Riot Games has introduced an optional on-demand mode for its Vanguard anti-cheat. The kernel-level driver no longer loads at system start for players who meet the Pre-Check security requirements on Windows 11 25H2.

Riot Games rolled out on-demand mode for its Vanguard anti-cheat on 24 June 2026, ending the always-on boot behaviour the kernel driver has maintained since its launch in 2020. Players running VALORANT or League of Legends on a sufficiently secured Windows 11 PC can now have Vanguard load only when a Riot title launches and shut down the moment gameplay ends. According to Riot’s anti-cheat lead Phillip Koskinas, roughly 35 per cent of all players already meet the hardware requirements and can switch immediately after updating.

Why Vanguard Ran at System Start Until Now

Vanguard’s kernel-mode driver, vgk.sys, loaded the moment Windows booted. The reason was what Koskinas calls the “Who Loads First?” problem. If the anti-cheat only started with the game, a cheater could load a vulnerable driver before it, gain kernel access, and hide from anything that loaded afterwards. By starting at boot, Vanguard maintained a continuous chain of trust, blocking known vulnerable drivers and confirming that kernel space had not been compromised before the game launched.

This design was effective but deeply unpopular. Unlike most competing anti-cheat solutions that only run while a game is active, Vanguard stayed in the system tray at all times. Privacy concerns, performance questions, and the principle of a game’s security software running 24/7 made it one of the most debated topics in competitive gaming since 2020.

How On-Demand Mode Works

With on-demand mode enabled, Vanguard’s driver component does not launch when Windows starts. It loads only when a Riot game opens and unloads on exit. This is made possible by a feature Microsoft developed in collaboration with its Xbox OS Security team: the Runtime Driver Attestation Report, introduced in Windows 11 25H2. This service measures every on-demand driver into the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) as an append-only hash since boot, similar to how the Windows Boot Manager already handles boot-start drivers. When Vanguard starts with the game, it reads this attestation report to confirm no vulnerable driver slipped in while it was inactive.

Because the hash can only be extended and never modified without breaking the chain of trust, cheaters cannot retroactively hide driver activity. This effectively closes the gap that forced the always-on design in the first place.

Vanguard Pre-Check Requirements

On-demand mode is gated behind a set of hardware and software security features Riot calls “Vanguard Pre-Check.” All of the following must be enabled:

Most of these are UEFI-level settings that Vanguard cannot change on your behalf. They must be enabled manually through BIOS. Newer PCs often ship with these features turned on by default, which is why a significant chunk of the player base already qualifies.

How to Check if Your PC Is Eligible

After updating, Vanguard’s system tray application displays a new Pre-Check panel. It lists every requirement and shows which ones your system already satisfies. Clicking any unmet requirement redirects you to the relevant support documentation.

For a quick manual check on the two most common requirements:

• Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. The specification version should read 2.0.
• Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for Secure Boot State: On and BIOS Mode: UEFI.

If either setting is off, it usually means the feature is disabled in firmware rather than missing from your hardware.

Enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS

The exact menu layout varies by motherboard manufacturer, but the general steps are consistent:

1. Shut down completely and restart. Press Delete, F2, or F10 during the splash screen to enter BIOS/UEFI setup.
2. Intel platforms: Navigate to Advanced or Security. Find “Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)” and set it to Enabled.
3. AMD platforms: Navigate to Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Trusted Computing. Enable “fTPM” or “Security Device Support.”
4. For Secure Boot, go to the Boot or Security tab and enable “Secure Boot.” If CSM (Compatibility Support Module) is active, disable it first, as Secure Boot requires UEFI boot mode.
5. Save changes and exit.

Koskinas notes in Riot’s official post that navigating BIOS “can be kinda tricky, ranging anywhere from intimidating to incomprehensible.” Always consult your motherboard manufacturer’s documentation before making changes.

Is On-Demand Mode Mandatory?

No. Riot has been emphatic about this point. On-demand mode is entirely optional. Players who take no action will continue running Vanguard exactly as before, with the driver starting at boot. The pre-existing behaviour remains the default. On-demand is an opt-in incentive for those who want the anti-cheat to be less persistent.

How Many Players Can Use It Right Now?

