Valorant · Vanguard
VAL 5
Error code shown when Vanguard applies a server-side ban or account restriction.
Cause
Riot Games server-side account ban. Account-based ban, not HWID-based.
Fix Steps
- 1
VAL 5 is an account-level ban, not a HWID ban like VAN 152.
- 2
You can create a new Riot account and play on the same PC (if no HWID ban is present).
- 3
Submit a ban appeal to Riot support.
- 4
If a new account also gets banned, it may have escalated to a VAN 152 HWID ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VAL 5?
Riot Games' server-side account ban code. Different from VAN 152 (HWID ban) — it affects your account, not your hardware.
What's the difference between VAL 5 and VAN 152?
VAL 5 is an account ban; VAN 152 is a hardware (HWID) ban. With VAL 5 you can create a new account. With VAN 152 a new account on the same PC stays banned.
Do I need HWID Core for VAL 5?
No. VAL 5 is not a HWID ban. A new Riot account may suffice. If the new account is also banned, check for VAN 152.
Have an EAC/BattlEye HWID Ban?
HWID Core performs kernel-level hardware identity rotation for games using EAC and BattlEye.
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