Saving Replays in VALORANT: Full Guide

VALORANT’s replay system lets players review matches to refine strategies and highlight impressive moments. Replays capture full games locally, offering tools for detailed analysis without needing external software.

Understanding VALORANT’s Replay Feature

The replay system launched in Patch 11.06 for PC, expanding to consoles in Patch 11.10. It records matches from all perspectives, enabling review of individual performances or team dynamics. Files store locally, ensuring privacy but limiting sharing options.

Replays support multiple viewing modes, including first-person views from any of the 10 players, free camera, and projectile tracking. Playback speeds range from 0.1x to 8x, with timeline markers for key events like kills and ultimates.

Step-by-Step: How to Download and Save a Replay

To preserve a match, act immediately after it ends, as files expire with patches.

1. Finish the match: Complete any game mode; replays work across competitive, unrated, and swiftplay.
2. Spot the download icon: On the post-game screen, look for the replay button in the upper-left corner above your rank. Click “Download” to start saving.
3. Wait for completion: The client processes the file. The icon switches to “Play” once ready.
4. Access later: Find saved replays in your career tab or match history. Filter by downloaded files for quick access.

Replays auto-save to your career with a special icon. Download from history if you exit post-game quickly.

Where Replays Are Stored on Your PC

Files reside in a specific directory: %LocalAppData%\VALORANT\saved\demos. Open Run (Windows + R), paste the path, and hit Enter to navigate directly.

Each demo is a single file named by match ID. Back up originals before modifications to avoid data loss.

Playing Back Your Saved Replays

Launch from the client only—no external viewers supported. Click “Play” on post-game, career, or history screens.

The interface includes:

• Timeline with event icons for kills, deaths, and ults.
• Player selector: Left-click cycles forward, right-click backward.
• Speed controls: Adjust from slow-motion to hyper-speed.
• HUD/minimap toggle for clean views.
• Combat report access anytime.

Use rounds to jump between buys and clutches. Free cam offers third-person overviews, ideal for map control analysis.

Essential Hotkeys for Efficient Replay Review

Keyboard shortcuts streamline navigation. Memorize these for pro-level analysis:

These enable pausing mid-action to study aim duels or positioning errors.

Replay Limitations and Expiration Rules

Replays tie to patch cycles: A Patch 11.06 match expires at 11.07. They also delete after 21 days, regardless of updates.

• Local only: No cloud storage or cross-platform viewing.
• PC/console split: Console support from Patch 11.10; files not interchangeable.
• Size: Matches average 28+ minutes; storage fills quickly.

Clear old files regularly via the demos folder to free space.

Advanced Techniques: Customizing Your Replay Experience

Toggle outlines for “wallhack” views to track hidden foes. Follow projectiles like Sova darts for ultimate paths. Hide HUD for cinematic reviews.

Time-jump precisely using the timeline slider. Combine with player switching for multi-angle breakdowns.

Sharing Replays with Friends: Workarounds

Official replays don’t share directly—files are account-bound. Community hacks exist:

1. Locate your demo in %LocalAppData%\VALORANT\saved\demos.
2. Rename friend’s file to match yours exactly.
3. Backup your original.
4. During replay load (alt-tab when map loads), replace the file. Redownload if issues arise.

This tricks the client into loading external demos. Test in swiftplay first; results vary by patch.

Using Replays for Skill Improvement

Pros dissect losses: Review deaths for crosshair placement flaws, ult timings, or eco missteps. Filter enemy perspectives to learn habits.

Table of common analysis focuses:

Consistent review boosts ranks; track progress over patches.

Alternatives to Official Replays

For instant clips, use Medal.tv: Press F8 post-kill for auto-saves, shareable online. Third-party tools risk bans—stick to Riot-approved methods.

VALORANT Replays on Console

Patch 11.10 introduced console support. Download via post-game or history, same as PC. Controller-optimized hotkeys; check in-game menus for bindings.

Troubleshooting Common Replay Issues

• Download fails: Restart client; ensure stable internet.
• Replay won’t play: Delete and redownload; verify patch match.
• Missing files: Check demos folder; clear cache if corrupted.
• Storage full: Manually delete old .demo files.

Replays require client version match—update before viewing.

Future of Replays in VALORANT

Riot may add cloud saves or sharing in future patches. Monitor dev blogs for expansions like cross-play replays or editor tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I save replays from every game mode?

Yes, all modes including custom games, but availability depends on post-game screen access.

How do I delete a saved replay?

From match history, or manually remove from demos folder.

Do replays work offline?

Once downloaded, yes—fully local playback.

What’s the file size of a replay?

Varies by length; 30-minute match ~100-500MB. Monitor disk space.

Can consoles view PC replays?

No, platform-specific files.