Riot’s data shows roughly 35 per cent of players already satisfy all Pre-Check requirements. These players see the on-demand toggle after their next update. The majority of remaining players have supported hardware but need to enable certain UEFI settings manually. Only about 3 per cent of the player base is on hardware that cannot support one or more requirements at all. For those players, Vanguard continues to operate in its traditional always-on mode.

The secured-player percentage is growing by approximately 1 to 2 percentage points per month as hardware ages out and newer machines enter the ecosystem.

What About Anti-Cheat Effectiveness?

Riot’s published statistics indicate that cheaters infect about 0.7 per cent of all PC ranked matches across VALORANT and League of Legends. The dominant cheat vectors are kernel-level exploits, DMA hardware, and pixel-based aimbots. Cheaters deliberately disable the same security features Pre-Check requires: Secure Boot, TPM, VBS, and IOMMU. By making these features the gateway to on-demand mode, Riot creates a trust-segmentation layer where secured players are separated from less secure environments.

Koskinas revealed that the TPM’s Endorsement Key is physically burned into hardware at the factory. If Riot bans that key, replacing it on firmware-based TPMs (fTPM) requires replacing the CPU itself, making hardware bans far more punishing for repeat offenders.

Does This Change Anything About Kernel-Level Access?

No. On-demand mode changes when the driver runs, not how it runs. While active, Vanguard still operates at kernel level (Ring 0). It still requires a system reboot after initial installation, and it still performs the same integrity checks on game memory. The fundamental architecture is unchanged; only the idle-state persistence is removed for eligible players.

Linux and Mac Support

On-demand mode does not extend Vanguard to new platforms. VALORANT remains unsupported on Linux and macOS. League of Legends can technically run on Linux through community tools, but Vanguard blocks that path. This update is strictly a Windows 11 feature.

What Players Usually Want to Know

Will on-demand mode hurt my FPS or cause performance issues?

Enabling VBS and HVCI can have a small performance overhead on some systems, as these features use hardware virtualisation. However, most modern PCs shipped after 2022 already have them enabled by default with negligible impact. Riot does not claim any performance difference from on-demand mode itself.

Can I switch back to always-on mode after enabling on-demand?

Yes. The toggle works both ways. If you prefer Vanguard to keep running at boot, you can revert at any time through the system tray application.

Does this work on Windows 10?

No. The Runtime Driver Attestation Report exists only in Windows 11 25H2 and later. Riot’s data also shows that older Windows versions have significantly higher cheat rates due to missing security APIs and known kernel exploits.

What if my hardware does not support TPM 2.0?

If your CPU lacks firmware TPM support and you do not have a discrete TPM 2.0 module, you cannot meet the Pre-Check requirements. Vanguard will continue operating in its traditional always-on mode. No action is needed, and your gameplay is not affected.

Riot Games’ latest Vanguard anti-cheat update targets DMA cheat hardware by enforcing IOMMU protections. Devices worth up to $6,000 are rendered useless, sparking heated debate across the gaming community.

Riot Games’ kernel-level anti-cheat system Vanguard deployed an aggressive update in May 2026 that disables the majority of DMA (Direct Memory Access) cheat hardware used in Valorant and League of Legends. DMA setups, which can cost up to $6,000, were effectively turned into paperweights. Riot kicked off the controversy on May 21 by posting a photo of a pile of disabled DMA cards on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “Congrats to the owners of a brand new $6k paperweight.” The post went viral and split the gaming community down the middle.

What Are DMA Cheat Devices?

DMA cards are FPGA-based hardware devices that plug into a motherboard’s PCIe slot. They bypass the CPU and operating system entirely, reading game memory directly from RAM through a second PC. Because the cheat process runs on a separate machine, traditional software-based anti-cheat systems have historically been unable to detect them. A full DMA cheat setup, including the card, custom firmware, a secondary PC, and display passthrough hardware, can range from a few hundred euros for budget kits to $6,000 for premium configurations. They have been considered the most effective and hardest-to-detect cheating method in competitive FPS titles for years.

