Valorant cheaters hit with a massive ban wave

TL;DR

  • Riot executed a targeted ban wave against DMA-based cheaters before Episode 8 Act 2
  • The operation specifically addressed sophisticated hardware manipulation exploits
  • Cheat providers temporarily suspended services due to detection improvements
  • Players can expect cleaner matches during the upcoming meta shift period
  • Long-term effectiveness depends on Riot’s continued anti-cheat innovation

VCT 2023

Riot Games has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on cheating infrastructure within Valorant, strategically timed before the deployment of Episode 8 Act 2. This systematic purge represents one of the most significant anti-cheat operations in the game’s recent history.

Competitive gaming consistently faces challenges from unauthorized software and hardware manipulation. While eliminating cheating completely remains an ambitious goal, Valorant’s Vanguard anti-cheat system has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness compared to industry standards. The developer’s latest enforcement action leverages advanced detection methodologies to identify and remove compromised accounts.

With Episode 8 Act 2 approaching rapidly, the gaming community anticipates the introduction of Agent 25 alongside substantial meta adjustments. This preemptive security measure ensures competitive balance during a period of significant gameplay evolution.

Riot bans multiple cheaters from Valorant

Valorant agents

The gaming security watchdog “Anti-Cheat Police Department” documented Riot’s enforcement campaign through verified social media channels. Their analysis indicates the developer dismantled core cheating infrastructure rather than merely suspending individual accounts. By targeting the supply chain at its source, Riot has created temporary but significant disruption to cheat distribution networks.


Technical reports confirm the operation specifically neutralized DMA (Direct Memory Access) hardware manipulation devices. These sophisticated tools operate at kernel level, intercepting system memory without triggering conventional security flags. The complexity of these exploits requires continuous anti-cheat evolution to maintain detection capabilities.

Evidence from cheat provider forums reveals widespread service suspensions as developers scramble to circumvent detection updates. This temporary market disruption provides competitive players with a valuable window of clean gameplay.

DMA exploitation represents the current frontier in cheating technology, utilizing specialized hardware to read game memory directly rather than through software interfaces. This methodology bypasses most behavioral analysis systems, presenting unique challenges for anti-cheat developers. Understanding these technical limitations helps contextualize Riot’s achievement in this enforcement cycle.

Traditional detection methods rely on identifying suspicious software patterns or network traffic anomalies. DMA devices circumvent these entirely by operating as legitimate hardware components while performing unauthorized memory access. This cat-and-mouse dynamic requires constant security innovation from game developers.

For players seeking to improve their skills legitimately, our Weapons Unlock guide provides comprehensive strategies for mastering Valorant’s arsenal through practice and game knowledge rather than artificial advantages.

The immediate benefit for legitimate players is noticeably cleaner matchmaking experiences, particularly in ranked modes where competitive integrity matters most. However, experienced players should understand that cheat developers typically respond with updated versions within weeks. The current enforcement window represents an ideal opportunity to climb competitive ranks before potential new cheat iterations emerge.

Strategic players can leverage this period to master the upcoming meta changes, including new agent abilities and potential weapon adjustments. Our Complete Guide to competitive play offers frameworks for adapting to evolving gameplay dynamics without relying on external assistance.

While the duration of effective cheat suppression remains uncertain, the March 5 launch of Episode 8 Act 2 should provide at least several weeks of significantly reduced cheating incidents. Players looking to optimize their class selections during this period can consult our Class Guide for role-specific strategies.

The long-term solution requires continuous investment in detection technology and player reporting systems. Community vigilance combined with advanced security measures creates the most effective defense against cheating ecosystems.

Action Checklist

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Riot account to prevent compromise
  • Report suspicious player behavior through the in-game reporting system immediately
  • Monitor official Riot security announcements for future ban wave timing
  • Review match replays to identify cheating patterns and improve game sense
  • Participate in community discussions about fair play standards and reporting effectiveness

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Valorant cheaters hit with a massive ban wave Riot's strategic ban wave targets DMA cheaters ahead of Valorant Episode 8 Act 2 launch