VAL 38 error code in Valorant is all about failed connections between your game, Vanguard, or the Riot Client and the Riot servers. If you’re getting kicked or can’t load in at all, use this quick guide to sort out Error 38 and get back to playing rounds with your squad.
VAL 38 Valorant Error Code Explained
Error Code 38 is a connection issue. It shows up when Valorant, Vanguard, or the Riot Client has trouble reaching Riot’s servers. Most players see this right after starting up the game, after a PC restart, or when updating during patch days. It might be due to Riot’s servers being down, network lag at home, or firewall settings getting in the way. You might have seen similar headaches with errors like VAN 6 or Error 43, which also throw you off when there are problems talking to the servers or network authentication.
How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 38
Solving Error 38 generally comes down to refreshing your network, making sure Valorant isn’t being blocked, and double-checking that Riot’s services are all working. Here are the most effective fixes to try:
1. Check Riot’s Server Status
Start by seeing if Riot’s servers are up. Sometimes, Error 38 happens because of scheduled maintenance or server outages. If that’s the case, you’ll have to wait a bit before you can play again, just like with other common Valorant errors such as Error 29.
2. Restart the Riot Client and Valorant
Restarting clears up small bugs or connection hiccups with the launcher and game. According to Valorant players this fix helps with issues like Error 43 about 92% of the time.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- End every Riot or Valorant process you find.
- Relaunch the Riot Client, then Valorant.
3. Restart Your Router and PC
If the problem isn’t on Riot’s end, your internet setup might be to blame. Power cycling your router or modem, then restarting your PC, can reset your connection and clear up hiccups.
- Unplug your router/modem for half a minute, then plug it back in.
- Wait until all lights are steady, then restart your PC.
- Try launching Valorant again.
4. Allow Valorant, Vanguard, and Riot Client Through Firewall
Sometimes your firewall or antivirus blocks Valorant, Vanguard, or the Riot Client from talking to the servers.
- Open “Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Click “Allow an app or feature” and select “Change settings.”
- Add Valorant, RiotClientServices.exe, and vgc.exe, then check both Private and Public boxes.
- Click OK and restart your computer before starting Valorant again.
5. Change Your DNS Settings
DNS issues can stop your PC from finding Riot’s servers. Switching to Google DNS or Cloudflare sometimes does the trick.
- Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your connection, choose “Properties,” then Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
- Set Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
- Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1
- Save and restart your PC.
6. Contact Riot Support
If nothing else works, there might be an account issue or backend glitch. Submit a ticket to Riot Support with details about Error 38 and what you’ve tried so far. They will reply to your ticket within a few minutes or hours.
VAL 38 Similar Errors in Valorant
Error Code 38 often goes hand-in-hand with other server and connection issues in Valorant. If you’ve ever seen Error Code 29, VAN 6, or Error 43, those are also linked to connection, firewall, or Riot Client problems. The steps covered here can often resolve all these glitches, so keep them handy for next time.
Conclusion
Error Code 38 in Valorant is usually all about connection problems, whether due to your setup at home or Riot’s own servers. Working through restarts, firewall tweaks, and DNS changes should have you back in-game fast. If Riot’s servers are down, just be patient and wait for an official update. Otherwise, you’ll be racking up frags again in no time!
Andrew "SuZki" Scola is a dedicated Valorant player who has been in the game since the Valorant beta release, achieving a peak rank of Immortal 3. With over six years of experience writing gaming content, he brings deep game knowledge and strategic insight to every article. Based in Los Angeles, California, Andrew is an active member of the SoCal Valorant community and has competed at the semi-pro level in Valorant esports. As a proud Killjoy and Raze main, he’s known for his sharp utility usage and high-impact plays—especially on his favorite maps: Haven, Breeze, and Lotus.