How Vanguard’s IOMMU Enforcement Works

The latest Vanguard update leverages IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit), a hardware security feature built into modern CPUs and motherboards. IOMMU acts as a gatekeeper for system memory: it checks every device attempting to access RAM and blocks anything unauthorized. Riot’s update now makes IOMMU enforcement mandatory, specifically targeting DMA firmwares that use SATA and NVMe interfaces.

Here is how the process unfolds once Vanguard detects suspicious DMA activity:

• Vanguard triggers an IOMMU restart warning during gameplay.
• The DMA firmware becomes completely unusable after the warning fires.
• The device remains non-functional even after quitting the game or uninstalling Vanguard.
• The only way to restore functionality is a full OS reinstall.
• Vanguard can detect DMA hardware even when no Riot game is actively running, as long as Vanguard is installed on the system.

Riot explained that the system works by flagging DMA devices as unsafe through IOMMU, which forces Windows to cut off their memory access. Disabling IOMMU will make the cheat device functional again, but since IOMMU is required to play Valorant and League of Legends, cheaters cannot use both simultaneously.

Riot’s Official Clarification: “We Do Not Brick PCs”

The initial “paperweight” tweet caused widespread alarm, with many interpreting it to mean Vanguard was permanently bricking entire PCs. On May 22, 2026, Riot issued a detailed follow-up statement on X:

“Vanguard does not damage hardware or disable your devices. The photo we posted is a picture of cheat hardware devices that are sold explicitly for cheating in Valorant. Through our latest updates, Vanguard now makes those devices worthless for VAL, but does not in any way brick PCs or PC components or PC software.”

Riot further clarified that “this functionality only applies to systems attempting to use DMA cheat devices, and players who are not using DMA-based cheat setups are not affected.” The studio stated: “We would not, and cannot, impact your PC’s functionality in any other fashion.” It also committed to continued transparency about how its anti-cheat systems operate.

Are Innocent Players Being Affected?

Despite Riot’s reassurances, multiple players have reported issues they attribute to the update despite claiming they have never used cheat hardware. One player on Reddit wrote: “I never cheated ONCE in my whole life in any game. I don’t even use Creative on my Minecraft worlds, but my PC got bricked because of Vanguard. Had to Reset BIOS, fresh install Windows, lost all my stuff and hours of work because of it.” Another user alleged that uninstalling the Riot client corrupted their OS after registry entries flagged Vanguard as potential malware.

Some players have also reported false bans that were later reversed after contacting Riot support. Others have noticed issues with games unrelated to Riot, such as Overwatch failing to launch alongside League of Legends, with graphics card errors appearing after the update. These claims remain unverified, but they highlight the inherent risk of kernel-level software: when something goes wrong at ring 0, the consequences can be severe.

The Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat Debate

Vanguard has been controversial since its launch alongside Valorant in 2020. As a ring 0 (kernel-mode) driver that starts at system boot, it has deeper access to a PC than the user themselves. This is what makes it effective against sophisticated cheats, but it is also what fuels ongoing privacy and safety concerns.

When Vanguard was added to League of Legends in 2024, similar complaints surfaced, including high-profile incidents involving streamers experiencing PC issues. The community remains divided:

• Supporters argue that DMA cheats are impossible to stop without kernel-level access and IOMMU enforcement, and that competitive integrity justifies the approach.
• Critics contend that no game company should have the power to remotely disable user hardware, even cheat hardware, and that false positives could cause data loss and significant disruption.

Publications like Notebookcheck have argued that while cheating is unethical, remotely disabling user hardware, even temporarily, sets a dangerous precedent for the industry. Windows Central took a more measured stance, acknowledging the debate but noting satisfaction that Riot clarified PCs are not actually being bricked.

What to Do If You Get an IOMMU Restriction Error

Legitimate players encountering a “VAN: IOMMU Restriction” error are not being flagged as cheaters. The error typically means certain security features are disabled on your system. Riot’s official support page provides these steps:

1. Enable IOMMU in BIOS: For AMD, navigate to Advanced > AMD CBS > NBIO Common Options and set IOMMU to Enabled. For Intel, go to Advanced > System Agent SA Configuration and enable IOMMU Pre-boot Behavior.
2. Enable Secure Boot: Ensure your system boots in UEFI mode with Secure Boot active.
3. Enable TPM 2.0: Activate fTPM (AMD) or PTT (Intel) in your BIOS settings.
4. Turn on Memory Integrity (HVCI): In Windows Security > Device Security > Core Isolation, toggle Memory Integrity on.
5. Update BIOS and chipset drivers: Download the latest firmware from your motherboard manufacturer. In December 2025, Riot disclosed a critical pre-boot vulnerability affecting multiple motherboard brands, which manufacturers have since patched through BIOS updates.

