Leaving a Valorant Game: What Happens and How to Avoid Penalties?
Valorant is one of the most popular games in recent times. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, sometimes you need to leave a match due to unforeseen circumstances. But what happens when you leave a Valorant game? Are there any penalties? In this article, we will discuss in-depth about the consequences of leaving a Valorant game, how to avoid penalties, and tips on good sportsmanship.
What Happens If You Leave a Valorant Game?
Leaving a Valorant game can result in penalties, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the frequency and severity of the offense. Below are some of the penalties you might face if you leave a Valorant game:
Minor Penalties
- Warning: The first time you leave a Valorant game, you will receive a warning message on your screen.
- Queue restrictions: If you frequently leave games, you may face queue restrictions, which prevent you from joining a new game for a certain period, usually ranging from several minutes to an hour.
Major Penalties
- Temporary bans: If you leave a game again within 24 hours, you may receive a temporary ban, usually for several hours, during which you cannot play Valorant.
- Elo loss: Elo (short for “Expecting to Lose”) is the ranking system used in Valorant. Every time you leave a game, you may lose Elo points, affecting your rank and matchmaking experience.
Severe Penalties
- Account suspension: If you frequently leave games or engage in other forms of unsportsmanlike conduct, such as griefing or harassment, your account may receive a temporary or permanent suspension.
- IP bans: If your behavior violates Riot Games’ Terms of Service, your IP address may be permanently banned from playing Valorant.
How to Avoid Penalties When Leaving a Valorant Game
While unforeseen circumstances can arise that require you to leave a Valorant game, there are certain steps you can take to avoid penalties:
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Communicate with your team: If you need to leave the game, try to communicate with your team beforehand. Let them know you have to go and apologize for any inconvenience caused. This way, your team might understand why you left and may be less likely to report you.
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Use the Surrender option: If your team is losing badly, it might be better to use the Surrender option instead of leaving the game. Surrendering ends the game early, helping you avoid penalties and saving time for both you and your teammates.
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Accept the consequences: If you know you will receive penalties for leaving a game, accept them. Learn from the experience and be a better teammate next time.
Good Sportsmanship: Tips for Staying on the Right Side of the Rules
Apart from penalties, leaving a Valorant game can also affect your team’s morale and the overall gaming experience. Therefore, it’s essential to practice good sportsmanship at all times, whether you win or lose. Here are some tips for staying on the right side of the rules:
- Be courteous and respectful to your teammates and opponents.
- Do not engage in any form of harassment or griefing, such as using abusive language or sabotaging the game.
- Be punctual and join the game on time.
- Listen to your teammates and communicate effectively.
- Play to win, but also have fun and enjoy the game.
Frequent Ask Questions
Q1. Can I rejoin a Valorant match if I left it by mistake?
A: Unfortunately, once you have left a Valorant game, you cannot rejoin it. You will have to accept the penalties and wait for them to expire before playing another game.
Q2. How long do I have to wait before joining a new game when I receive a queue restriction?
A: The duration of the queue restriction varies depending on the severity of the offense. On average, you will have to wait for a few minutes to an hour before you can join a new game.
Q3. Can I appeal a Valorant ban or suspension?
A: Yes, you can appeal a Valorant ban or suspension through Riot Games’ support system. However, make sure you have a valid reason, as frivolous appeals can lead to further penalties.
Conclusion
Leaving a Valorant game can result in penalties, affecting your ranking and matchmaking experience. Therefore, it’s essential to practice good sportsmanship, communicate with your team, and accept the consequences if you have to leave a game. Remember, winning is great, but it’s equally important to have fun and enjoy the game. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be on the right side of the rules in Valorant.