Cheating in online games undermines fair play and can severely impact the gaming experience. Riot Games' response to this challenge is Vanguard, Valorant's proprietary anti-cheat system. In 2025, Vanguard has undergone substantial updates to counter sophisticated cheating techniques and to provide a more secure environment for players.
Vanguard has achieved a new milestone by setting a record for the number of bans per second. This achievement reflects the system's improved efficiency in identifying and removing cheaters from the game. The enhanced detection capabilities are a result of continuous updates and the integration of advanced monitoring tools.
A notable addition in 2025 is the implementation of Ranked Rollbacks. This feature ensures that players who lose Ranked Rating (RR) due to matches involving cheaters will have their points restored. This system not only rectifies unfair losses but also reinforces Riot's commitment to maintaining competitive integrity.
Previously, Vanguard operated continuously at the kernel level, raising concerns about system performance and privacy. Riot Games has addressed these concerns by transitioning Vanguard to an on-demand model. Now, Vanguard activates its kernel-level operations only when Valorant is running, reducing its system footprint and alleviating privacy issues.
Cheaters have evolved, employing sophisticated methods like Direct Memory Access (DMA) and pixel-based bots. Vanguard's updated system now includes measures to detect and prevent these advanced cheating techniques, ensuring that even the most covert cheats are identified and addressed.
Riot Games continues to invest in Vanguard's development, focusing on proactive measures to anticipate and counteract new cheating strategies. The integration of machine learning and collaboration with hardware manufacturers are among the steps being taken to enhance Vanguard's effectiveness further.
The 2025 updates to Vanguard demonstrate Riot Games' unwavering dedication to fair play in Valorant. By enhancing detection capabilities, introducing Ranked Rollbacks, and addressing advanced cheating methods, Riot ensures that players can enjoy a competitive and secure gaming environment.
Note: This blog post is based on information available as of May 2025 and reflects the current state of Valorant's anti-cheat system.
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