Senior analyst details what makes VALORANT’s anti-cheat one of gaming’s ‘biggest success stories’

  • 29-12-2023 |
  • Gregory Hawkins

In the competitive arena of games like VALORANT, match integrity is paramount, and Riot Vanguard's anti-cheat measures play a crucial role in maintaining that standard. The effectiveness of Vanguard isn't solely down to its kernel-level presence; it's also about the innovations engineered by a dedicated team. 

Content creator Myth recently praised VALORANT's anti-cheat system as a monumental success in deterring cheaters. Building on that sentiment, anti-cheat analyst GamerDoc explained the significance of Vanguard's edge in the anti-cheat field. While it operates at a kernel level, the real triumph lies in the commitment of the engineers who consistently develop cutting-edge technologies that keep the system ahead of others in the industry.

GamerDoc pointed out that although having a kernel driver is common—with EAC, Battleye, and Ricochet also deploying this technology—it's not the kernel aspect that sets Vanguard apart from the rest. Operating at this deep system level sets the stage for the contest with cheat developers, essentially leveling the playing field.

As for concerns about the inherent intrusiveness of a kernel driver, GamerDoc attempted to assuage players' fears. The implication was that worrying over installing such a high-level anti-cheat system isn't justified, as the actual value lies in how it establishes a fair and secure gaming environment.