TL;DR
Riot Games has confirmed that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not cause PCs to brick. Recent claims suggested hardware damage, but Riot attributes these to cheat hardware devices, not its software. The company emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve anti-cheat security.
Riot Games has officially stated that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not cause PCs to ‘brick,’ contradicting recent claims that updates to Vanguard have damaged hardware. The company clarified that the images circulating showing damaged hardware are of cheat devices, not PCs, and that Vanguard’s latest update renders those cheat devices useless.
On May 22, 2026, Riot Games issued a tweet affirming that Vanguard does not ‘brick’ PCs or PC components. This statement came after widespread reports and claims on social media alleging that recent Vanguard updates had caused hardware failures, including bricked PCs. Riot clarified that the images shared in these claims were of cheat hardware devices designed for cheating in Valorant, which the latest Vanguard update has rendered ineffective.
The company explained that Vanguard now makes cheat devices worthless by targeting their functionality, specifically mentioning that disabling IOMMU allows cheat devices to work again, but Vanguard itself does not impact the core hardware or software of PCs. Riot emphasized that the anti-cheat operates at a kernel level to prevent cheating but does not damage or alter the hardware or software of players’ machines.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it addresses widespread concerns and rumors about hardware damage caused by Vanguard, which has historically been controversial due to its kernel-level operations. Clarifying that Vanguard does not ‘brick’ PCs reassures players and maintains trust in Riot’s anti-cheat measures. The statement also highlights ongoing efforts to combat cheating without harming players’ hardware or software.
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Background
Since Vanguard’s launch with Valorant in 2020, it has faced criticism over privacy and hardware safety concerns, particularly regarding its kernel-level access. Allegations that Vanguard caused hardware failures emerged in 2024, especially after updates to the anti-cheat system. Riot has repeatedly denied these claims, emphasizing that Vanguard is designed to prevent cheating without damaging hardware. The recent claims intensified following social media posts alleging hardware issues after Vanguard updates, prompting Riot to clarify its stance.
“Vanguard now makes those devices worthless for Valorant, but does not in any way brick PCs or PC components or PC software.”
— Riot Games
“We would not, and cannot, impact your PC’s functionality in any other fashion.”
— Riot Games
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether specific hardware failures reported by some users are directly related to Vanguard or are caused by other factors. The extent of any hardware issues linked to Vanguard updates is still under investigation, and Riot has not confirmed any widespread hardware damage.
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What’s Next
Riot will continue to monitor reports of hardware issues and may provide further technical updates. The company also plans to enhance transparency about Vanguard’s operations and effectiveness in combating cheating, while maintaining its stance on hardware safety.
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Key Questions
Does Vanguard cause hardware damage or ‘brick’ PCs?
No. Riot Games has explicitly stated that Vanguard does not cause hardware damage or ‘bricking’ of PCs. Recent claims are linked to cheat hardware devices, which Vanguard now renders useless.
What are cheat hardware devices, and how does Vanguard affect them?
Cheat hardware devices are external tools used to cheat in Valorant. The latest Vanguard update makes these devices worthless by targeting their functionality, but it does not impact the core hardware or software of players’ PCs.
Some users have reported hardware issues, but Riot states these are not caused by Vanguard itself. The company is investigating whether other factors contribute to these failures.
Will Riot release further updates to Vanguard?
Yes, Riot plans to continue updating Vanguard to improve anti-cheat measures and transparency, while ensuring hardware safety remains a priority.
Source: reddit
