Summary

  • Valorant and Fortnite lead the list of games with the best anti-cheat software, according to a study.
  • The study exposes the cheating industry, with revenues up to $73.2 million annually.
  • Battlefield 2042, Rainbow Six Siege, and The Finals follow after Valorant and Fortnite in anti-cheat rankings.

A recently released study revealed that Valorant and Fortnite are the games with the best anti-cheat software. A recurring problem for games, especially competitive multiplayer titles like Valorant, is players trying to gain an unfair advantage. As the ways to cheat become more elaborate, developers respond by introducing new initiatives and tools.

Ubisoft recently shared a promising update on the efforts made to reduce cheating and toxicity in Rainbow Six Siege, reducing the number of infractions and even false positives. Battlefield 1 was another game that made important changes, introducing a new anti-cheat system on October 22 that offers players greater privacy and efficiency in detecting infractions. Apex Legends also introduced anti-cheat improvements this year, aimed at combating the problem that haunts Respawn Entertainment's battle royale.

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Now, the University of Birmingham has shared a study revealing the 11 games with the best anti-cheat systems, with Valorant and Fortnite topping the list. The study carried out by the university shows that after the titles from Riot and Epic Games come Battlefield 2042, Rainbow Six Siege, and The Finals in third, fourth, and fifth place. The list goes on with Overwatch 2 (6th), Apex Legends (7th), Call of Duty: Warzone (8th), Counter-Strike 2 (9th), Team Fortress 2 (10th), and Battlefield 1 (11th).

Valorant and Fortnite Lead in Study of Anti-Cheat Initiatives in Games

  1. Valorant
  2. Fortnite
  3. Battlefield 2042
  4. Rainbow Six Siege
  5. The Finals
  6. Overwatch 2
  7. Apex Legends
  8. Call of Duty: Warzone
  9. Counter-Strike 2
  10. Team Fortress 2
  11. Battlefield 1

Valorant is praised for offering a comprehensive level of protection through Vanguard, the anti-cheat software created by Riot Games that also runs on League of Legends. Fortnite, on the other hand, scored high for having an anti-cheat that runs at kernel level, which does an in-depth scan of the player's computer, combined with other types of proactive and reactive protections, although the study didn't detail which ones. The other games scored lower for varied reasons, such as having gaps in their systems, lack of more robust measures, delayed responses, and limited protection. That's the case with Counter-Strike 2 and Team Fortress 2, putting Valve's games near the bottom of the list.

While the study reveals important data on anti-cheat measures in the main shooters on the market, it also sheds light on the “cheating industry.” The information reveals that the annual revenue earned from cheating software sales is estimated between $12.8 million USD and $73.2 million USD. Other details show how cheats have modernized, to the point that malicious software for games with more robust protections costs more. However, although the use of cheats in games like Warzone is a problem far from going away completely, the study reinforces that studios are still actively working to deliver a good experience for players.

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Valorant Tag Page Cover Art

Valorant
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Shooter
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 86%
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Released
June 2, 2020
ESRB
T for Teen: Blood, Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Riot Games
Publisher(s)
Riot Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PS5 & Xbox Series X/S
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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VALORANT is a character-based 5v5 tactical shooter set on the global stage. Outwit, outplay, and outshine your competition with tactical abilities, precise gunplay, and adaptive teamwork.
DEFY THE LIMITS
Blend your style and experience on a global, competitive stage. You have 13 rounds to attack and defend your side using sharp gunplay and tactical abilities. And, with one life per-round, you'll need to think faster than your opponent if you want to survive. Take on foes across Competitive and Unranked modes as well as Deathmatch and Spike Rush.
CREATIVITY IS YOUR GREATEST WEAPON
More than guns and bullets, you’ll choose an Agent armed with adaptive, swift, and lethal abilities that create opportunities to let your gunplay shine. No two Agents play alike, just as no two highlight reels will look the same.
FIGHT AROUND THE WORLD
Each map is a playground to showcase your creative thinking. Purpose-built for team strategies, spectacular plays, and clutch moments. Make the play others will imitate for years to come.

Cross Save
Yes
Genre(s)
Shooter
OpenCritic Rating
Strong