Valorant players continue to face the frustrating Error Code 57 in 2025, a persistent issue that prevents many from enjoying Riot Games' popular tactical shooter. This error, commonly displayed as "Vanguard Not Initialized," occurs when the game's anti-cheat system fails to properly start up, leaving players staring at their screens in disappointment rather than engaging in competitive matches.

When Valorant error code 57 appears, the game typically shuts down immediately after attempting to load, creating a cycle of frustration for affected users. According to recent player reports, the error often follows a predictable pattern: signing in difficulties, eventual client launch, a loading screen of approximately 45 seconds, followed by the dreaded VAL 57 error message and immediate shutdown.

Understanding the Root Causes of Valorant Error Code 57

In 2025, several factors continue to trigger this persistent error:

  1. Vanguard Service Issues: The most common cause remains problems with Riot Vanguard's background services. When these services are manually disabled or fail to initialize properly, Error Code 57 appears.

  2. Software Conflicts: Third-party applications, particularly security software and performance optimization tools, frequently create conflicts with Vanguard's deep system integration.

  3. Corrupted Installation: Missing or damaged game files resulting from problematic installations or system interruptions.

  4. Outdated System Components: Incompatibilities between Valorant's latest version and outdated graphics drivers or Windows OS versions.

  5. Network Configuration Problems: Some players in 2025 report that certain network setups, particularly after relocating to new living spaces, can trigger the error.

Effective Solutions for Valorant Error Code 57 in 2025

Based on the latest troubleshooting data from the Valorant community and Riot support, here are the most effective methods to resolve this issue:

Basic Troubleshooting

  • Complete Restart: Close Valorant through Task Manager, restart your computer, and relaunch the game.

  • Check Vanguard Services: Verify that Vanguard is running properly through Task Manager's services tab.

  • Disable Firewall Temporarily: Some players have resolved the issue by temporarily disabling firewall protections.

Advanced Solutions

  1. Disable Conflicting Software

  2. Temporarily disable antivirus programs and performance tools

  3. Pay special attention to Intel Killer Performance Suite, which has been identified as a common conflict in 2025

  4. Add Riot applications to your security software's exception list

  5. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

  6. Open Programs and Features (Win + R, type "appwiz.cpl")

  7. Uninstall Riot Vanguard

  8. Restart your system

  9. Launch Valorant to trigger automatic reinstallation

  10. Ensure Vanguard's startup type is set to automatic

  11. Update Graphics Drivers

  12. Special attention to integrated graphics drivers, which often go overlooked

  13. For Intel systems, use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant for comprehensive updates

  14. NVIDIA and AMD users should use their respective official update utilities

  15. Consider a clean driver installation by using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) before installing fresh drivers

  16. Compatibility Mode Adjustments

  17. Right-click the Valorant shortcut and select Properties

  18. Navigate to the Compatibility tab

  19. Enable compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version

  20. Apply changes and relaunch

  21. Network Configuration

  22. Flush DNS (Command Prompt as admin: "ipconfig /flushdns")

  23. Try alternative connection methods if available (wired vs. wireless)

  24. Consider using a mobile hotspot temporarily to test if your main network is the issue

When All Else Fails

If you've exhausted all troubleshooting options and Valorant error code 57 persists, it's time to contact Riot Support directly. The support team has developed specialized tools in 2025 that can diagnose system-specific issues causing the error.

Some players have reported success with a complete system refresh - backing up essential files and performing a clean Windows installation as a last resort. While extreme, this approach eliminates any deep-seated conflicts that might be causing Vanguard initialization failures.

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The Future of Vanguard and Error 57

Riot Games has acknowledged the ongoing challenges with Vanguard initialization errors and has promised further improvements to their anti-cheat system throughout 2025. The development team is working on making Vanguard more resilient to conflicts while maintaining its effectiveness against cheaters.

In the meantime, the Valorant community continues to share new solutions as they discover them, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has helped the game maintain its position as one of the premier tactical shooters in the competitive gaming landscape.

By understanding the causes and implementing these solutions, players should be able to overcome Valorant error code 57 and get back to what matters most – dominating the competition in this highly tactical FPS experience.