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The quick answer
Set up headphones first, then build a clean static crosshair.
Start with the correct headphones as the output device, clear effects volume, and a careful HRTF listening test. Then make a small static crosshair in Settings → Crosshair and test it against light and dark map surfaces. There is no magic sound preset or reticle; clarity and consistency matter most.
Jump into the guide01 Best starting audio settings
In a tactical round you want footsteps, utility audio, teammates, and your own game sound to be intelligible. Use the actual output device you play with, not a laptop speaker or a disconnected headset.
Choose your listening device in Windows
Select your main headset in Windows sound output, then open VALORANT → Settings → Audio and confirm the intended device where available.
Put sound effects ahead of nonessential music
Keep game sound effects clearly audible, while menu music and other optional sounds are low enough not to mask important cues. Raise voice chat only to a comfortable level.
Avoid stacking several spatial effects without testing
If you use VALORANT’s HRTF, compare that experience with any headset or Windows spatial processing. Multiple spatial layers can make direction harder to judge for some listeners.
02 Should you turn HRTF on?
Riot introduced HRTF as an option to help headphone listeners judge directions for some in-game sounds. It does not fit every listener equally, so use a custom game or training area to compare it rather than guessing from a pro settings screenshot.
Find the setting
On PC, open VALORANT’s Audio settings and look for the HRTF toggle. If the menu has changed, use Riot’s current audio guidance.
Compare two short rounds of listening
Play a short controlled test with HRTF enabled, then disabled, using the same headset and similar sound conditions.
Keep the version that makes directions easier
If front/back or distance judgments feel worse with a certain setting, switch back. Let your own ears decide; this is not a universal pro rule.
03 Make one easy-to-see crosshair
Open Settings → Crosshair → Primary. Rather than copying a code you cannot adjust, build this beginner-friendly starting shape and test it.
| Setting | Starter choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Cyan, white, or another high-contrast color | Remains visible against common map surfaces |
| Outlines | Optional; turn on if needed | Can help a thin reticle stand out |
| Center Dot | Off to start | Keeps the center clear |
| Inner Lines | On | Creates a simple reticle |
| Inner Line Length | 2–4 (starting range) | Compact without becoming invisible |
| Inner Line Thickness | 1–2 (starting range) | Readable at normal resolution |
| Movement / Firing Error | Off for a static profile | Reticle stays visually consistent |
These are Walker Bex starter suggestions, not claims about what every professional player uses. Exact menus and scale may change after patches.
04 How to import or share a crosshair profile
Copy a trusted profile code
If you have a code from a friend or a source you trust, copy it exactly.
Open the crosshair profiles area
Go to Settings → Crosshair and locate the import icon near the profile controls.
Paste and import
Paste the full code and use Import. Check the preview before applying it in a match.
Save a descriptive name
Give it a profile name you can recognize, such as “Small cyan” or “Static white”.
Riot documented profile-code importing in Patch 4.05. If an old code does not work, verify that you copied the entire code and check whether the UI or format has changed.
05 A five-minute settings check
- Test a quiet custom-game scene and confirm your headset is the active output.
- Compare HRTF on and off, with other spatial processing kept consistent.
- Make your reticle visible against a bright wall and a dark shadowed area.
- Stand still and move: if you want a static crosshair, it should not expand with movement.
- Save the profile and stop adjusting every round. Give yourself time to adapt.
If sound seems delayed or distorted only in VALORANT, check the selected device and audio enhancements before reinstalling the game.
06 Frequently asked questions
Does HRTF always improve VALORANT footsteps?
No. Riot said its HRTF profile may feel more natural to some listeners than others. Compare it with your headset in a controlled test.
What is the best crosshair color?
Choose a high-contrast color you can see on both light and dark parts of the map; no color is best for everyone.
Should I use movement error on the crosshair?
Many people prefer a fixed reticle. You can turn movement error on while learning, then disable it if the animation distracts you.
Can I import a pro player crosshair?
Yes, if you have a valid crosshair profile code. Use VALORANT’s Crosshair settings import control and inspect the result before saving.
07 Sources and update notes
This Walker Bex guide is written independently. The sources below were reviewed on October 10, 2026; settings, map geometry, player gear, and support instructions may change later.