After making these changes, restart your PC and reinstall Vanguard through the Riot Client. The restriction should clear once all required security features are properly enabled.

What This Means for Competitive Gaming

Vanguard’s latest move marks a significant escalation in the arms race between anti-cheat developers and the cheating industry. DMA hardware has been the last frontier of undetectable cheating in titles like Valorant, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends. By making IOMMU enforcement mandatory and actively disabling non-compliant DMA firmware, Riot has set a new standard that other game developers may follow.

The broader implication is that hardware-based cheating is becoming increasingly risky and expensive with diminishing returns. As anti-cheat systems evolve to enforce platform-level security features like IOMMU, Secure Boot, and HVCI, the window for undetected hardware exploits continues to shrink.

For players who value fair competition, this is a step forward. For those concerned about software autonomy and user rights, it raises important questions about how much control game companies should wield over personal hardware. Either way, the Vanguard DMA crackdown is one of the most consequential anti-cheat developments in recent years.

A Valorant skin is a cosmetic customization feature that changes the appearance of in-game weapons. These skins provide players with a more personalized gaming experience, enriching the overall atmosphere of the game. Instead of using a default weapon, having a rare or personally meaningful skin can make the game more enjoyable.

Visual Enhancements and Aesthetic Appeal

Valorant skins are not just about looks—many come with special effects such as unique sound cues, animations, and kill effects. These elements enhance the overall gaming experience, making it more immersive and rewarding for players.

The Influence of Skin Collections on Gameplay

Psychological Impact of Skins on Players

Skins contribute to a player’s individuality, helping them stand out and boosting their confidence, especially in competitive modes. Exclusive skins with custom animations and effects can strengthen a player’s attachment to the game and reflect their unique style. This increased confidence can lead to more decisive in-game choices and better performance.

How Skins Affect Morale and Motivation

Owning a favorite skin can uplift a player’s morale, maintaining their motivation throughout a match. Rare or exclusive skins can make a player feel privileged, potentially enhancing their performance. Additionally, using coordinated team skins can foster a sense of unity, improving team spirit and collaboration. Many players find that collecting skins motivates them to engage more deeply with the game, setting new goals and improving their overall gameplay.

How Skin Collections Increase Account Value

The Role of Skins in Account Valuation

In Valorant, accounts are often valued based on their skin collections. Rare skins significantly increase an account’s worth, making it more desirable to other players. High-tier or discontinued skins can transform an account from a standard profile into a premium asset.

For instance, skins that are no longer available in the store or were only obtainable through special events tend to fetch high prices due to their rarity. Moreover, accounts featuring full skin collections often attract more interest from buyers, as they provide a more diverse selection of high-quality cosmetics.

Additionally, customization plays a significant role in determining an account’s value. Accounts that are well-curated with themed or aesthetically pleasing skin collections often command higher prices in the marketplace. In essence, a well-stocked inventory with exclusive skins can significantly increase an account’s market value.

Market Price Variations of Skins

Not all skins hold the same value. The rarer a skin, the higher its market price. On trusted marketplaces like GamerMarkt, skin values are objectively determined based on demand and exclusivity.

GamerMarkt has introduced a groundbreaking Valorant Account Value Calculator, allowing players to determine the real market worth of their accounts. By entering details such as server, rank, Valorant Points (VP), Radianite Points, unlocked agents, and skin count, users can get an accurate estimate of their account’s value in a matter of seconds.

This tool is a major advantage for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can make informed decisions based on current market rates, while sellers can price their accounts fairly. With this innovative feature, GamerMarkt ensures transparency and security in Valorant account trading.

