What Valorant PBE actually is and how to register for it

Fariha Bhatti Published 23/11/2022

Riot lets the Valorant community test out the significant Valorant changes through Public Beta Environment, but joining the PBE is more complicated than it seems. 

Since 2020, Riot has consistently rolled out patches to deliver instant bug fixes. However, some patches include game-changing nerfs, bugs, quality of life tweaks, and more that could be a hit or miss for regular players. So Riot whipped up a new way to see how the changes play out in an artificial competitive environment. The end product was dubbed PBE, and has been a success so far. 

Valorant PBE is an exclusive program open to all, but few can get it. Through PBE, players can test out upcoming patches beforehand and deliver helpful feedback.

How to play Valorant PBE? 

PBE lets players break into new maps, assess new agents, and more! It ensures that shiny new content is well-tuned and glitch-free before it goes live. Riot may deduct any update or glitch that doesn’t work well in PBE. Here’s how to play it. 

• Go to PBE apply page
• Log in to your NA Riot Valorant account
• Download the PBE Client
• Verify your date of birth
• Install client
• Sign in to Valorant PBE

Just keep in mind that applying for PBE access does not guarantee you’ll be recruited. Also, joining the PBE does not create a PBE-only account. Instead, you’ll be using your current Valorant account to log in, so be sure to sign up using the account you want to use. 

This also means PBE bans and restrictions apply to your main Valorant account, so tread carefully. Once you have been selected for the program, Riot will send you an email with further instructions to access the test server.

It’s worth noting that Valorant PBE is not available for all. Only those in North America can apply for the test server, and they must consistently play from there. Those with current bans or restrictions will be instantly dismissed. 

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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