Valorant Guide: How to Fix VAN‑185 Connection Error

The VAN‑185 error in VALORANT is a connectivity issue related to Riot's anti-cheat software, Vanguard. According to Riot, when users get a VAN‑185 error, it is primarily due to the Riot Client running for too long (over a week) or the same Riot account being logged in on multiple devices at the same time.

In simple terms, VAN‑185 occurs when the Vanguard or Valorant client is unable to maintain a stable connection, leading to failures or users disconnecting. Understanding these errors beforehand can save players' frustration during both competitive matches and special event tie-ins like VALORANT x Rolling Loud India.

Valorant Vanguard Error VAN 185: Why it Happens

Before jumping into applied fixes, it is necessary to understand what a VALORANT VAN 185 issue is. The root cause of a VALORANT VAN 185 issue is generally a technical issue with the Riot Client, Vanguard, or your network and is usually NOT related to cheating or bans. Knowing the root problem will help you provide the best overall solution for your VALORANT VAN 185 issue in the future.

Common Causes of VAN‑185

Community reports and troubleshooting point to several frequent culprits:

• Long-running Riot Client sessions – Keeping the client open for extended periods can trigger the error.
• Multiple device login – Logging in on more than one machine simultaneously may cause conflicts.
• Vanguard service instability – Some users experience the VGC service stopping mid-game, which directly causes VAN‑185.
• Connectivity Problems - If you have misconfigured IPv6, DNS or firewall properties, they can obstruct network connectivity.
• Security software problems: Your antivirus or firewall can interfere with Vanguard.
• Corrupted or outdated files - Corruption in files associated with the game or the client can prevent stable play.

Step-by-Step Instructions For How to Fix VAN 185 Error in VALORANT

To address VAN-185, use this structure, which contains official links and solutions from the community:

1. Restart Riot Client and sign out anywhere else.

• Shut down the Riot Client completely through the tray.
• You can now launch the client and sign in again.
• A large number of players reported that it fixed VAN-185.
• If you have logged in on other devices, be sure to log out of all of them.

2. Check and Restart Vanguard (VGC) Service

• Press Win + R, and type services.msc and hit Enter.
• Locate the vgc service, set its Startup type to Automatic and start it if stopped.
• Reboot your PC and re-open Valorant.

3. Modifying Network Settings

• Turn off IPv6 by following the ncpa.cpl → Right-click on your network card → Properties → Unpick IPv6.
• Reset the network stack using Command Prompt (Admin).
• You can also switch to a public DNS (consider using Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4).

4. White-list Valorant and Vanguard through your security software

• You'll want to add Valorant.exe and Vanguard.exe (or vgc) to the exception list in your firewall/antivirus software.
• You will want to temporarily disable your antivirus and check whether that resolves the issue.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant

• Uninstall the two of them from Settings→Apps, restart the computer, and relaunch Valorant to reinstall Vanguard.

6. Advanced Clean Install

• Delete Vanguard’s boot file (vgkbootstatus.dat) from C:\Windows\.
• Remove Vanguard services via Command Prompt (Admin).
• Restart and relaunch Valorant.

7. Disconnect Peripherals and Optimise Settings

• Disconnect controllers or gamepads.
• Disable Fullscreen Optimisations and run both Valorant and Riot Client as administrator.

When to Contact Riot Support

If VAN‑185 persists after trying the above steps, contact Riot Support with:

• A description of when the error occurs (startup, mid-match, etc.).
• Steps you’ve already tried.
• System details (OS, network, peripherals).

Prevention Tips

Restart Riot Client regularly. Avoid simultaneous logins on multiple devices. Ensure your network drivers and Windows are up to date. Set the Vanguard service to occur automatically on startup. Utilise a stable, preferably wired connection.

Valorant Vanguard Error Van 185 can be a nuisance, but it usually will not indicate cheating or a permanent ban from Valorant. Most errors are due to connection issues or Vanguard issues. Generally, this can be fixed by restarting the client, forcing Vanguard stabilisation, modifying some settings, or reinstalling the software if necessary.

Interestingly, connectivity stability is also critical for competitive events like the VALORANT Red Bull Home Ground 2025, where players rely on uninterrupted client performance to compete at the highest level.