Riot Games is intensifying its efforts to combat cheating in Valorant with the introduction of ranked rollbacks, a new feature designed to reverse player ranks and progress if a match is disrupted by hackers. This move comes after a significant rise in cheating incidents, which have been negatively impacting the competitive integrity of the game. Riot’s decision is a direct response to the growing number of players exploiting unfair advantages in ranked matches, and the studio hopes the new strategy will help restore a more balanced and enjoyable experience for the Valorant community.
The new ranked rollback system works by reversing the ranks of players in matches where cheaters are detected. If a game is lost due to a cheater, the affected players’ progress will be undone, while those on the opposing team will have their ranks restored. Riot’s head of anti-cheat, Phillip Koskinas, shared the news on social media, offering an explanation of how this system would function.
Players on the same team as a hacker will keep their rank rating, but their progress will be reset, ensuring that they are not unfairly penalized by association with the cheater. While some players have expressed concerns about potential inflation of ranks, Koskinas is confident that this approach will ultimately benefit the integrity of the game.
Riot’s Vanguard system, which uses kernel-level security to detect cheaters, has already been effective in banning thousands of players. In fact, January alone saw a significant spike in the number of cheaters banned, with the highest number recorded on January 13. While Valorant has long been praised for its commitment to anti-cheat measures, the studio acknowledges that cheaters are always evolving their methods, which necessitates ongoing updates and new approaches.
The implementation of ranked rollbacks is just one part of Riot’s broader strategy to ensure a fair and competitive environment for players. As more cheaters are banned and the new system takes effect, players can expect a more secure gaming experience in Valorant, though the long-term effectiveness of the ranked rollback system will be closely monitored by the community.
