TL;DR
Recent claims suggested Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat was damaging or bricking PCs. Riot has clarified that Vanguard does not harm hardware or software, only rendering cheat devices ineffective. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about anti-cheat impacts.
Riot Games has officially stated that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not ‘brick’ or damage PCs, addressing recent claims that updates to Vanguard have caused hardware failures or bricking of devices.
On May 22, 2026, Riot Games clarified via a tweet that Vanguard, the anti-cheat software used in Valorant and League of Legends, does not cause physical or software damage to PCs. This statement comes after widespread reports and claims on social media suggesting that recent Vanguard updates had led to hardware failures, specifically targeting DMA firmware used by cheat devices.
Riot highlighted that images circulating online showing damaged hardware are actually pictures of cheat hardware devices designed explicitly for cheating in Valorant. Riot emphasized that these devices are rendered useless by Vanguard’s latest update, which disables cheat hardware rather than harming legitimate PC components.
Previously, players and some streamers reported issues with Vanguard, including alleged ‘bricking’ of PCs, especially after updates. These claims gained traction on platforms like Reddit and X, with some users claiming that Vanguard’s kernel-level operations were causing severe hardware or software issues. Riot’s statement aims to dispel these misconceptions and reassure players about the safety of their systems.
Why It Matters
This clarification is significant because it addresses longstanding fears and misconceptions about Vanguard’s impact on hardware and software. The anti-cheat system is critical for maintaining fair play in Riot’s competitive titles, but concerns about its safety have persisted, especially among players wary of kernel-level access. Riot’s transparency may help restore trust and reduce anxiety among the gaming community while emphasizing that their focus remains on combating cheating without harming legitimate users.
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Background
Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat was introduced in Valorant in 2020 and later expanded to League of Legends in 2024. The system operates at a kernel level, allowing it to detect and prevent cheat software effectively. However, its deep integration has led to criticism and fears about potential hardware or software damage, especially following updates that allegedly increased its aggressiveness. Recent social media claims suggested Vanguard was ‘bricking’ PCs by targeting DMA firmware, which is used to disguise cheat hardware. Riot’s latest statement aims to clarify these issues amid ongoing debates about the balance between effective anti-cheat measures and user safety.
“Vanguard now makes those devices worthless for Valorant, but does not in any way brick PCs or PC components or PC software.”
— Riot Games
“We would not, and cannot, impact your PC’s functionality in any other fashion.”
— Riot Games
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What Remains Unclear
While Riot has clarified that Vanguard does not brick PCs, it remains unclear whether specific cases of hardware issues reported by some users are caused by other factors or are isolated incidents. The extent of Vanguard’s impact on DMA firmware remains a topic of discussion, with some technical claims suggesting potential risks that Riot disputes.
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What’s Next
Riot is expected to continue monitoring Vanguard’s performance and user reports, providing further updates if new issues emerge. The company has committed to transparency and may release additional technical details or patches to address ongoing concerns. Players should stay informed about future updates and official statements.
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Key Questions
Does Vanguard really brick PCs?
No, Riot has confirmed that Vanguard does not brick PCs or damage hardware. Recent claims suggesting hardware damage are based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations of cheat hardware devices.
What caused the hardware issues reported by some players?
It is not yet confirmed whether hardware issues are directly caused by Vanguard or other factors. Riot states that their software only disables cheat devices and does not harm hardware components.
Should I be worried about Vanguard damaging my PC?
No, according to Riot, Vanguard is safe and does not impact the functionality of your PC hardware or software beyond disabling cheat devices.
What is DMA firmware, and why is it relevant?
DMA firmware is software used to disguise cheat hardware on PCs. Allegations suggest Vanguard targeting DMA firmware could cause hardware issues, but Riot disputes these claims, emphasizing that their updates disable cheat hardware without damaging the system.
What will Riot do next regarding these issues?
Riot plans to continue investigating reports, maintain transparency, and release updates as needed to address community concerns and improve Vanguard’s safety and effectiveness.
Source: reddit
