Valorant Making Anti-Cheat Changes Following Major Ban Wave

Valorant's New Anti-Cheat Measures: Ranked Rollbacks to Combat Cheaters

Valorant is escalating its fight against cheaters with a significant update: ranked rollbacks. This new anti-cheat measure will reverse the rank or progress of players whose matches were compromised by hackers. The goal is to deter cheating and ensure fair gameplay for all Valorant players. Crucially, players who were on the same team as a cheater will retain their rank rating, preventing unfair penalties for those unwittingly partnered with hackers.

The recent surge in cheating activity prompted Riot Games to announce these stricter measures. Phillip Koskinas, Riot's head of anti-cheat, confirmed the issue on Twitter, assuring players of the studio's commitment to resolving the problem and highlighting the increased effectiveness of their anti-cheat tools. He shared data illustrating a significant number of bans implemented by Vanguard, Riot's kernel-level anti-cheat system, in January alone.

Ranked Rollbacks: How They Work

The ranked rollback system addresses a key concern: players winning matches with cheaters on their team. Koskinas clarified that while the opposing team will have their rank rating restored, players who played alongside cheaters will keep their current rating. Although this approach might temporarily inflate the ranking system, Riot believes it's the fairest solution.

Valorant's Vanguard: A Leading Anti-Cheat System

Valorant's Vanguard system, known for its kernel-level access, has proven highly effective in detecting and banning cheaters. Its success has even inspired similar implementations in other games like Call of Duty. Despite past successes in combating cheaters, the persistent nature of hacking necessitates ongoing adaptation and stronger countermeasures.

Riot's commitment to tackling this issue is evident in the thousands of bans already issued. The introduction of ranked rollbacks represents a significant step in their ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and enjoyable gaming experience for all Valorant players. The long-term effectiveness of this new strategy remains to be seen, but it signals a determined approach to combating the persistent threat of cheating.