As a highly competitive multiplayer shooter, Valorant‘s technical infrastructure demands constant upkeep. This vital maintenance, however, doesn‘t always play nicely with our game time. "Error code 46" rears its head, kicking you from matches and eliciting groans worldwide.
But with the right troubleshooting approach, you can get back to clutching rounds in no time. This comprehensive guide will make error 46 a non-issue. I‘ll cover what causes it, how to confirm server status, tips for waiting it out, and a surefire fix to get you back in Valorant without delay.
Why Does Error Code 46 Happen?
Valorant‘s error 46 indicates scheduled downtime for maintenance and updates. As an ever-evolving live game, new patches bring balance changes, bug fixes, agent and map tweaks, new cosmetics, and other improvements.
These updates keep Valorant fair, fresh, and focused on tactical teamplay.
Server maintenance lets developers deploy patches smoothly without disrupting matches. The tradeoff is brief periods of downtime in exchange for awesome new content!
Length of downtime varies, usually lasting 30 minutes to a few hours. More complex updates can occasionally prolong maintenance. Valorant engineers leverage these windows to overhaul behind-the-scenes infrastructure.
Confirming Server Status and Downtime
When error 46 blocks you from matches, how can you confirm what‘s happening behind the scenes?
The Valorant status page displays real-time maintenance info for all regions. Check here first to see:
- If an update is rolling out
- What maintenance is underway
- When servers are scheduled to come back online
@PlayVALORANT and @RiotStatus also tweet updates before, during, and after maintenance windows.
Over 800k followers tune into their updates for the inside scoop directly from developers!
"We‘re aware of a voice chat issue some players are experiencing and are working on a fix that we hope to deploy later tonight." – @PlayVALORANT
Staying subscribed helps you plan around downtime and potential match disruptions.
Surviving Downtime: Patience and Best Practices
Error 46 means waiting for maintenance to finish. While patience wears thin, try these tips to endure the downtime:
Step Away From the Computer
Avoid endlessly mashing login attempts as anxiety rises. Break free and reset mentally so you return locked and loaded.
Check Social Channels
Scope Valorant feeds for entertaining community commiseration and maintenance info.
Tackle Offline Responsibilities
Get chores or work done now that you have "forced" time off matches!
Watch Valorant Esports
Catch VCT match vods from tournaments you‘ve missed. Study the pros to expand your tactical knowledge.
Play Spike Rush
Shorter game length modes hurt less when disrupted mid-match by returning servers!
Stay strong soldier. Use this time intentionally to come back stronger on the other side!
Fix Error 46: Reinstalling Valorant
Maintenance wrapped but error 46 persists? Try fully restarting Riot Client to refresh. If that method fails, reinstalling Valorant can force your client to latest patch readiness:
-
Back Up Settings: Save custom crosshairs, keybinds, etc!
-
Uninstall Valorant via Windows
-
Reinstall fresh through official channels
-
Relaunch and import your settings backup
A clean install pulls down newest game files, squashing pesky update errors plaguing your login. Within minutes you‘ll be slipping back into Agent select, good to go!
Error code 46 causes temporary havoc, but with the right knowledge you can stay cool under pressure. Now you‘ve got inside intel to troubleshoot swiftly and strategize around downtime woes. See you in Valorant!
