Valorant players have been frustrated by the lack of a replay system since the game’s launch in 2020. Unlike competitors like CS2, there’s no way to rewatch your matches to analyze mistakes or create content without third-party tools. Let’s find out when the Valorant replay system might finally arrive, what we know about its development and alternative methods to capture your gameplay while waiting.
Valorant Replay System
Valorant still doesn’t have an official replay system despite being built on Unreal Engine 4, which provides a base framework for replay functionality. While other competitive shooters like CS2 launched with robust demo systems, Riot Games has faced significant technical challenges implementing this feature in Valorant due to the game’s unique abilities, maps, and visual effects that need to be accurately reproduced in replays.
Is the system Still in Development?
Riot Games is actively developing the Valorant replay system, as confirmed by Marcus Reid, Valorant’s Technical Lead. According to the May 2024 Dev Update video, the team has created a working prototype with free-cam functionality but is still addressing numerous technical issues. The developers emphasized that accurately reproducing all game elements in replays requires extensive testing and optimization.
Release Date
The Valorant replay system is expected to be revealed in the first half of 2025, according to Valorant France’s Q&A session. Based on recent leaks from patch 10.02 data mining, which uncovered replay-related icons and UI elements, there’s growing speculation that the feature might arrive with Patch 11, potentially coinciding with Episode 11 in early 2025.
How to Replay Gameplay in Valorant
The only way to replay your Valorant gameplay is by recording it using third-party software. Since Valorant lacks an integrated replay system, players must run screen recording applications in the background while playing to capture their matches for later review or content creation.
Valorant Montages and Highlights
Valorant montages and highlight videos are created using third-party recording software and video editing tools. Content creators typically record their gameplay sessions. Then, they use editing software like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve to cut clips, add effects, and sync footage to music for professional-looking montages.
Best Valorant Gameplay Recorders
Several excellent options exist for recording your Valorant gameplay while waiting for the official replay system. Each offers different features to accommodate various needs and system specifications.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source recording software popular among streamers and content creators. It offers high customization options for recording quality, overlays, and multiple audio tracks, though it has a steeper learning curve than some alternatives.
NVIDIA ShadowPlay
NVIDIA ShadowPlay (now part of GeForce Experience) is ideal for players with NVIDIA graphics cards. It offers hardware-accelerated recording with minimal performance impact and includes an Instant Replay feature that can retroactively save the last few minutes of gameplay.
Medal.tv
Medal.tv specializes in game clip creation with features specifically designed for gamers. It can automatically detect highlights in your gameplay and offers easy clip sharing to social platforms, making it perfect for casual content creators.
Xbox Game Bar
Built into Windows 10/11, Xbox Game Bar provides a simple recording solution with no additional downloads required. While it lacks advanced features, its simplicity and low system impact make it a good option for basic gameplay recording.
Conclusion
While Valorant’s in-game replay system is still in development with an expected release in 2025-2026, possibly with Patch 11, players must continue using third-party recording software. The technical challenges of accurately reproducing Valorant’s complex gameplay elements have delayed this feature, but recent data suggest significant progress toward its eventual release.
Andrew "SuZki" Scola is a dedicated Valorant player who has been in the game since the Valorant beta release. He has a peak rank of Immortal 3 and is also a semi-pro esports player. He's also been associated with a few gaming clans and communities, including Highlander Gaming and SoCal Valorant Community. In his free time, he creates content for the Valorant community and writes guides about Valorant based on his experience.
