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Valorant error code 59 fix: 3 steps to resolve platform connection failure

By Updated 9 min read

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On this page (8 sections)
  1. The short version
  2. What causes error code 59 in Valorant
  3. How to confirm the error is platform connection related
  4. Step 1: Restart Riot services and Vanguard anti-cheat
  5. Step 2: Check for network blocks including firewall and VPN
  6. Step 3: Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant if other fixes fail
  7. How to stop error code 59 happening again
  8. Questions people still ask

In short: Valorant error code 59 usually signals a platform connection failure. Fix it by 1) restarting Riot services; 2) checking network blocks including firewall and VPN; 3) reinstalling Vanguard and Valorant if needed.

Part of our guide on valorant ping higher than usual today

This guide shows you the exact three-step fix for Valorant error code 59 focused on platform connection failures.

At a glance
Error code59
Usual causePlatform connection failure
First fixRestart Riot services
Second fixCheck firewall/VPN
Third fixReinstall Vanguard and game

The short version

  • Error 59 means platform connection failure in Valorant.
  • Restart Riot client services first to clear common faults.
  • Check firewall and VPN settings to avoid network blocks.
  • Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant if other steps fail.
  • Use a game booster if connection issues persist after fixes.

What causes error code 59 in Valorant

Error code 59 in Valorant points to a failure in connecting to the Riot platform services. This usually happens when the game client cannot communicate with Riot's servers properly.

Common reasons include the Riot client or Vanguard anti-cheat service not running or stuck, network blocks like firewall rules or VPN configurations, and corrupted installation files that stop the client or Vanguard from starting.

Rare causes involve Riot server outages or region mismatches, but most error 59 cases tie back to local system or network issues.

Checking which cause applies first will save you time. Start with your PC's service status, then inspect your network settings. For the detail, see our notes on understanding valorant network error alerts.

Another cause of error code 59 can be conflicts with other software running on your PC. Some background applications, especially those that modify network behavior or security, may interfere with Riot services. For example, certain VPN clients or security suites may inject network filters that block Valorant’s connection.

Error 59 also sometimes appears after Windows updates. These updates might reset firewall rules or disable essential services temporarily. If you notice the error right after an update, check your firewall and security settings again.

A quick check is to run the Windows Event Viewer and look for warnings or errors related to RiotClientServices or Vanguard. Frequent crashes or failures logged here often point to service instability causing error 59. There is more on how to stop packet loss in valorant in a separate guide.

  • Riot services stopped or crashed
  • Firewall or VPN blocking Valorant or Riot services
  • Corrupted Vanguard or Valorant files
  • Temporary Riot server-side problems
PC screen showing Valorant launcher with error message
PC screen showing Valorant launcher with error message

You can tell error 59 is platform connection related if Valorant fails immediately when launching or during login, showing a message about connection failure or platform error.

Check your Windows Task Manager for RiotClientServices.exe and Vanguard (vgc.exe). If these services are missing or not running, platform connection is the issue.

Another way is to try logging in to Riot’s website or other Riot games. If they also fail or show errors, your platform connection is likely blocked. The other half of this decision is checking if ping is server caused.

Testing connection with a clean network (disable VPN, use a wired connection, or connect to a mobile hotspot) helps isolate if your network settings cause the error.

If you see error 59 but RiotClientServices and Vanguard are running, try restarting them anyway. Sometimes these services appear active but are unresponsive or stuck in a bad state.

You can also test platform connection by running the Riot Client in administrator mode. Right-click the Riot Client icon and select 'Run as administrator'. Insufficient permissions may block the client from accessing network resources, causing error 59. For the detail, see our notes on fix valorant ping.

Ping tests to Riot servers can help too. Open Command Prompt and enter 'ping riotgames.com'. If packets are lost or time out, your network might be blocking access, confirming platform connection issues.

  1. Launch Task Manager and look for RiotClientServices and Vanguard services.
  2. Attempt login on Riot’s website to check server reachability.
  3. Disable VPN and firewall temporarily to test network blocks.
  4. Switch to a different network to confirm if local network causes the failure.

Step 1: Restart Riot services and Vanguard anti-cheat

Restarting RiotClientServices and Vanguard can clear stuck processes causing error 59. These services manage your connection and game integrity checks.

Open Task Manager, find RiotClientServices.exe and vgc.exe (Vanguard), and end their tasks. Then restart Valorant through the Riot client, which restarts these services automatically. It helps to understand how to fix fps limits in valorant before going further.

If restarting fails, reboot your PC to ensure all related processes are cleared and services start fresh.

Success means Valorant launches without error and you can log in. If error 59 persists, proceed to networking checks.

If ending tasks doesn’t work, try stopping and restarting Riot services manually from the Services app. Press Windows+R, type 'services.msc', then find 'Riot Client Service' and 'vgc' (Vanguard). Right-click and select restart.

Check the services’ startup type is set to Automatic. If they’re set to Manual or Disabled, Valorant won’t connect properly and may show error 59.

After restarting services, wait a minute before launching Valorant. Sometimes services take a few seconds to become fully functional. Launching too soon can cause the error to persist.

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Find 'RiotClientServices.exe', right-click and select 'End task'.
  3. Find 'vgc.exe' or 'Vanguard', right-click and end task.
  4. Launch Valorant via the Riot client to restart services.
  5. If problems persist, reboot your PC and try again.

