quickly made up ground culminating in a historic 2024 VALORANT Champions win by EDward Gaming. A head start on mobile could allow the Chinese community to establish early dominance in the emerging mobile esports scene, which is already booming with games like PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends.
Riot and LIGHTSPEED have also hinted that the game is “coming to as many players as possible,” signaling a global release is on the roadmap. LIGHTSPEED’s international reach with teams across the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and more strongly supports this likelihood. With global server infrastructure already in place for VALORANT PC, mobile expansion is a matter of time.
Release Date and Esports Implications
Though no firm launch date has been given, the “next playtest” is coming very soon, according to Riot. Given the rapid pace of development, and the formal teaser now live, a full Chinese release in 2025 seems likely.
From an esports standpoint, VALORANT Mobile could spark a new competitive frontier, especially with the 2025 Esports World Cup set to feature five mobile titles, making up 20% of its lineup. Mobile FPS is a proven global phenomenon, and VALORANT’s tight gameplay, combined with LIGHTSPEED’s mobile expertise, could make this a dominant force.
What are your thoughts on the article? Would you play VALORANT on mobile? When do you think it will come out? Let us know your answers below!
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