Van 152 Valorant Error: Fixes That Work

Van 152 is a Valorant error code that appears when the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system fails to connect or communicate properly with the game client, usually blocking you from logging in or starting a match. The fix typically involves restarting Vanguard, updating it, or adjusting system settings that interfere with it. Below is a breakdown of what causes the error and the steps you can take to resolve it.

What Is Van 152?

Van 152 is one of several “Van� error codes in Valorant, all of which relate to Riot Vanguard, the game’s anti-cheat software. While other Van errors (like Van 81 or Van 106) often point to hardware or driver issues, Van 152 is specifically tied to a connection problem between the Vanguard service and the Valorant client. In practice, this means the game cannot verify that Vanguard is running correctly, so it refuses to launch or drops you from the queue.

The error usually appears as a pop-up with the message “Van 152� and a short description like “Unable to connect to platform.� It can happen at the login screen, during matchmaking, or when loading into a map. Players on Windows 10 and Windows 11 report it, and it often occurs after a Windows update, a Vanguard update, or a change in network settings.

What Causes Van 152?

Several factors can trigger Van 152, and the root cause is not always obvious. The most common causes include:

• Vanguard service not running – The anti-cheat runs as a background service called “vgc.â€� If it stops or fails to start, Valorant cannot connect.
• Outdated Vanguard or Windows – A mismatch between Vanguard and the latest Windows version can cause communication failures.
• Third-party software interference – Some programs, especially those with kernel-level access (like certain RGB controllers, overclocking tools, or cheat-related software), can conflict with Vanguard.
• Corrupted game files – Damaged Valorant files can prevent the client from talking to Vanguard.
• Network or firewall blocks – A firewall or VPN might block Vanguard’s connection to Riot’s servers.

It’s worth noting that Van 152 is not a ban or a hardware issue. It’s a temporary connectivity problem, and most players can fix it in a few minutes.

How to Fix Van 152

Try these fixes in order, from simplest to most involved. Stop after each one and test if the error is gone.

1. Restart Vanguard – Right-click the Vanguard icon in the system tray (bottom-right of your screen) and select “Exit Vanguard.� Then restart your PC. Vanguard will automatically start on boot. This is the most common fix.
2. Restart the Vanguard service – If you don’t want to reboot, open the Start menu, type “services.msc,� and press Enter. Find “vgc� in the list, right-click it, and choose “Restart.� If it’s not running, right-click and select “Start.�
3. Run Valorant as administrator – Right-click the Valorant shortcut and select “Run as administrator.� This gives the game the permissions it needs to communicate with Vanguard.
4. Repair game files – Open the Riot Client (the launcher), click your profile icon, then select “Settings.� Under the Valorant tab, click “Repair.� This will re-download any corrupted files.
5. Update Windows and drivers – Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Also update your graphics card driver (from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and your motherboard chipset drivers.
6. Disable conflicting software – Temporarily turn off any overclocking tools, RGB software, or antivirus that might interfere with Vanguard. If the error stops, you’ve found the culprit. You can also check Vanguard’s “Compatibility� list in the Riot Client settings.
7. Check firewall and VPN – Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking Vanguard or Valorant. If you use a VPN, try disconnecting it. Some VPNs interfere with Vanguard’s connection.
8. Reinstall Vanguard – If nothing else works, uninstall Vanguard via the Control Panel (or Settings > Apps), then restart your PC. Valorant will prompt you to reinstall Vanguard when you launch it next.

If you’ve tried all these and still get Van 152, the issue might be on Riot’s side. Check the Riot Games Service Status page to see if there’s an ongoing outage.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Van 152 is a ban or that it means your hardware is incompatible. That’s not true. Van 152 is a connectivity error, not a security flag. Another misconception is that uninstalling Vanguard and playing without it is an option – it’s not. Vanguard is mandatory for Valorant, and you cannot launch the game without it.

Some players also believe that using a VPN will fix Van 152. While a VPN can sometimes help with routing issues, it can also cause the error. If you’re using a VPN and get Van 152, try turning it off first.

Preventing Van 152 in the Future

To reduce the chances of Van 152 happening again:

• Keep Windows and Vanguard updated automatically.
• Avoid installing software that modifies system files or has kernel-level access unless necessary.
• Don’t run multiple anti-cheat systems at the same time (e.g., Vanguard and another game’s anti-cheat).
• Regularly restart your PC instead of using sleep mode all the time – this ensures Vanguard restarts cleanly.
• If you use a VPN, configure it to exclude Valorant and Vanguard from its tunnel, or use split tunneling.

These habits won’t guarantee you never see Van 152 again, but they address the most common triggers.

When to Contact Riot Support

If you’ve exhausted all the steps above and the error persists for more than a day, it’s time to contact Riot Support. Before you do, gather some information: your Windows version, your graphics card model, any recent system changes, and a screenshot of the error. This will help them diagnose the issue faster. You can submit a ticket through the Riot Support website.

Also, check the Valorant subreddit or official forums – if Van 152 is widespread, there may be a known issue with a workaround that hasn’t been officially announced yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Van 152 mean I’m banned?

No. Van 152 is a connection error, not a ban. Bans come with different messages and are usually permanent or temporary with a specific duration. Van 152 means the game can’t verify Vanguard is running, so it won’t let you in.

Can I fix Van 152 by reinstalling Valorant?

Reinstalling Valorant can help if the issue is caused by corrupted game files, but it’s not the first thing to try. Start with restarting Vanguard and repairing files through the Riot Client – that’s faster and often enough.

Why does Van 152 happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates can change system settings or update components that Vanguard relies on. If Vanguard hasn’t been updated to match the new Windows version, it may fail to connect. That’s why updating Vanguard (by restarting your PC) often fixes it.

Is Van 152 related to my internet connection?

Not usually. Van 152 is about the local connection between Vanguard and Valorant, not your internet. However, if your firewall or VPN blocks Vanguard’s network activity, it can appear as Van 152. So a bad internet connection alone won’t cause it, but network software can.

Will disabling Vanguard in Task Manager fix Van 152?

No. Disabling Vanguard in Task Manager will only make the problem worse, because Valorant won’t launch without it. Instead, you should fully exit Vanguard from the system tray and let it restart on reboot.

Related

• 3D Printed Armor Safety & Comfort Guide
• Common Samsung Galaxy S8 Problems & Fixes
• Apple HomePod Smart Display: Status and Rumors