How to reserve a username for Valorant

Riot Games is sticking true to its name and adding a brand new game, Valorant, to its library. Unless otherwise specified, it isn’t set to launch until the summer of 2020—provided beta testing is on track. Until then, now is the time to start reserving a unique Riot ID. Before you can do that, you need to create an account with Riot Games.

Start by heading over to Riot Games’ official League of Legends website. No, you don’t have to play League of Legends, but technically speaking, your Riot account crosses over to all of Riot Games’ catalog of titles. See “Sign In” at the top-right corner of the page? Start there. If you need to change the language, which also changes the region and server you play on, click on the tiny globe icon to the left of “Sign In.” At the bottom of the sign-in page, click “Create Account.”

First and foremost, provide a valid email address, your birthday, and finally, a username and password. The username you choose is only for sign-in purposes and is not your unique Riot ID. Do not share your username or password with anyone, not even your dog. Once you’ve created a Riot Games account, sign in.

Once signed in, click “My Account” in the top-right corner and choose “Settings” from the drop-down menu. When redirected to your account page, click “Riot ID” in the left-hand column. See the tiny editing icon? Click on it. You are now welcome to create a unique Riot ID and a hashtag. The Riot ID is what every player will see, but the hashtag stays hidden unless you’re on someone’s friends list. When you’ve discovered a combination that works, it will be yours when the upcoming Valorant finally launches.