OBS Game Capture Not Working with Valorant? Try These Solutions

For gamers, streamers, and content creators, OBS Studio is one of the most popular tools for recording and streaming gameplay. Its Game Capture feature allows you to record only the game window, without capturing unnecessary background apps or desktop clutter. This makes your videos cleaner, more professional, and easier to edit.

However, many Valorant players experience a frustrating problem: OBS Game Capture not working with Valorant. Whether it’s a black screen, failure to detect the game, or constant crashes, these issues can disrupt content creation and streaming. In this article, we’ll explore why this happens, provide solutions, and introduce a simpler alternative that guarantees hassle-free recording.

1. Why OBS is Not Working with Valorant?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why OBS may not working with Valorant. OBS relies on different capture methods to record games, and Valorant has some technical protections that can interfere with OBS. The main reasons are:

• Vanguard Anti-Cheat: Valorant’s Vanguard can block OBS from accessing the game, causing black screens.
• Display Mode Conflicts: OBS works best in Fullscreen. Borderless or Windowed modes may prevent proper capture.
• Administrator Permissions: OBS may need admin rights to record games running with anti-cheat protection.
• GPU Switching Issues: OBS and Valorant must use the same GPU; otherwise, capture can fail.
• Outdated Software or Drivers: Old OBS versions or graphics drivers can cause black screens, lag, or crashes.

2. OBS Game Capture Not Working with Valorant? Try These Solutions

Now that you know the reasons behind OBS capture issues, here’s how to fix them:

2.1 Run OBS as Administrator

• Close OBS > Right-click the OBS icon > Select Run as Administrator.
• Launch Valorant and try Game Capture again.
  This ensures OBS has sufficient permissions to interact with Valorant and Vanguard.

2.2 Change Capture Mode in OBS

• Open OBS and right-click your Game Capture source → Properties.
• Set Mode to Capture any fullscreen application.
• If this doesn’t work, select Capture specific window and choose Valorant from the dropdown.
• Ensure Capture third-party overlays is checked if you use Discord or other overlays.

2.3 Switch Valorant to Fullscreen

• Open Valorant → Settings → Video → Display Mode
• Set to Fullscreen instead of Borderless Windowed or Windowed.
  This allows OBS to hook into the game more reliably.

2.4 Ensure OBS and Valorant Use the Same GPU

• For NVIDIA users, open the NVIDIA Control Panel, select Manage 3D Settings, then switch to the Program Settings tab.
• Assign both OBS and Valorant to the same GPU (preferably the dedicated one).
  This prevents capture failures caused by GPU switching.

2.5 Update OBS and Graphics Drivers

• Download the latest version of OBS Studio.
• Update your NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics drivers.
  Updates fix bugs and improve compatibility with DirectX and anti-cheat systems.

2.6 Disable Game Mode and Background Apps

• Windows Game Mode may interfere with OBS. Disable it via Settings → Gaming → Game Mode.
• Close unnecessary applications, overlays, or recording software that may block OBS from capturing Valorant.

2.7 Use Display Capture as a Backup

• If Game Capture continues to fail, use Display Capture.
• This records your entire monitor instead of hooking into the game directly.
• While slightly less efficient, it bypasses anti-cheat restrictions and ensures your gameplay is recorded.

3. Try a Simple Screen Recorder for Gaming – Swyshare Recordit

If you’ve tried the above solutions and still face problems with OBS, a simpler alternative like Swyshare Recordit can save you time and frustration. Swyshare Recordit is designed for gamers who want a reliable, high-quality recording solution without complex configurations.

Main Features of Swyshare Recordit:

• Start recording instantly without complex setups.
• Save the last X seconds of gameplay to capture highlights retroactively.
• Record in MP4 or GIF formats, customizable resolution, and frame rate.
• Record system audio and microphone simultaneously.
• Highlight clicks, cursor movement, and add real-time annotations.
• Schedule your recordings to start and stop automatically.

How to record with Recordit:

• Download the Recordit installer and install it on your Mac or Windows
• Launch Recordit to choose the resolution, frame rate, and audio input sources you want to use.
• Select your preferred recording mode: full screen, custom region, or window capture.
• Click the Start Recording button to start capturing your gameplay.
• When finished, open the “Files” tab to find the recorded videos and edit if necessary.

3. Conclusion

OBS is an excellent tool for creators, but its compatibility issues with Valorant—especially black screens and failed Game Capture—can quickly interrupt your workflow. By adjusting settings, updating drivers, and ensuring both OBS and Valorant run under the right conditions, many players can resolve the problem.

However, if OBS continues to be unreliable, a simpler recording solution like Swyshare Recordit offers a smooth, no-hassle alternative with easy setup, high-quality output, and gamer-friendly features such as instant highlight capture and scheduled recording. For players who want consistent, frustration-free gameplay recording, Recordit is the more simple and dependable choice.