Valorant Adds Multi-Factor Authentication to Fight Smurfing in Ranked Play

Rizwan Ahmad
Posted by May 31, 2025 May 31, 2025
Valorant

Riot Games has announced a new update for Valorant on May 30, 2025, aimed at tackling smurfing in Competitive mode. The update introduces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for accounts flagged as suspicious, with plans to possibly expand it to all accounts. Here’s a simple look at what this means for players.

Valorant is a free-to-play, team-based shooter where smurfing—when high-skill players use new accounts to play against lower-ranked opponents—can ruin matches for newer or less-skilled players. To fix this, Riot is rolling out MFA, which requires extra identity verification, like a phone app or text message code, to play ranked matches.

For now, this applies to accounts showing “suspicious” activity, like playing far better than their rank suggests or logging in from unusual locations. Riot is also considering making MFA mandatory for all ranked players in the future.

Why It Matters

Smurfing creates unfair matches, making it hard for new players to enjoy Valorant or rank up. It can also lead to toxic behavior, as smurfs may feel less accountable on alternate accounts. By requiring MFA, Riot aims to make it harder for players to create multiple accounts, as each one will need a unique phone number or device.

This should reduce smurfing, especially for casual players who make new accounts to dominate lower ranks.

What Else Is New?

Along with MFA, Riot is introducing:

  • New Reporting Option: A “matchmaking abuse” category to report suspected smurfs, helping Riot target them more accurately.
  • Account Standing System: Players can see if their account has warnings or risks of bans due to bad behavior, encouraging better conduct.
  • Replay System: Coming with patch 11.6, this lets players review competitive matches to improve their skills, with plans to add it to unranked and custom games later.

These changes aim to make Valorant fairer and more enjoyable, especially for newer players in lower ranks like Bronze or Iron.

How It Works

  • MFA for Suspicious Accounts: If your account is flagged (e.g., for unusually high performance or different login locations), you’ll need to verify it with a phone number or app before queuing for ranked matches.
  • Future Plans: Riot is exploring MFA for all accounts, which would require every player to link a unique phone number or device to play ranked.
  • Launch: MFA will roll out later in 2025, with more details to come. Check Riot’s official channels or the Valorant client for updates.

Valorant’s new Multi-Factor Authentication is a big move to tackle smurfing, starting with suspicious accounts and possibly expanding to everyone. Combined with new reporting tools, an account standing system, and replays, these updates show Riot’s commitment to fairer matches and a better community.

While it may not stop every smurf, it’s a solid step to make ranked play more fun for all. What do you think about this leave your comments below: