Cheating in online multiplayer games is a serious offence, and Valorant is no exception. Riot Games has implemented strict anti-cheat measures to maintain a fair playing field.
Among the most severe penalties for cheating is the Hardware ID (HWID) ban, which makes it incredibly difficult for offenders to return to the game.
Here’s a YouTube video explaining about the HWID ban:
In this article, we will explain what an HWID ban is, how it can be bypassed, and the risks involved in bypassing it.
Here we've covered:
What is an HWID ban?
Players who cheat or break game rules in Valorant can receive a standard ban, which may involve account suspension or an IP ban. However, if Riot Games determines that a player is using cheats, they may impose an HWID ban.
Unlike an IP ban, which you can bypass using a VPN, an HWID ban is much more stringent as it blocks the unique identifiers of a player’s PC hardware.
Every piece of hardware in a computer — such as the motherboard, graphics card, and storage drives — has a unique identifier known as a Hardware ID (HWID). Vanguard, Riot Games’ anti-cheat software, operates at the kernel level, making it easier for the software to identify these identifiers.
Thus, an HWID ban blocks a player by banning the associated hardware, preventing them from laying Vlorant on the same machine.
Also read: How to fix Genshin Impact data error code 31-4302?
Can an HWID ban be bypassed?
While technically possible, bypassing an HWID ban is extremely difficult and risky. Some third-party programs, such as those that can spoof HWID and change MAC addresses, can modify these hardware identifiers.
However, using such software can compromise the security of a system, exposing it to potential malware threats.
Moreover, bypassing an HWID ban requires modifying multiple hardware components, including storage drives, monitors, keyboards, and mice, as well as using a VPN to change the blacklisted IP address.
Furthermore, a fresh Valorant account is necessary, which makes the process expensive and time-consuming.
Also read: How to fix ‘Failed to Unzip’ in Genshin Impact?
The risks of bypassing HWID ban
Attempting to circumvent an HWID ban comes with significant drawbacks:
- Security risks: Third-party applications have the ability to bring in malware, spyware, or other malicious software into the computer
- Technical complexity: Altering HWIDs requires very in-depth system changes, risking inadvertently destroying the PC
- Financial costs: If the spoof does not work, the only available option is to buy a completely new computer in order to restore access to Valorant.
Let this be a warning for those who might be thinking of cheating in Valorant. Riot Games is serious about cheating, and HWID bans are usually permanent. Riot Games takes cheating seriously, and HWID bans are often permanent.
If you’ve already been banned for cheating and are considering your next steps, the reality is harsh—you’ll either need to attempt a complicated and risky HWID modification or invest in a new PC. Neither of these processes is recommended for people starting out. However, experts can try them.
Also read: How to change name in Genshin Impact on PC?