The Competitive Edge of Skins in Valorant

Psychological Pressure on Opponents

Displaying high-tier skins can create psychological intimidation in competitive matches. Rare and visually striking skins can make opponents perceive the player as experienced and highly skilled. This may cause hesitation or distraction among enemy players, leading to potential advantages in duels.

Furthermore, skins play a significant role in team morale. Players tend to trust and feel more confident in teammates with prestigious skins, which can enhance in-game communication and coordination. This ultimately results in better overall performance.

The Effect of Visual Variety on Opponents

Flashy skins can disrupt an opponent’s focus, impacting their strategic planning. Animated and visually dynamic skins may serve as a distraction, making it harder for enemies to maintain their aim. Some skins also feature distinct sound effects that can alter the tactical flow of a match.

For example, specific skins with unique weapon sounds can change the way an enemy perceives incoming attacks, affecting their reaction time and decision-making. Additionally, skins frequently used by professional players may create an added layer of psychological intimidation, influencing enemy strategies.

Skins and Social Status in the Valorant Community

The Social Symbolism of Skins

Some skins have become status symbols due to their rarity. Players who own older Battle Pass-exclusive skins often carry a nostalgic value, showcasing their long-term dedication to the game. Similarly, skins obtained through special events or promotions add prestige to a player’s collection, elevating their social standing in the Valorant community.

The Influence of Esports and Streamers on Skin Trends

Esports players and popular streamers significantly impact the demand for certain skins. When professional players use specific skins in tournaments, fans often rush to acquire the same cosmetics, making them trend in the community.

Content creators who showcase their favorite skins also contribute to their market value, sometimes leading to higher resale prices. For collectors, owning a skin that has been widely recognized within the community is not just about aesthetics—it can also serve as a long-term investment.

The Future of Valorant Skin Investments

Increasing Value and Investment Opportunities

Some skins appreciate in value over time, especially those released as limited-time exclusives. A skin that initially sells at a low price can become highly sought-after in later years. Skins that were once part of an event or seasonal release may experience a dramatic price increase due to scarcity.

The value of some skins also rises due to their association with esports professionals or major gaming events. Skins frequently featured in high-profile tournaments tend to gain traction in the market, leading to heightened demand and increased prices.

The Long-Term Worth of Rare Skins

Skins that are no longer available or have been permanently removed from the in-game store often turn into high-value collectibles. Their future worth depends on community interest and how many players retain them. Exclusive event skins from past seasons, for example, tend to attract new players looking to own a piece of Valorant history, further driving up their resale price.

Considering how dynamic the skin market is, holding onto rare skins can be a strategic long-term investment. However, staying informed about market trends and choosing the right skins is crucial for maximizing potential profits.

How to Build a Valorant Skin Collection

Ways to Obtain Skins: Purchases, Events, and Rewards

Skins can be acquired through Riot Games’ in-game store, special events, or mission-based rewards. Completing in-game challenges and participating in Battle Pass seasons are among the best ways to obtain exclusive skins. Limited-time skins are often introduced during special promotions, making it essential to stay updated on Valorant’s latest events.

Some skins are only available through tournaments or promotional campaigns, making it worthwhile to follow Valorant community events and official Riot Games announcements.

Key Considerations for Collecting Skins

Focusing on rare and potentially valuable skins can make your collection more valuable in the long run. Skins that were once widely popular but are no longer available in the store tend to appreciate in value over time.

Additionally, creating a themed collection can enhance its uniqueness. For example, collecting only “Dragon-themed” skins or skins that fit a specific color palette can make your collection stand out. Furthermore, choosing skins that complement your most-played agents can enhance your overall aesthetic and gaming experience.

The Impact of Skin Collections on Player Experience

Skin collections offer both aesthetic and psychological advantages. They not only increase account value but also elevate a player’s social standing within the community. Owning rare skins enhances a player’s prestige and personalizes their gaming experience. Moreover, having a high-value collection can provide financial benefits when trading accounts.

Skins enhance player engagement and motivation, offering a more fulfilling gaming experience. GamerMarkt enables players to assess their account’s true worth and securely sell their accounts, allowing them to evaluate and leverage their digital assets effectively.

GamerMarkt provides a secure and seamless trading experience for Valorant players.