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Riot Games has clarified that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not ‘brick’ PCs. Recent claims suggested that Vanguard’s update was damaging hardware, but Riot states it only renders cheat devices useless and does not harm PC components. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about anti-cheat software and hardware security.
Riot Games has officially stated that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not cause physical damage or ‘brick’ PCs, countering recent claims that an update was damaging hardware. The clarification comes after widespread speculation and reports of PCs becoming unusable following Vanguard updates.
On May 22, 2026, Riot Games released a tweet confirming that Vanguard does not ‘brick’ PCs or PC components. The company clarified that images circulating online showing damaged hardware were actually pictures of cheat hardware devices sold for cheating in Valorant, not the result of Vanguard itself.
Prior to this, some users, including a prominent streamer, reported that Vanguard’s latest update appeared to trigger issues such as IOMMU restart warnings, which reportedly rendered DMA firmware—used in SSDs—unusable. These issues allegedly persisted even after uninstalling Vanguard and required a complete OS reinstall to fix, leading to accusations that Vanguard was damaging hardware.
Why It Matters
This clarification is significant because it addresses widespread fears and misconceptions about Vanguard’s impact on hardware. Anti-cheat systems operating at kernel level are often viewed with suspicion due to potential security and stability concerns. Riot’s statement aims to reassure players that their hardware remains safe, which is critical for maintaining trust in the anti-cheat technology and the integrity of the competitive environment.
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Background
Vanguard, launched with Valorant in 2020 and later integrated into League of Legends in 2024, is a kernel-level anti-cheat system designed to prevent cheating by operating deep within the operating system. Its aggressive approach has led to controversy, with some players alleging it causes system instability or damage. Recent updates have increased scrutiny, especially after reports of hardware issues linked to DMA firmware—software used to mask cheats—surfaced online.
“Vanguard now makes those devices worthless for Valorant, but does not in any way brick PCs or PC components or PC software.”
— Riot Games
“Disabling IOMMU allows the cheat device to function again, but IOMMU will still be required to play our games. This means the cheat device won’t work with our games, but your PC isn’t ‘bricked.'”
— Riot Games
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether recent hardware issues reported by some users are caused directly by Vanguard updates or are coincidental. Riot’s statement does not address specific cases of hardware failure or provide detailed technical analysis of the reported issues, leaving some questions about the root cause open.
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What’s Next
Riot is expected to continue monitoring the situation and may release further updates or technical guidance. Players and hardware manufacturers will likely watch for additional reports to determine if systemic issues persist or if new patches address the hardware concerns.
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Key Questions
Does Vanguard really damage or brick PCs?
No. Riot has stated that Vanguard does not in any way brick PCs or PC components. Reports of hardware damage are linked to cheat hardware devices and not the anti-cheat system itself.
What caused the recent hardware issues reported by some users?
Some reports suggest that Vanguard’s latest update may trigger issues with DMA firmware on SSDs, but this is still under investigation. Riot has not confirmed a direct cause but emphasizes that Vanguard does not damage hardware.
Can I uninstall Vanguard without risking hardware damage?
Yes. According to Riot, uninstalling Vanguard does not cause hardware damage. However, issues related to specific hardware configurations may require further troubleshooting or OS reinstallation.
Will Riot improve Vanguard to prevent hardware issues?
Riot has indicated ongoing investment in anti-cheat technology and a commitment to transparency. Future updates may include further safeguards and technical fixes based on user feedback.
Source: reddit
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