VALORANT Console Launches in Australia and New Zealand on 23 September

VALORANT is finally launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Australia and New Zealand on 23 September 2026. Riot Games has confirmed that console players in both countries will gain access to the Sydney server, bringing the console version to the region more than two years after its initial rollout in selected markets.

The Sydney console server will go live at 10:00am AEST, which means players on mainland New Zealand can start playing from 12:00pm NZST. PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to match with each other, but Riot will continue to keep console and PC matchmaking separate.

When VALORANT Console Goes Live in Australia and New Zealand

Riot has provided different local launch times across Australia and New Zealand, all corresponding to the Sydney server opening on 23 September.

Before the full launch, Riot will temporarily lock the local console server from 12:00am AEST on 17 September while it completes final testing. VALORANT may become visible on Australian and New Zealand console storefronts during that period, but players will not be able to connect to the server until the official launch time on 23 September.

The temporary restriction only applies to console. VALORANT players on PC will not be affected.

PlayStation and Xbox Players Can Play Together

VALORANT supports cross-play between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players on the two console platforms to join the same matches. Console players cannot enter PC matches, however, with Riot keeping the matchmaking pools separate to maintain what it describes as a fair and consistent competitive experience.

Account progression works differently. Players can use the same Riot account on PC and console, with Battlepass progress, recruited Agents, purchased skins and other earned content carrying between platforms. Progress made after the Australian and New Zealand launch will also remain attached to that account rather than resetting.

Ranked competition remains separate between PC and console, so shared account progression does not mean players will carry the same competitive rank between the two versions.

VALORANT will also remain free to play on console without requiring a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription. Riot says both subscription services can provide additional benefits to members, but neither is required to access the game.

VALORANT Console Launches Alongside Patch 13.06

The Australian and New Zealand console rollout is expected to arrive alongside VALORANT Patch 13.06 on 23 September. The update also brings several wider changes to the game, including the new Warden rifle, updates to the Agent Mastery progression system and Gauntlet: Glitched.

Gauntlet: Glitched is a new mode built around 16 players split across eight teams of two. Each duo uses ability kits that change the usual VALORANT rules, with abilities refreshing between rounds.

For Australian and New Zealand players, however, the biggest change is straightforward: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players will finally have official access to their local Sydney server from 23 September, with mainland New Zealand joining at 12:00pm NZST.