It ruins the fun and makes honest players feel bad. When I started playing Valorant I saw that Riot Games takes cheating very seriously. That made me curious. I wanted to know how Valorant anti cheat works and what makes it so strong. I found out that Riot Vanguard is the anti cheat software used in Valorant. It is a kernel level anti cheat that runs deep in the operating system. If you are a gamer or just want to understand how Riot protects its games then this guide is for you. I will explain everything in simple words. We should know how anti cheat systems work to enjoy a hack free gaming environment.

What Is Riot Vanguard

Riot Vanguard is the proprietary vanguard anti cheat made by Riot Games. It is used in Valorant and now also in League of Legends. It is an anti cheat solution that runs at kernel level. That means it has deep access to the operating system. This helps detect cheats before the game even starts. We should understand that kernel-level anti cheat is more powerful than normal anti cheat programs.

Why Riot Vanguard Is Different

Riot Vanguard is different because

• It uses kernel-mode driver
• It runs before the game starts
• It checks hardware and software
• It blocks cheat makers and cheat developers
• It uses client-side protections
• It scans for suspicious activity
• It helps keep competitive integrity

We should know that this anti cheat software is designed to stop cheats before they can work.

How Riot Vanguard Works

Riot Vanguard works in two parts

• A kernel-mode driver that runs with the operating system
• A client-side software that runs with Valorant

The kernel-mode driver checks the system for cheats. It looks at hardware and software changes. It blocks cheats that try to hide deep in the system. The client side software checks game files and network packets. If it finds cheats or suspicious activity it sends alerts. Riot can then ban the player or block the cheat.

What Is Kernel-Level Anti Cheat

Kernel-level anti cheat means the software runs at the deepest level of the operating system. It has full access to the system. That helps it detect cheats that normal programs cannot see. It is like having a guard inside the computer. We should know that kernel-level anti cheat is very strong but also needs to be safe.

What Are Client-Side Protections

Client-side protections are checks that happen on the player’s computer. Riot Vanguard looks at game files and network traffic. It checks if anything is changed or if cheats are sending fake data. We should keep our system clean to avoid problems.Riot wants a hack-free gaming environment so they are strict. 

What Is Competitive Integrity

Competitive integrity means fair play. All players should have an equal chance to win. Riot Games uses Riot Vanguard to protect competitive integrity. We should respect the game and play fair.

It can be

• Modified game files
• Fake network packets
• Hidden cheat programs
• Unusual hardware behavior

Riot Vanguard looks for these signs. If it finds them it takes action. 

What Are Security Features

Riot Vanguard supports

• Two-factor authentication
• Password protection
• Account security
• Hardware bans
• Automated detections

These features help protect players and keep the game safe. We should use strong passwords and enable security options.We should keep Vanguard installed if we want to play.

What Is The System Tray Icon

When Vanguard is running we see a system tray icon. It shows that the anti cheat is active. We can click it to see options or exit. We should keep it running.

What Is The Role Of Riot Games

Riot Games made Valorant and Riot Vanguard. They also made League of Legends. They want to protect their games from cheaters. They use internal playtests and reddit post feedback to improve Vanguard. We should trust Riot to keep the game fair.

What Is The Role Of Microsoft Windows

Riot Vanguard runs on Microsoft Windows. It starts with Windows 10 and works with the operating system. It uses core temp and driver access to check for cheats. We should keep our Windows updated for best performance.

What Is The Role Of Hardware

Cheats can hide in hardware. Riot Vanguard checks hardware for changes. If it finds cheat hardware it can block it. We should use clean and safe hardware.

What Is The Role Of Reddit Post And Community

Players share their experience on reddit posts and forums. Riot reads these and improves Vanguard. If we see cheating we should report it. The community helps keep the game clean.

What Is The Role Of Valorant Console

Valorant console is not released yet but Riot may use Vanguard there too. Riot wants to protect all platforms. We should expect strong anti cheat on consoles too.

What Is The Role Of Closed Beta And Open Beta

Riot tested Vanguard in closed beta and open beta. They used internal playtests to find bugs. Now Vanguard is stronger and better. We should know that testing helps improve anti cheat systems.

FAQs

Q1. What is Riot Vanguard?

It is the anti cheat software used in Valorant

Q2. How does Riot Vanguard work?

It uses kernel-mode driver and client-side protections

Q3. Can we play Valorant without Vanguard?

No the game needs Vanguard to run

Q4. Is Riot Vanguard safe?

Yes it is designed to protect the game and players

Q5. What is kernel-level anti cheat?

It runs deep in the operating system to detect cheats

Q6. What is competitive integrity?

Fair play for all players without cheating

Q7. Does Riot Vanguard work on console?

Not yet but it may be added in future

Q8. What should we do to stay safe?

Avoid cheats use strong passwords and keep system clean

Meta Description

I think Riot Vanguard keeps Valorant safe so this guide shows how its anti cheat works

Final Thoughts

I think Riot Vanguard is a strong anti cheat system. It helps keep Valorant fair and fun. We should understand how it works and respect the rules. I hope this guide helped you understand how Valorant anti cheat works. Let us enjoy a clean and honest gaming environment together.