Best VALORANT Settings: Graphics & Video, Mouse, Audio

 Muhib Nadeem / May 14, 2025 / 13 min read

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author’s own research and opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Hone.gg.

Every pixel, every click, every frame; it all adds up. Your settings aren’t just background noise, but the difference between hitting first or falling flat. We’ve torn through the data, tested every tweak, and built this guide to help you lock in the perfect Valorant setting that wins fights.

Key Takeaways
  • Always use Fullscreen mode and disable VSync for minimum input lag
  • NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency: Use “On” for higher FPS, or “On + Boost” for lower latency
  • Enemy Highlight Color set to Yellow (Deuteranopia) makes enemies much easier to spot
  • Use Raw Input Buffer for most consistent mouse performance
  • Enable HRTF for better directional audio, but preference may vary; test it yourself
  • Pro eDPI range is typically between 200-400 (avg ~280) for precision aiming
  • Lower detail settings provide competitive advantage by reducing visual clutter

Graphics & Video Settings in Valorant

Valorant Gameplay

Graphics settings in VALORANT directly impact your competitive advantage. The right tweaks boost your Valorant FPS, cut input lag, and help enemies pop against the map.

I’ll walk you through the settings that actually give you an edge.

Essential Settings Everyone Should Use

These foundational settings should be configured identically regardless of your PC specs or personal preferences:

Setting Value Impact
Display Mode Fullscreen Provides lowest input lag and better performance
Resolution Native Resolution Optimal clarity and image quality
VSync Off Eliminates input lag at the cost of potential screen tearing
NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency On + Boost Reduces system latency significantly
Limit FPS Off Allows maximum performance (some may prefer capping for stability)
Graphics Quality Settings: Performance vs. Visuals

These settings offer the biggest trade-offs between visual quality and competitive advantage:

Setting Recommended Impact
Multithreaded Rendering On Utilizes multiple CPU cores for better performance
Material Quality Low Higher settings add detail but can obscure enemies
Texture Quality Low-Medium Affects surface detail and sharpness
Detail Quality Low Critical for reducing distracting visual elements
UI Quality Low Minimal performance impact, personal preference
Visual Effects: What to Disable

These settings should almost always be disabled for competitive play:

Setting Recommended Impact
Vignette Off Darkens screen edges, reducing peripheral visibility
Distortion Off Creates visual noise during ability effects
Bloom Off Creates glow effects that can obscure enemy outlines
Experimental Sharpening Off Heavy performance hit for minimal visual benefit

Complete Graphics Settings Breakdown

Setting Recommended Impact
Display Mode Fullscreen Dedicated full resources to the game, reduces input lag significantly
Resolution Native Monitor Resolution Clearest image quality; lower resolutions boost FPS but reduce clarity
Aspect Ratio Method Letterbox Preserves intended field of view; “Fill” stretches image (some prefer for wider targets)
Limit FPS Always Off Allows maximum frames for lowest input lag
NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency On + Boost Reduces system latency; virtually no downside on modern hardware
Setting Recommended Impact
Multithreaded Rendering On Utilizes multiple CPU cores; always beneficial on modern systems
Material Quality Low Higher settings add surface detail but can make enemy detection harder
Texture Quality Low-Medium Affects texture sharpness; low settings reduce visual noise
Detail Quality Low CRITICAL setting; reduces environmental clutter that can hide enemies
UI Quality Low Minimal performance impact; affects HUD sharpness
Vignette Off Darkens screen edges; detrimental to peripheral vision
VSync Off Prevents screen tearing but adds significant input lag
Anti-Aliasing None / MSAA 2x None can make edges more distinct; MSAA for cleaner visuals with performance cost
Anisotropic Filtering 1x Higher values sharpen textures at angles; minimal competitive benefit
Improve Clarity Situational Can help enemies stand out but costs 5%+ FPS; test personally
Experimental Sharpening Off Massive performance hit for minimal visual gain
Bloom Off Creates glow effects that can obscure enemy outlines
Distortion Off Adds visual noise during abilities that can reduce clarity
Cast Shadows Off Controls player’s own shadow; disabling reduces visual clutter
Setting Recommended Impact
Client FPS Text Only Monitors performance; useful for troubleshooting
Network Round Trip Time Text Only Displays ping; critical for understanding network performance
Packet Loss Text Only Shows connection stability issues
Other Stats Hide Rarely needed except for specific troubleshooting
General Settings (Accessibility)

Don’t overlook these crucial settings that dramatically improve enemy visibility:

Setting Recommended Impact
Enemy Highlight Color Yellow (Deuteranopia) Makes enemies stand out significantly better against most map backgrounds
Show Corpses Off Prevents confusing dead bodies for live enemies
Network Buffering Minimum Reduces input delay (with stable connection)
💡

Pro Tip: GPU Driver Settings Matter

Don’t forget to optimize your NVIDIA/AMD control panel settings too. For NVIDIA cards, set “Power Management Mode” to “Prefer Maximum Performance.” Skip “Low Latency Mode” – Valorant uses NVIDIA Reflex, which overrides it. These tweaks can reduce input lag and improve system stability beyond in-game settings alone.

