Valorant Night Market has become one of the most recognizable recurring events in the game’s calendar. Every few months, social media fills up with screenshots of players comparing discounts, debating their roll luck or complaining that they didn’t get the skins they were hoping for. But what makes the Night Market such a talking point in the community, and how does it actually work?
While Riot rarely makes major changes to the formula, the Night Market has grown into a small but eagerly awaited tradition, one that blends RNG, cosmetic collectability and a bit of seasonal excitement.
A rotating store built on randomness
Unlike Valorant’s normal rotating shop, the Night Market gives each player six randomly selected weapon skins at reduced prices. Only certain tiers qualify, which means the offers generally fall into the Select, Deluxe or Premium ranges. These categories include some of the most popular skin lines in the game, so even a moderate discount can be appealing.
That said, the randomness is also part of the frustration. Ultra-tier skins, exclusive skins, battle pass cosmetics and expensive melee skins are completely off the table. Players hoping for the biggest releases must rely on luck, and some Night Markets inevitably feel more rewarding than others.
Why the timing matters
The Night Market appears once per act, though the duration isn’t always consistent. Some cycles run for almost a month, while others end within two weeks. Riot usually confirms the date roughly a week in advance, allowing players to decide whether to save or spend their Valorant Points before it arrives.
This predictable-but-not-too-predictable timing is part of why the event remains relevant: it shows up regularly enough to be anticipated, but not so often that players ignore it.
How the pool evolves
Only skins released at least two acts earlier are eligible, which helps prevent newly released cosmetics from overshadowing everything else. Over time, Riot has also made small adjustments, such as guaranteeing at least two higher-tier skins in each Market, in response to community feedback. Despite those tweaks, the core system remains intentionally simple.
The full list of eligible collections for the current act, along with details on what can and cannot appear, is covered thoroughly by Pley in their breakdown of the system.
Why the Night Market remains a community event
Part of the Night Market’s cultural footprint comes from how shareable it is. Players post their rolls, debate the value of their discounts, and collectively vent when a long-desired skin refuses to appear. It’s not just a shop feature; it’s a mini-event tied to the identity of each act.