TL;DR
Recent claims suggested Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat was damaging PCs, but Riot has confirmed it does not ‘brick’ devices. The controversy revolves around anti-cheat updates affecting cheat hardware and firmware.
Riot Games has officially stated that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not ‘brick’ PCs or hardware, countering recent claims that a recent update caused widespread hardware failure or damage.
On May 22, 2026, Riot issued a tweet clarifying that Vanguard, the anti-cheat software used in Valorant and League of Legends, does not cause physical damage or ‘bricking’ of PCs. This clarification came after reports from users and claims circulating on social media suggesting that a recent update to Vanguard was rendering some PCs unusable.
Riot explained that the images circulating, which appeared to show damaged hardware, actually depicted cheat hardware devices designed for cheating in Valorant. Riot emphasized that Vanguard’s latest update renders these cheat devices ineffective but does not impact the integrity or functionality of PCs or their components.
Furthermore, Riot detailed that some users experienced issues related to DMA firmware and IOMMU settings, which can cause hardware errors. However, Riot clarified that disabling IOMMU can restore device functionality, and these issues are related to hardware configuration rather than the anti-cheat software itself.
Why It Matters
This clarification is significant because it addresses widespread concerns and fears among gamers about potential hardware damage caused by anti-cheat systems. The misunderstanding could have led to unnecessary hardware replacements or panic, affecting player trust and the reputation of Riot Games. Confirming that Vanguard does not ‘brick’ PCs reassures users about the safety of the anti-cheat system, while highlighting the importance of proper hardware configuration.
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Background
Vanguard has been a controversial component of Riot’s anti-cheat strategy since its launch, due to its kernel-level operation and initial allegations of causing hardware and system issues. Similar concerns arose when Vanguard was added to League of Legends in 2024, with some high-profile cases of hardware problems reported. Recent rumors suggested that a Vanguard update was causing widespread hardware failures, especially related to DMA firmware and IOMMU settings, which are technical components involved in hardware security and firmware management.
Riot’s latest statement aims to quell these rumors, emphasizing that hardware damage is not caused by Vanguard. The debate over anti-cheat measures and hardware safety remains ongoing, especially as players and experts analyze the technical aspects involved.
“Vanguard now makes those devices worthless for Valorant, but does not in any way brick PCs or PC components or PC software.”
— Riot Games official statement
“Disabling IOMMU allows the cheat device to function again, but IOMMU will still be required to play our games. This means the cheat device won’t work with our games, but your PC isn’t ‘bricked.'”
— Riot Games spokesperson
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What Remains Unclear
While Riot has clarified that Vanguard does not damage PCs, it remains uncertain whether all hardware issues reported are directly caused by the anti-cheat system or are related to user hardware configurations. The extent of hardware problems and how widespread they are is still being evaluated.
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What’s Next
Riot is expected to continue monitoring reports and providing technical guidance to users experiencing hardware issues. Future updates may include further clarifications or technical fixes to prevent hardware conflicts. Riot also plans to maintain transparency about anti-cheat measures and hardware safety.
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Key Questions
Does Vanguard cause permanent damage to my PC?
No. Riot has confirmed that Vanguard does not cause hardware damage or ‘bricking’ of PCs. Issues reported are related to hardware configurations or cheat hardware devices, not the anti-cheat software itself.
What should I do if I experience hardware issues after a Vanguard update?
Riot recommends checking your hardware settings, particularly IOMMU configurations, and disabling it if necessary. If problems persist, a full OS reinstall may be required, but hardware damage is not caused by Vanguard.
Are cheat hardware devices still effective after the latest Vanguard update?
No. The latest update renders cheat hardware devices sold for cheating in Valorant useless, as Vanguard now makes those devices ineffective.
Will Riot release further updates to address hardware concerns?
Yes. Riot has indicated it will continue to update and improve Vanguard, including addressing hardware compatibility and safety concerns, while maintaining anti-cheat effectiveness.
Source: reddit