Mouse Settings

Mouse Settings: Precision Is Everything

🔗 Our Recommendation: Set your DPI to 1600. Period. It’s the optimal blend of precision, responsiveness, and reliability. Pair it with a low-to-medium in-game sensitivity (0.25–0.4) to achieve the ideal eDPI range of 200–440, depending on your playstyle.

Mouse settings are the most personal part of any VALORANT setup. There’s no one-size-fits-all sensitivity, but studying how the pros dial theirs in helped us find the sweet spot.

Here’s how we break down the key settings that actually affect your aim.

Live eDPI Calculator
Your eDPI: 280
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200
250
300
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400
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eDPI = DPI × In-game Sensitivity

Most professional players use an eDPI between 200-300, with the average around 280.

Lower eDPI (200-300) generally favors precision aiming, while higher values can benefit quick reactions and entry fragging.

Finding Your Perfect Sensitivity

The most critical mouse settings revolve around sensitivity and input processing:

Setting Recommended Impact
DPI (Dots Per Inch) 800 or 1600 Hardware sensitivity of your mouse; most pros use these values
In-game Sensitivity 0.2-0.8 Software multiplier; adjust based on your DPI
eDPI 200-300 DPI × In-game sensitivity; aim for this overall range
Scoped Sensitivity Multiplier 1.0 Standard for consistent muscle memory

While lower sensitivities (200-300 eDPI) favor precision aiming, higher sensitivities can benefit quick reactions and entry fragging. We recommend starting at around 280 eDPI (e.g., 800 DPI × 0.35 sensitivity) and adjusting based on your playstyle.

Technical Mouse Settings

These settings affect how your mouse inputs are processed by the game:

Setting Recommended Impact
Polling Rate 1000Hz More responsive tracking with higher rates
Raw Input Buffer On More direct mouse input processing
Windows Sensitivity 6/11 (default)
Mouse Acceleration Disabled Provides consistent cursor movement (some pros like TenZ use custom acceleration)
Setting Pro Range/Value Recommended Impact
DPI 1600 1600 Base sensitivity of your mouse; choose one and stick with it
In-game Sensitivity 0.2 – 0.8 0.25 – 0.45 Multiplier for your DPI; lower values give more precision
eDPI 200 – 400 ~280 DPI × Sensitivity; the true measure of overall sensitivity
Scoped Sensitivity 1.0 1.0 Keeps ADS sensitivity consistent with hipfire for better muscle memory
Polling Rate 1000Hz 1000Hz How often mouse position updates; higher is more responsive
Raw Input Buffer On On Bypasses Windows processing for more direct mouse input
💡

Pro Tip: The Sensitivity Testing Method

To find your ideal sensitivity, try this pro technique: Load into the Range and place your crosshair on a target’s head. Strafe left and right while trying to keep your crosshair on target. If you’re overshooting, lower your sensitivity. If you’re undershooting, raise it. Repeat until you can smoothly track the target while moving. Then confirm by testing flick shots to different targets.

Audio Settings

VALORANT’s sound design provides critical information through footsteps, ability cues, and weapon sounds. Optimizing your audio settings can give you a significant competitive edge by improving your awareness of enemy positions and actions.

Essential Audio Settings

These settings should be prioritized for competitive advantage:

Setting Recommended Impact
Enable HRTF ON Crucial for enhancing directional audio cues
Speaker Configuration Stereo Required for proper HRTF functioning
Sound Effects Volume 80-100% Needed to hear footsteps and abilities clearly
Voice-over Volume 40-60% Keep agent voices audible but not distracting
All Music Overall Volume 0% Music can mask critical game sounds
Voice Chat Configuration

Properly configured voice chat is essential for team coordination:

