TL;DR
Riot Games has introduced a new feature enabling players to turn its Vanguard anti-cheat software on demand. This option is available for players with compatible hardware and Windows 11 25H2, offering more control over system security. The move aims to balance anti-cheat effectiveness with user convenience.
Riot Games has announced that players can now enable its Vanguard anti-cheat software on demand, rather than having it always active. This new option, called ‘Vanguard Pre-Check,’ allows compatible players to launch the anti-cheat only during gameplay, giving users more control over their system security and performance. The feature is available immediately for eligible players who meet specific hardware and software requirements.
According to a blog post from Phillip Koskinas, Riot’s head of anti-cheat, the on-demand mode leverages Windows 11 25H2 security features, including the Runtime Driver Attestation Report, to detect if cheats are loaded without keeping Vanguard running constantly. Riot has collaborated with Microsoft’s Xbox OS Security Team to enhance kernel-level protections against exploits used by cheats such as wallhacks and aimbots.
Players with newer PCs that already meet certain security standards—such as UEFI Mode, Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM), Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)—can switch to on-demand mode with their next game update. About 35 percent of Riot’s player base currently qualifies for this feature, with the remaining 65 percent needing to enable or upgrade their system settings to use it.
Enabling on-demand mode requires Windows 11 25H2, which is primarily due to the driver attestation report feature, and players must also enable IOMMU and other security settings. Riot emphasizes that this feature is optional and that players not wishing to make these changes can continue using Vanguard in its traditional always-on mode.
Implications for Player Control and Security
This development provides Riot players with greater control over their system security, potentially reducing performance impacts associated with always-on anti-cheat. It also represents a step toward more transparent and user-friendly anti-cheat measures, which could influence other game developers to adopt similar features. However, it remains to be seen how effective the on-demand mode will be in preventing cheats compared to the traditional always-on approach.
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Background on Riot’s Vanguard Anti-Cheat System
Riot Games introduced Vanguard as its anti-cheat system for Valorant and League of Legends, aiming to combat widespread cheating. Since its launch, Vanguard has been criticized for its kernel-level driver, which runs at all times, raising privacy and security concerns among some users. Riot has periodically updated the system to improve security and address user feedback. The recent addition of on-demand mode follows collaborations with Microsoft to enhance Windows kernel protections, marking a shift toward more flexible anti-cheat solutions.
“Riot’s new on-demand anti-cheat mode is a significant step toward balancing security with user control.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Effectiveness and Adoption of On-Demand Mode
It is not yet clear how the on-demand mode will perform in real-world anti-cheat effectiveness compared to the always-on approach. Additionally, the number of players who will adopt the new system remains uncertain, especially among those with older or less secure hardware. Riot has not provided detailed data on the security implications or potential vulnerabilities of the on-demand mode.
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enabled PC
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Next Steps for Riot and Player Adoption
Riot is expected to monitor the adoption rate and effectiveness of the on-demand feature, potentially releasing further updates or guidance. The company may also expand compatibility or simplify the process for players to enable the feature. Meanwhile, players are encouraged to review their system security settings and update to Windows 11 25H2 if they wish to take advantage of the new anti-cheat option.
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Key Questions
Who can currently enable the on-demand anti-cheat mode?
Players with Windows 11 25H2, UEFI Mode, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, VBS, HVCI, and IOMMU enabled can enable on-demand mode. About 35% of Riot’s players meet these criteria currently.
Will on-demand mode be as effective as always-on Vanguard?
It is still uncertain how the effectiveness compares in practice. Riot claims it will still provide strong anti-cheat protections, but comprehensive data is not yet available.
Do I need special hardware to use this feature?
Yes, enabling on-demand mode requires specific security features and settings, which are generally available on newer PCs with compatible hardware.
Is this feature available for all Riot games?
It is currently available for Valorant and League of Legends, the primary titles using Vanguard. Other Riot titles may adopt similar measures in the future.
What should I do if my system doesn’t meet the requirements?
If your hardware isn’t compatible, you can continue using Vanguard in its default always-on mode or consider upgrading your system to meet the necessary security standards.
Source: The Verge
