TL;DR
Recent claims suggested Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat was bricking PCs, but Riot has clarified that it does not damage hardware or software. The controversy centers on alleged impacts to DMA firmware and cheat devices.
Riot Games has officially stated that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not ‘brick’ PCs or damage hardware, addressing recent claims and confusion following reports of hardware issues linked to the update.
On May 22, 2026, Riot Games issued a tweet clarifying that Vanguard does not in any way cause physical or software damage to PCs. The controversy arose after some users claimed that a recent update to Vanguard led to hardware failures, specifically targeting DMA firmware used in SSDs, which could render certain cheat devices useless and, in some cases, require a full operating system reinstall.
The initial concern was fueled by reports on social media, notably a tweet from user ‘ogisada’ on X, alleging that Vanguard triggered an IOMMU restart warning, causing DMA firmware to become unusable even when the game was not running. These claims suggested that Vanguard was actively targeting cheat devices or firmware, raising fears of hardware damage.
Riot responded by emphasizing that Vanguard’s latest update now makes cheat hardware devices worthless but explicitly stated it does not ‘brick’ PCs, components, or software. The company explained that the images circulating of alleged hardware damage were actually pictures of cheat devices sold for cheating, not hardware damage caused by Vanguard itself. Riot added that disabling IOMMU could temporarily allow cheat devices to function again, but this does not imply any permanent harm to the PC.
Why It Matters
This clarification is significant because it addresses widespread fears and misconceptions about the safety of Riot’s anti-cheat system. Allegations that Vanguard could cause hardware failures or permanently damage PCs have led to concern among gamers, especially those wary of kernel-level access and its potential risks. Riot’s transparency aims to reassure players and maintain trust in its anti-cheat measures, which are critical for maintaining fair competition in Valorant and League of Legends.
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Background
Vanguard, launched with Valorant in 2020, operates at a kernel level, giving it deep access to the operating system to prevent cheating. Over the years, it has faced criticism and accusations of causing system instability or hardware issues, particularly following updates that allegedly increased its aggressiveness. The recent reports and social media claims intensified fears about potential hardware damage, especially targeting DMA firmware used in SSDs to disguise cheat software.
Riot’s response comes amid ongoing efforts to improve anti-cheat effectiveness while addressing user concerns about system safety. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between anti-cheat security measures and user hardware integrity.
“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.”
— Riot Games
IOMMU configuration for gaming PCs
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether some users experienced hardware issues due to other factors unrelated to Vanguard or whether specific hardware configurations are more vulnerable. The extent of any hardware impact caused by the update is still being investigated, and Riot has not confirmed widespread hardware failures.
anti-cheat hardware protection devices
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What’s Next
Riot is expected to continue monitoring the situation, providing further updates on system safety and anti-cheat effectiveness. Players are advised to follow official channels for any new guidance or technical support related to hardware issues.
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Key Questions
Did Riot’s Vanguard cause hardware damage to PCs?
No. Riot has stated that Vanguard does not in any way brick PCs, hardware, or software. Alleged hardware issues are linked to cheat devices or firmware, not the anti-cheat itself.
What should I do if I experience hardware problems after the update?
If you encounter hardware issues, Riot recommends contacting technical support and avoiding disabling security features like IOMMU without proper guidance. A full OS reinstall might be necessary if firmware becomes unusable.
Are cheat devices still functional after the update?
Riot states that the latest Vanguard update makes cheat hardware devices worthless, but temporarily disabling IOMMU can restore their functionality. However, this is not recommended as it may compromise system security.
Will Riot release further updates to address these concerns?
Riot has indicated it will continue to improve anti-cheat measures and maintain transparency about how Vanguard operates. Future updates are likely to focus on balancing security and system safety.
Source: reddit
