Acquiring cosmetic items in the popular tactical shooter Valorant without spending real money is a common goal for many players. While the game operates on a free-to-play model, the primary revenue stream is through the sale of weapon skins, player cards, and other visual customisations. However, Riot Games provides several legitimate methods for players to obtain free cosmetic items. This article outlines the verified ways to secure free skins, gun buddies, and other rewards based on official game systems and promotional offers.
Battle Pass Free Track
The most reliable method for obtaining free cosmetic items is through the game’s seasonal Battle Pass, referred to as an "Act Pass." This is a progression system that players advance through by earning experience points (XP) from playing matches. The Battle Pass has two tiers: a premium tier that requires purchase and a free tier available to all players.
Each seasonal Act Pass offers a selection of free rewards upon completion of the free track. According to source material, the free tier typically provides the following items: - Three player cards - Three player titles - Three gun buddies (charms) - Two sprays - Two sets of 10 Radianite Points - One free sidearm skin
Players do not need to purchase the premium Battle Pass to access these free rewards; they are unlocked simply by playing the game and earning enough XP to reach the required levels. The specific sidearm skin offered varies with each season, but the structure of the free rewards remains consistent.
Agent Contracts
Another established method for earning free cosmetic items is through Agent Contracts. When a new agent is released, an associated contract is made available. These contracts have 10 levels that are unlocked by accumulating XP from matches. The contract is split into two chapters.
Completing Chapter 1 (level 5) unlocks the new agent for the player’s roster. Completing Chapter 2 (level 10) rewards the player with a unique sidearm skin specific to that agent. This system allows players to both expand their playable character selection and earn a free weapon skin simultaneously. Source material indicates that these skins are typically for sidearm weapons.
Limited-Time Event Codes
Riot Games periodically releases promotional codes that can be redeemed for free items such as gun buddies, player cards, and player titles. These codes are often tied to significant real-world events, such as the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), or seasonal celebrations like Pride.
It is important to note that these codes are time-sensitive and typically expire quickly. Source material suggests that attempting to list specific active codes in a guide is often futile due to their rapid expiration. The most effective strategy is to monitor official Riot Games channels during major events. Codes are frequently announced in trailers or posted on the official VALORANT social media accounts and website.
Code Redemption Process
Redeeming active codes is a straightforward process, which can be done either in-game or via the official website. To redeem a code in-game, players must: 1. Open the Valorant client. 2. Click on the Valorant Points (VP) icon located in the top right corner of the main menu. 3. Navigate to the "Prepaid Cards and Codes" section. 4. Enter the code and submit it.
Alternatively, codes can be redeemed through the Riot Games website. By logging into the account on the Riot Games shop, there is a dedicated Riot Code Redemption page. After logging in, players can paste the code into the provided field and click "Redeem Code." The items will then be available in the game account.
Public Beta Environment (PBE)
For players located in North America, Riot Games offers access to the VALORANT Public Beta Environment (PBE). This is a separate test server where players can try out upcoming features and changes before they are released to the main game. As an incentive for participation, players on the PBE can receive free skins. However, there are restrictions: the free skins available on the PBE are generally not categorized as Exclusive, Ultra, Battle Pass, or Limited Edition items. This method is not available to players in the UK or other regions outside of North America.
Other Mentioned Methods and Considerations
Source material mentions a few other potential avenues, though with significant caveats. One unverified suggestion involves contacting Riot Games support to request free Valorant Points (VP). The described method involves creating a support ticket, attaching a drawing related to VALORANT, and explaining a need for free VP. It is noted that this might yield a very small amount of VP (e.g., 50 VP) and is not a guaranteed or official programme.
Additionally, the source material explicitly warns against the use of third-party mods or programmes that claim to provide free skins. These are not sanctioned by Riot Games and carry a high risk of account penalties, including bans. The only legitimate ways to obtain free items are through the official game systems outlined above.
Best Free Skins Available
For players seeking the most worthwhile free skins to target, source material lists several options that can be obtained through Agent Contracts. These include: - Game Over Sheriff (unlocked via Jett’s Agent Rewards) - Final Chamber Classic (unlocked via Sage’s Agent Rewards) - Pistolinha Classic (unlocked via Raze’s Agent Rewards) - Wayfarer Sheriff (unlocked via Harbor’s Agent Rewards) - Wunderkind Shorty (unlocked via Killjoy’s Agent Rewards) - Spitfire Frenzy (unlocked via Phoenix’s Agent Rewards) - Vendetta Ghost (unlocked via Reyna’s Agent Rewards) - Hush Ghost (unlocked via Cypher’s Agent Rewards) - Protektor Sheriff (unlocked via Sova’s Agent Rewards) - Snakebite Shorty (unlocked via Viper’s Agent Rewards)
These skins are earned by progressing through the respective agent contracts to level 10.
Conclusion
Players in the UK seeking free cosmetic items in Valorant have several legitimate and reliable options. The primary and most consistent methods are the free track of the seasonal Battle Pass and completing Agent Contracts to unlock sidearm skins. While limited-time promotional codes offer additional freebies, they require vigilant monitoring of official Riot Games communications. Other methods, such as requesting VP via support tickets, are unverified and should not be relied upon. Players are strongly advised to avoid any third-party programmes or mods promising free skins, as these violate the game’s terms of service and risk account suspension. By utilising the official in-game systems, players can customise their loadouts without spending real money.