Step 2: Check for network blocks including firewall and VPN

Windows Task Manager showing Riot services
Windows Task Manager showing Riot services

If restarting services doesn’t fix error 59, network blocks might be the cause. Firewalls, VPNs, or antivirus software can block Riot services from connecting to servers.

First, disable your firewall temporarily. Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls often block Valorant’s connections or Vanguard’s service ports.

VPNs can cause platform connection errors by routing traffic through servers Riot doesn’t recognize or blocks. Disable any active VPN client and try again.

If disabling these fixes the issue, create firewall exceptions for Valorant and Vanguard executables or configure VPN to allow Riot traffic.

Firewall blocks can be tricky. Some firewalls block Valorant based on its digital signature or certificate. Updating your firewall software or adding Valorant’s installation folder as an exception can help.

Check if your router itself is blocking ports used by Valorant. Ports 80, 443, and 2099 need to be open for Riot services. You can log in to your router’s settings and check port forwarding or firewall rules.

If you use a VPN, try switching servers or disabling split tunneling. Some VPNs only route certain apps outside the VPN, which can confuse Valorant’s platform connection, triggering error 59.

  • Disable Windows Firewall for testing.
  • Temporarily turn off third-party antivirus firewalls.
  • Disconnect VPN or proxy services.
  • Add exceptions for RiotClientServices.exe and Vanguard (vgc.exe).
SponsoredGearUP

Step 3: Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant if other fixes fail

Corrupted Vanguard or Valorant files cause persistent error 59. If service restarts and network unblock don’t work, reinstall both software components.

Uninstall Vanguard first via Control Panel or Settings, then Valorant. Reinstall Vanguard from Riot’s official source and then Valorant through the Riot client.

This process restores all essential files and resets related configurations that might have become faulty or corrupted.

Successful reinstall results in Valorant launching without platform connection errors. If problems persist, consider network or system-level restrictions beyond your control.

When reinstalling Vanguard, some users find manually deleting residual files helps. After uninstalling, check 'C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard' and delete leftover files before reinstalling.

If error 59 persists after reinstall, check your system for malware or suspicious software. Malware can block Riot services or damage critical files, leading to connection errors.

Also, verify your Windows user account has the necessary permissions. Running the Riot Client from a guest or limited account may prevent Vanguard and services from starting, causing error 59.

  1. Open Control Panel and uninstall 'Riot Vanguard'.
  2. Uninstall Valorant the same way after Vanguard is removed.
  3. Download Vanguard installer from Riot’s website and install it.
  4. Launch Riot client and reinstall Valorant.
  5. Test game launch for error 59 resolution.

How to stop error code 59 happening again

Task Manager ending Riot services tasks
Task Manager ending Riot services tasks

Keep your Riot client and Valorant game updated. Outdated versions sometimes cause platform connection errors.

Avoid VPNs or proxy servers that interfere with Riot’s platform traffic. If you must use one, configure it for gaming or test without it regularly.

Ensure your firewall or antivirus software rules allow Riot services to connect freely.

If you experience repeat network problems, consider a dedicated game booster like GearUP for Windows. It can route your game traffic along stable paths, preventing connection disruptions that trigger error 59.

  • Regularly update Valorant and Riot client.
  • Configure or avoid VPN and firewalls blocking Riot.
  • Use wired network connections or quality Wi-Fi for stability.
  • Consider GearUP for Windows to improve network routes.
What works
  • Improves connection stability
  • Reduces ping spikes
  • Game-specific routing
What to watch
  • Requires subscription after trial
  • Does not fix weak Wi-Fi
  • No FPS improvement

Why GearUP fits here

GearUP routes your Valorant traffic differently to avoid ISP or regional congestion. This can stop connection drops that trigger error 59.

It works best when local fixes don’t fully resolve connection issues and you want a quick check if routing is the cause.

You get a free trial to test without commitment, so you can see if your connection stabilizes before paying.

The verdict

Restarting Riot services and checking network blocks solves the vast majority of error 59 cases quickly; reinstall only if necessary.

Questions people still ask

Can error code 59 happen due to Riot server outages?

Yes, but it’s rare. Riot server outages usually cause broader errors visible on status pages. You can check Riot’s server status online to confirm this.

Will reinstalling Valorant delete my game progress?

No. Your game progress is saved on Riot’s servers, not locally. Reinstalling only affects local files and settings.

Why does disabling VPN help with error 59?

VPNs can route traffic through blocked or unstable servers. This disrupts Valorant’s platform connection, causing error 59.

Is Vanguard necessary to play Valorant?

Yes. Vanguard is Riot’s anti-cheat system and must run for Valorant to start. Disabling it causes errors like code 59.

Can firewall rules be the only cause of error 59?

Yes. Firewalls often block Valorant or Riot services from communicating. Adding exceptions usually fixes error 59 if network blocks cause it.

I have fixed error 59 on multiple PCs by restarting services and checking firewall rules before any reinstall.

Ryan Mercer Editor

Ryan Mercer writes Gaming Past's guides to lag, ping, packet loss and FPS problems, working through each fix step by step on the settings and hardware real players use.

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