Valorant vs Steam: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?

If you are new to PC gaming, two names you will often hear are Valorant and Steam. But here is the key difference - one is a game, the other is a platform.

So when people search for Valorant vs Steam, they are really asking:

- Can I play Valorant through Steam?

- Should I use Steam or download Valorant separately?

- Which offers a better gaming experience

This blog explains the difference between Valorant and Steam, which one fits your gaming needs, and how you can get the best value from both.

Quick Comparison: Valorant vs Steam

What is Valorant

Valorant is a 5v5 tactical shooter developed by Riot Games. It combines the precision of Counter-Strike with the hero abilities of Overwatch. Each player selects a unique agent with powers, and the game is designed around strategy, sharp shooting, and team coordination.

Why Valorant Stands Out

• Fast-paced competitive gameplay
• Ranked mode for skilled players
• Regular updates and new agents
• Strong anti-cheat system

Important: Valorant is not available on Steam. You must download it directly from the Riot Games website and use the Riot Client to play.

What is Steam

Steam is a PC gaming platform created by Valve. It is like the Amazon of games, offering thousands of titles across every genre. You can buy, download, and launch games directly from the Steam app, and it also supports community features like achievements, friends, and reviews.

Why Steam Stands Out

• Massive game library from indie to AAA titles
• Seasonal sales with big discounts
• In-game chat, cloud saves, and mod support
• Steam Wallet and gift cards for easy purchases

Valorant vs Steam: Which Should You Use

It depends on what you want.

Choose Valorant if:

• You are looking for a competitive FPS game

• You want to play ranked matches and sharpen your aim

• You enjoy team-based tactical gameplay

Choose Steam if:

• You want access to a wide variety of games
• You prefer casual, single-player, or story-rich experiences
• You want flexibility to try multiple genres

Can You Play Valorant on Steam

No, Valorant is not on Steam. Riot Games has chosen to keep it exclusive to their client. However, you can manually add Valorant to your Steam library like this:

1. Open the Steam client on your computer.
2. Click on the Games menu at the top and select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library."
3. A new window will appear. Either browse for the game’s executable file on your system or check the box next to the game(s) listed.
4. Click "Add Selected Programs" to finish.

Note: This process only creates a shortcut to the game in your Steam Library. It does not enable automatic updates, nor does it count as proof of ownership on your Steam account.

Save More on Gaming with Dealzy

Whether you are buying skins in Valorant or shopping during the Steam Sale, you can save more by using discounted gift cards from Dealzy.

Dealzy Gift Cards:

• Steam Wallet Gift Cards at up to 4.75% OFF.
• Valorant Gift Cards at up 6% OFF.

Conclusion: Valorant vs Steam

Valorant and Steam serve completely different purposes - one is a high-intensity tactical shooter, the other a gateway to endless gaming possibilities. While you can’t play Valorant through Steam, both can coexist in your setup.

And with platforms like Dealzy offering discounted gift cards for both, you can enjoy the best of competitive and casual gaming while saving more.