Setting Recommended Impact
Incoming Voice Chat Volume 40-50% Clear enough to hear callouts without overwhelming game sounds
Voice Chat Mode Push-to-Talk Prevents broadcasting unnecessary noise to teammates
Party/Team Voice Chat Enabled Critical for coordination
VOIP Ducks Music Enabled If you keep any music on, this ensures calls are audible
Setting Recommended Impact
Enable HRTF On Critical for accurately positioning sounds in 3D space
Speaker Configuration Stereo Required for HRTF to function properly
Sound Effects Volume 80-100% Primary game sounds including footsteps and abilities
Voice-over Volume 40-60% Agent voice lines and announcer callouts
All Music Overall Volume 0% (Off) Disabling music prevents it from masking important game sounds
Agent Select Music 30-50% Optional for menu ambiance; no competitive impact
VOIP Ducks Music On Lowers music volume during voice chat if music is enabled
Voice Chat Mode Push-to-Talk Prevents broadcasting unwanted background noise
💡

Pro Tip: Disable External Surround Sound

If you use a gaming headset, make sure to disable any built-in virtual surround sound features like Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, or headset-specific surround. These will conflict with VALORANT’s HRTF processing and actually make positional audio worse. Let VALORANT handle the spatial audio processing for optimal results.

Configuration Profiles

I’ve built three go-to configuration profiles; each tuned for a different priority. Pick the one that fits your goals and your gear, then fine-tune from there.

Visually Stunning (High-End GPUs)

For players with powerhouse GPUs like RTX 4000 series who want beautiful visuals without sacrificing competitive edge.

  • Native Resolution at highest refresh rate
  • Material Quality: High
  • Texture Quality: High
  • Detail Quality: High
  • Anti-Aliasing: MSAA 4x
  • Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
  • Improve Clarity: On
  • Bloom: Subtle (On)
  • Cast Shadows: On
  • All competitive essentials still maintained
Absolute Enemy Visibility

Maximizes your ability to spot enemies with settings that make opponents “pop” from the environment.

  • Material Quality: Low
  • Texture Quality: Low/Medium
  • Detail Quality: Low
  • Anti-Aliasing: None or MSAA 2x
  • Anisotropic Filtering: 1x
  • Improve Clarity: On
  • All effects (Bloom, Distortion): Off
  • Enemy Highlight: Yellow (Deuteranopia)
  • Show Corpses: Off
  • HRTF enabled for maximum awareness
Maximum FPS Performance

Squeezes every possible frame from your system for ultimate responsiveness. Ideal for competitive players and lower-end hardware.

  • All Graphics Quality settings: Low
  • Anti-Aliasing: None
  • Anisotropic Filtering: 1x
  • All visual effects disabled
  • Resolution: Native (or lower if needed)
  • Optional 4:3 stretched for wider enemy models
  • Multithreaded Rendering: On
  • NVIDIA Reflex: On + Boost
  • Stripped graphics for absolute performance
VALORANT Config Location
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\VALORANT\Saved\Config
You can backup your settings by saving the files in this folder after configuring to your liking. Useful if you play on multiple PCs or want to quickly restore your setup after a reinstall.

Pro Player Valorant Settings

I’ve spent a lot of time digging through pro player settings; and there are some clear patterns. While we wouldn’t recommend copying a pro’s setup 1:1 (their gear and playstyle are probably different from mine or yours), the trends are still worth studying.

They give us a baseline to work from. If dozens of top players all lean toward certain settings, there’s probably a good reason; and we use that info to shape our own setup.

Pro Player Settings Matrix
Player Main Role DPI Sensitivity eDPI Raw Input Display Mode Resolution Detail Quality Anti-Aliasing Enemy Highlight
TenZ Duelist 1600 0.156 250 On Windowed-Fullscreen 1440×900 Low MSAA 2x Yellow (D)
Asuna Duelist 1400 0.26 364 Off Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low None Yellow (D)
ShahZaM Sentinel 800 0.265 212 On Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low MSAA 4x Red (Default)
SicK Controller 800 0.235 188 On Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low None (Not Listed)
Hiko Initiator 1600 0.36 576 On Fullscreen 1680×1050 Medium MSAA 2x Yellow (D)
ScreaM Duelist 400 0.73 292 On Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low MSAA 4x Yellow (D)
dapr Sentinel 1600 0.16 256 On Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low MSAA 4x Red (Default)
nitr0 Controller 400 0.70 280 On Fullscreen 1680×1050 Low (—) (Not Listed)
crashies Initiator 800 0.23 184 On Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low MSAA 4x Red (Default)
Derke Duelist 400 0.74 296 Off Fullscreen 1920×1080 Low MSAA 4x Red (Default)

Pros still squeeze every frame they can, but a few patterns have shifted in 2025:

  • Display Mode: 90 % Fullscreen, 10 % Windowed-Fullscreen (TenZ)
  • Material Quality: 80 % Low, 20 % Medium
  • Texture Quality: 90 % Low, 10 % Medium
  • Detail Quality: 90 % Low, 10 % Medium
  • VSync: 100 % Off
  • Anti-Aliasing: 60 % MSAA 4×/2×, 30 % None, 10 % Unset
  • Effects: Bloom, Vignette & Distortion remain disabled across the board
  • Enemy Highlight: 50 % Yellow (Deut.), 40 % Red (Default), 10 % Other/Unset

The meta is unchanged: strip detail, keep clarity, and let raw frames win fights; only TenZ experiments with a non-fullscreen mode.

