Riot to return ELO if you face cheaters in VALORANT

The latest VALORANT // Dev Updates video was just released last night. In the update, the developers of Riot’s popular tactical FPS game went over the changes planned for the rest of 2024. Among the changes discussed, is the upcoming quality of life improvements to the VANGUARD system. Coming in the near future (specific patch to be announced), ranked rollbacks will be implemented.

What is VALORANT VANGUARD and how Effective is it?

VALORANT VANGUARD is Riot’s kernel-level anti-cheat system, designed originally for their tactical FPS title - VALORANT - and later transported over to their MOBA title - League of Legends. And apparently, it’s incredibly effective, with Riot claiming in their latest Dev Update that only 1% of ( VALORANT) games have cheaters in them. So, more than likely, it’s just a skill issue (wink).

While many critics take issue with giving kernel-level access to an anti-cheat software, we also can’t deny its effectiveness. Extremely rarely do you come across a blatant cheater in the 4 years since VALORANT launched and the red screen hammer comes down fast and heavy on their heads.

Naught, naughty. VALORANT's VANGUARD detection at work AKA the infamous 'Cheater Detected' screen. Credit: Riot Games.

Ranked Rollbacks to be implemented

According to Brittany Perez, anti-cheat analyst for Riot Games, the way VANGUARD currently works is a delicate balance, meaning that in order to improve detection, cheaters may not immediately be banned, just so long-term it’s not as easy to bypass.

VANGUARD is a delicate tango of prevention and detection. We strive to block cheats outright, but when immediately blocking a cheat would make our techniques too transparent, we detect the intrusion and delay our response. - Brittany Perez, VANGUARD anti-cheat analyst.

Hence, as a way of assuaging the frustrated masses, Riot has decided to implement ranked rollbacks. What this means is that if you play against a cheater on the opposite team and lose, and they were later banned, you will be refunded the RR you lost. Small price to pay at times if you do come across an actual cheater, but at least you can rest assured that your precious RR will remain safe.

VALORANT Console brings new worries

VALORANT Console has been out for roughly a month now, and already cheats are flying in this new variant of the popular FPS title. One of the most prominent cheat currently that Riot has come down hard on input spoofing AKA ximming.

This is where players are able to utilize a mouse and keyboard on console but you spoof the system into making it appear as if you are using a controller. This not only allows the player an already greater degree of aim control (M + K is superior, don’t @ me), but it also gives players access to the aim assist that controller players do.

Riot has assured that they will continue to work hard to keep their games a “safe and competitive environment”. The next VALORANT // Dev Update will be released at the start of 2025, with the start of VCT 2025.

There's still plenty of VALORANT action ahead in the OFF//SEASON. So, check in with Strafe to catch all of the latest VALORANT news.

Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Credit: Riot Games

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