Most players don't pay much attention while choosing their username (nickname) in a game. Later, they try to figure out how to change it. That's exactly what the post will cover below with respect to Valorant.
Fortunately, Valorant allows you to change the username, but the procedure isn't that straightforward. Check the guide below to change it within a few minutes.
What is Riot ID?
Riot ID is a combination of your display name and a hashtag. The hashtag consists of alphanumeric numbers. The combination ensures the Riot ID is unique for everyone, and Riot games can accommodate more players. Using this Riot ID, other players can connect with you in Valorant and other games that Riot games has developed.
There are a few other advantages of this combination (Display name and hashtag) of the Riot ID. These include:
This mechanism ensures multiple players can have the same display name. For example, John is one of the most common names around the world. Using this combo, multiple players can have John as their display name. On the backend, Riot Games considers the entire ID, making it easy to distinguish between players.
Since you can always share the hashtag with your friends, they can easily add you as a friend despite having a common first name.
Now that you're aware of the advantages, it's time to double-check your current Riot ID.
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How To Check The Current Riot ID?
Follow the procedure below to check your Riot ID:
Step 1: Login to your Riot account.
Step 2: Launch Valorant game on your machine. If you haven't downloaded it, now is the time to download and install it.
Step 3: After the game starts, search for the icon represented by upper body silhouette of 2 people. Usually, this icon is present in the bottom right corner. Clicking this icon opens the friend list.
Step 4: Hover your mouse over your profile picture. This will open a dialogue box with basic account information.
Step 5: Go through the basic information to double check your Riot ID.
The first part of the Riot ID is your Display name.
How To Change Your Valorant Name
Follow the procedure below to change your Valorant name.
Step 1: Visit riotgames.com and login to your Riot account. You'll likely have to enter the email address you used while signing up initially.
Step 2: After logging in, Click "Riot ID" in the account box. This option is visible on the left side of the account box.
Step 3: Click on the pencil icon situated next to the ID.
Step 4: Thereafter, you can enter the new display name, but you also need to enter a hashtag behind it. If you can't figure out what to enter, you can use the randomize option for the hashtag.
Step 5: After filling in both details, you need to click the “Submit" button at the bottom.
Once you have done that, your Display name will change, and you can play the game under your new display name.
What's the difference between Valorant Username vs Display Name?
The username is selected by the user when signing up for Riot games. You can't change this username. The display name is visible when you play games like Valorant or League of Legends. The display name is your in-game identity, while the username is used to access your account.
How Often Can You Change Your Valorant Name?
Keep in mind that you can only change your name once every 90 days. Therefore, before clicking that submit button, ensure you spell-check the new name and choose something you can live with for 90 days or probably longer.
Valorant Name Rules
Now that you are aware of the procedure, it's time to understand what rules you need to follow while choosing a new Valorant name.
1. Avoid Hate Speech
Your new display name shouldn't constitute hate speech. That means you need to avoid profanities, slang, and slurs that indicate the same. Riot Games clearly states that it shouldn't implicitly or explicitly indicate hate speech of any kind.
2. No Political References
If you're planning to use a name that's linked to political events or messages that's a strict no. Similarly any historical or ethical references shouldn't be made either.
3. No Insults
Many players think it is cool to use a name that spells an insult for the reader or someone else. That's also a strict no. Avoid words that indicate something grotesque, vulgar, or offensive.
Simply choose a name with common sense and don't try to offend anyone by choosing such a name.
Things To Remember While Changing Your Valorant Name
Confused because of the guidelines? Worry not! The section below covers things to remember when changing valorant name.
1. Username Is Constant
The username you use to log in to your Riot account is constant. So, changing your display name to change the username doesn't work.
2. Be Wary Of The Cooldown Period
As stated above, you can only change your valorant name once every 90 days. This means that you can't change your new valorant name until the cooldown period expires.
3. Change Will Reflect Across The Board
The change in Valorant name is actually a change in the Riot ID. It means the change will be reflected across other games like League of Legends. If you don't intend that, it's best to let your Valorant name be the same.
4. Avoid The Slangs
Even if you make offhand references to an event or a race, it will be sooner than later caught by the developers. Hence, it's always a good idea to avoid slang.
Tips To Choose The Best Valorant Name
Stick to the tips below and you wouldn't have a problem finding a suitable Valorant name.
1. Align It With Your Playing Style
It's a good idea to always align the name with your playing style. That helps choose a name you can continue with for months. Not only that, but choosing the right name invokes fear in your opponents or at least makes them intrigued about you, which is a win-win situation.
Sure enough, playing styles can change from time to time, but players usually stick to 1 for months together.
2. Double Check Spelling
Many players choose the right Display name and, in their haste to change it, misspell it. Keep in mind that even a misspelled name can be changed only after 90 days. That's why, before clicking that submit button, always double-check the spelling of the display name.
3. Ensure Its Memorable
Your display name makes it easy for anyone to find you and send you a friend request. Choose a long name, and it becomes difficult for them to find you within the game. Whether you choose the real name or a made-up one, always ensure the name is memorable. That makes it easy to get friend requests from your real friends.
4. Make It Relevant To The Game
As highlighted above, Riot games has multiple rules when it comes to choosing a display name. To avoid breaking any of those rules, it's best to stick to names that are relevant to the game. That way, there is no risk to your account.
5. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Merely choosing John or Harry isn't a good idea. If you truly want to make a statement, use creative names. Not only that, brand-worthy names help you connect with other players not only within the game but also outside the game. That's why it isn't wise to just choose the first name that comes to your mind.
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Recent Changes
From November 20th, 2023, Riot games increased the name change cooldown period from 30 to 90 days. So now you will have to wait longer to change the Riot display name. Online, you might find many old tutorials claiming that you can change the name in 30 days, but that's not true.
FAQs
How do you change your Valorant name before 90 days?
Unfortunately, you can't change Valorant name before the 90-day cooldown period expires. Even Riot Games support will ask you to wait 90 days before you can change the display name.
How much does it cost to change your name on Riot?
Changing your name is free for Riot game players. Riot games introduced a $10 fee last year with a one-year cooldown period, but after immensely negative feedback from players, the game developer reduced the name change cooldown period to 90 days and waived the fee as well.
Why can't I change my Riot name?
It's likely that the 90-day cooldown period isn't over, and hence, you aren't able to change the Riot name. Just try again once the cooldown period expires, and in all likelihood, you would be able to change the name. Otherwise, it's a good idea to contact Riot games support.
How long does it take to change Riot name?
You can change Riot name every 90 days. Once you submit the changes the propagation is almost instantaneous. At the most it can take a few hours for the changes to reflect.
What to do if you forgot your Riot account name?
Visit the official Riot Games website and choose the option "Forgot Username" after clicking on the login button. Follow the step-by-step guide to recover your username.
How long can your Valorant name be?
Your name in valorant can be 16 characters long. Valorant allows you to have an alphanumeric name.
Wrapping it up
Instead of spending hours trying to figure out how to change valorant name?, simply follow the guide above to not only change the name but also to choose the right name. Now is the time to go with a catchy name which can help you create a lasting impression on other players.