Mouse numbers drift, but the sweet spots stay tight:

  • eDPI Range: 184 – 576 (cluster still 250 – 300)
  • DPI Choices: 400, 800, 1400, 1600 (even split between 400 / 800 and high-DPI users)
  • In-game Sens: 0.156 – 0.74; most hover 0.23 – 0.33 on 800 DPI
  • Polling Rate: 1000 Hz across every pro
  • Scoped Sensitivity: 1.0 for 100 % of players
  • Raw Input Buffer: On for 8 / 10 pros (Asuna & Derke keep it Off)

Duelists trend higher (eDPI ≈ 290–360); Sentinels & Controllers hug the low end for pixel-perfect holds.

Pro Player DPI Sensitivity eDPI Graphics Snapshot
TenZ 1600 0.156 250 1440 × 900, Low, MSAA 2×, Windowed-FS
Asuna 1400 0.26 364 1080p, Low, AA Off, Red outlines
ShahZaM 800 0.265 212 1080p, Low, MSAA 4×, Red outlines
Hiko 1600 0.36 576 16:10 (1680×1050), Medium textures, MSAA 2×
ScreaM 400 0.73 292 1080p, Low, MSAA 4×, Yellow outlines

Note how TenZ and Hiko break the mold (higher DPI or medium textures) yet still land inside the broader performance-first philosophy.

💡

Pro Tip: Settings Are Just Tools

Remember that even perfect settings won’t automatically make you a better player. They simply remove obstacles and optimize your gameplay environment. Consistent practice, crosshair placement, game sense, and communication remain the most important factors in improving at VALORANT.

Note: It’s worth noting that TenZ likely uses Windowed-Fullscreen for the convenience of fast alt-tabbing and multi-monitor control while streaming. Fullscreen still offers the best performance and lowest input lag; it’s the competitive standard.

Find Your Optimal Sens – PSA Method Calculator

Pro players don’t guess their sensitivity, they dial it in with precision. The PSA Method (Perfect Sensitivity Approximation) is a systematic way to find the sensitivity that feels best for your aim, instead of copying someone else’s.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Start with your current sens; the one you’re most used to.
  2. The calculator gives you two new values: one slightly higher, one slightly lower.
  3. Test both in the Range or Deathmatch.
  4. Pick the one that feels smoother; for flicks, tracking, and crosshair control.
  5. That becomes your new base. Repeat the process (usually 5–7 times) until the difference is minimal and your aim feels locked in.

Use the calculator below to simulate each round of testing. You’ll see a table showing each step and your final optimized sens.

PSA Method Sensitivity Calculator

Custom Valorant Setting Recommendations

Every player has unique preferences, hardware, and goals. Here are our recommendations for finding your perfect settings based on common scenarios.

For Low-End Hardware (Under 100 FPS)

If your PC struggles to maintain 60+ FPS consistently:

Setting Recommendation
Profile Follow the Maximum FPS Profile strictly
Resolution Consider lowering below native (e.g., 1600×900)
Graphics Quality Set all options to Low
Background Applications Disable all non-essential programs
GPU Drivers Keep updated regularly
Process Priority Set VALORANT to High Priority in Task Manager
For Competitive Advantage (144+ FPS)

For serious competitive players with decent hardware:

Setting Recommendation
Profile Use the Absolute Enemy Visibility profile
eDPI Find a value between 240-320 for balanced precision and speed
Enemy Highlight Yellow (Deuteranopia) for maximum visibility
Audio HRTF On, Music Off for maximum sound awareness
Visual Effects Disable Bloom, Distortion, Show Corpses
Quality Settings Keep Material and Texture Quality at Low/Medium
For High-End Rigs (300+ FPS)

If you have a top-tier system and want balanced visuals and performance:

