League of Legends Implements Vanguard Anti-Cheat System and Hardware ID Bans to Combat Cheating

In a significant move to combat cheating and uphold the integrity of its game, League of Legends has fully implemented the Vanguard advanced anti-cheat system and announced new Hardware ID bans. This measure targets cheaters' entire PCs rather than just their accounts, marking a major escalation in Riot Games' efforts to address cheating and botting in League of Legends.

League of Legends, a highly popular MOBA video game developed and published by Riot Games, features players assuming the roles of unique characters known as champions. Each champion has their own abilities, and players compete in teams to destroy the opposing team's base while defending their own. The game combines strategy, teamwork, and skill. Since its release over a decade ago, League of Legends has faced persistent cheating issues that Riot Games is now addressing more aggressively.

The increased presence of Vanguard, Riot Games' advanced anti-cheat system, comes with the introduction of hardware ID bans. Vanguard operates at the kernel level of players' PCs, providing deep access to the system to detect and prevent unauthorized software and cheats. While this level of access has raised privacy concerns among users, Riot Games argues that it is necessary to maintain a fair and competitive gaming environment by effectively identifying and eliminating sophisticated cheats that other systems might miss.

A chart shared by Phillip Koskinas, head of anti-cheat at League of Legends, shows the number of banned accounts from March 16, 2024, to May 18, 2024. The data illustrates a significant increase in bans, particularly with the introduction of Vanguard in early May, leading to a substantial rise in banned accounts compared to previous months. This suggests that Vanguard has become the primary tool for identifying and banning cheaters, reflecting Riot Games' intensified efforts to curb cheating in the game.

Players' Concerns About Vanguard

However, the integration of Vanguard into League of Legends has not been without controversy. Some players have reported issues, claiming that the software is "bricking" their PCs. Riot Games, while acknowledging these reports, asserts that Vanguard is not causing the alleged hardware problems. They emphasize that no confirmed instances of hardware being bricked by the software have been identified and suggest that reported issues may stem from other sources, such as incorrect BIOS settings. Riot Games has offered troubleshooting tips and encouraged affected players to reach out to support for assistance.

Through the implementation of hardware bans and consistent updates to League of Legends, Riot Games demonstrates its dedication to ensuring an enjoyable experience for all players. Despite ongoing challenges posed by cheating, the developer remains committed to fostering a fair gaming environment.