How to Fix Valorant Error Code 43 or VAL 43 in Windows 11/10 [Tutorial]

Last night, I was gearing up for a long gaming session of Valorant. The adrenaline was pumping as I logged in, ready to dive into some intense matches with my friends. However, as soon as I hit the play button, an error message popped up on the screen: “Error Code 43” or “VAL 43.” My heart sank; it was one of those moments where your excitement quickly turns into frustration. I’ve encountered various errors before, but this one was particularly puzzling. I decided to tackle the issue head-on, and here’s how I managed to fix it.

The first step in troubleshooting was to understand what Error Code 43 actually meant. From my initial research, it seemed that this error was related to the Valorant client or the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system. Error Code 43 could be triggered by several factors, including corrupted files, issues with Riot Vanguard, or network problems. I had to methodically work through each potential cause to identify the root of the problem.

I started by rebooting my computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve underlying issues, so I figured it was worth a shot. After rebooting, I launched Valorant again, but to my dismay, the error persisted. Clearly, a restart wasn’t going to solve this one.

Next, I decided to check for any updates. Outdated software can often lead to compatibility issues. I opened the Riot Client and navigated to the settings to see if there were any pending updates for Valorant or Riot Vanguard. Fortunately, both were up to date. However, I made a mental note to always keep my games and drivers updated in the future to avoid similar issues.

Realizing that the problem might be related to the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system, I turned my attention to it. Riot Vanguard is essential for Valorant, but it can sometimes malfunction. I needed to make sure it was functioning correctly. To do this, I uninstalled and reinstalled Riot Vanguard. This process was a bit involved, so I followed these steps:

1. I went to the Control Panel and opened “Programs and Features.”
2. I found Riot Vanguard in the list of installed programs and selected it.
3. I clicked on “Uninstall” and followed the prompts to remove it from my system.
4. After uninstalling, I rebooted my computer once again.
5. I then reinstalled Riot Vanguard by launching Valorant, which automatically prompted me to install the anti-cheat system.

With Riot Vanguard reinstalled, I launched Valorant once more, hoping this would fix the issue. Unfortunately, the error code still appeared. It was clear that the problem might not be with Riot Vanguard alone.

Next, I focused on potential file corruption. Corrupted game files can often cause issues like Error Code 43. To address this, I used the Valorant repair tool. Here’s how I did it:

1. I opened the Riot Client and went to the Valorant tab.
2. I clicked on the gear icon to access settings.
3. I looked for an option labeled “Repair” or something similar.
4. I initiated the repair process and waited for it to complete.

The repair tool scanned and fixed any corrupted or missing files. Once the repair was done, I launched Valorant, but the error still persisted. I was running out of options, so I decided to look at my network connection. Network issues could also lead to such errors.

I checked my internet connection and made sure it was stable. I ran a speed test to ensure there were no significant disruptions. Everything seemed to be fine on my end, but I also tried restarting my router as a precautionary measure. After resetting my network, I tried launching Valorant again, but the error code stubbornly remained.

Feeling increasingly frustrated, I decided to dig deeper into potential solutions online. I found that some users had success by changing their DNS settings. This was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I was willing to try anything. Here’s how I changed my DNS settings:

1. I opened the Control Panel and navigated to “Network and Internet” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
2. I selected “Change adapter settings.”
3. I right-clicked on my active network connection and chose “Properties.”
4. I scrolled down and selected “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and clicked “Properties.”
5. I chose the option “Use the following DNS server addresses” and entered Google’s DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
6. I clicked “OK” and closed all the windows.

After changing the DNS settings, I restarted my computer and launched Valorant. This time, the game finally loaded without any error codes. The change in DNS settings seemed to have done the trick.

In conclusion, resolving Valorant Error Code 43 involved a series of steps. I started with the basics, such as rebooting and checking for updates, then moved on to more specific solutions like reinstalling Riot Vanguard, repairing game files, and even adjusting network settings. Each step helped narrow down the issue, and eventually, the problem was fixed. It was a process that required patience and a bit of troubleshooting know-how, but the sense of achievement when finally getting back into the game was well worth the effort.