Setting Recommendation
Profile Start with the Visually Stunning profile
Detail Quality Keep at Low despite having powerful hardware
Anti-Aliasing MSAA 4x for cleaner visuals
Anisotropic Filtering High (8x or 16x) for sharper distant textures
Improve Clarity Test to see if you prefer it visually
Bloom Subtle or disabled during ranked play
Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re experiencing performance problems, try these solutions:

  • FPS Drops: Enable Multithreaded Rendering, update GPU drivers, close background applications
  • Input Lag: Ensure Fullscreen mode, disable VSync, enable Raw Input Buffer and NVIDIA Reflex
  • Audio Positioning Issues: Verify HRTF is enabled, disable any external/headset surround sound
  • Enemies Hard to See: Try Yellow (Deuteranopia) highlight, lower Detail Quality, disable Bloom
  • Stuttering: Set Limit FPS Always to just above your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 240 for 240Hz)

Most Underrated Settings (That Actually Matter)

Not every setting gets the spotlight, but a few overlooked ones quietly carry your games. These aren’t just preferences; they’re edge cases that add up.

  • Enemy Highlight Color: Yellow (Deuteranopia)
    You don’t need colorblindness to benefit. This variant creates the strongest contrast across nearly every Valorant map, making enemies “pop” instantly. It’s a low-effort visibility buff.
  • Show Corpses: Off
    Dead bodies can bait your brain into unnecessary aim adjustments. Disabling them cleans up the battlefield visually and mentally.
  • Raw Input Buffer: On
    Especially if you’re using a high polling rate mouse. This setting reduces any Windows-level interference with your aim precision.
  • VOIP Ducks Music: Enabled
    If you’re one of the few who keeps menu or agent music on, this ensures team comms always punch through.
  • Distortion: Off
    Often left on by default. It adds zero competitive value and blurs the screen during key moments; especially with agent abilities. Kill it.
  • Vignette: Off
    Aesthetic? Maybe. But it subtly darkens your screen edges and limits peripheral awareness. No thanks.

Conclusion

Tuning your VALORANT settings is part science, part feel. This guide gives you a proven starting point, from pro trends to tested benchmarks, but the final call is yours. Pick a setup that fits your style, then tweak until every click feels right.

While most settings are flexible, a few; like Fullscreen mode, VSync Off, and NVIDIA Reflex On, are non-negotiables for competitive performance. Stick with those.

Test changes in the Practice Range or unrated games before jumping into ranked. Your ideal config won’t match anyone else’s exactly; and that’s the point. With this foundation, you’re ready to build a setup that plays to your strengths.

FAQs

What are the most important VALORANT settings for performance?

The most critical settings are: Display Mode (Fullscreen), VSync (Off), Multithreaded Rendering (On), Detail Quality (Low), and NVIDIA Reflex (On + Boost). These minimize input lag and maximize frame rates for the most responsive gameplay experience.

What mouse sensitivity do pro VALORANT players use?

Most pros use an eDPI (DPI × sensitivity) between 200-300, averaging around 280. They typically run either 800 or 1600 DPI with sensitivity adjusted to fit this range. Lower eDPI favors precision; higher supports fast reactions.

Should I turn on Raw Input Buffer in VALORANT?

Yes, it stabilizes input for high polling rate mice (e.g., 2000Hz+), reducing CPU overhead. While Valorant already uses raw input, this setting minimizes polling disruptions and boosts responsiveness.

What is the best enemy highlight color in VALORANT?

Yellow (Deuteranopia) stands out best against map backgrounds. Purple (Tritanopia) is also good. Choose a highlight color that contrasts with your crosshair for clarity.

Should I cap my FPS in VALORANT?

Set “Limit FPS Always” to Off for minimal input lag. If you experience stuttering or temperature issues, cap it slightly above your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 165 FPS on 144Hz). Benefits diminish above 1.5× refresh rate.

Is HRTF important in VALORANT?

Yes! HRTF significantly improves 3D audio for locating sounds like footsteps and abilities. Use stereo headphones and disable external surround effects to let Valorant handle positional audio.

What resolution do most VALORANT pros use?

Most pros stick to 1920×1080 (1080p) for balance of clarity and performance. Some use lower resolutions or stretched 4:3 for bigger hitboxes, but native 1080p remains the standard.

How do I find my perfect sensitivity in VALORANT?

Start with an eDPI of 800–1600 (e.g., 800 DPI × 0.35). Practice tracking and flick shots. Adjust sensitivity up or down based on overshooting or undershooting until it feels natural and precise.

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Muhib Nadeem

Muhib Nadeem

I grew up on frame drops, boss fights, and midnight queues. Now I write about games with the same energy I once saved for ranked.

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