Riot Games has addressed backlash after a Vanguard anti-cheat update disabled Direct Memory Access (DMA) cheating devices, sparking accusations that the software permanently damaged hardware. The controversy began when Riot’s anti-cheat account posted an image of the affected devices—commonly known as Heino 2s—with the caption “congrats to the owners of a brand new $6k paperweight,” prompting outrage from both cheaters and some concerned players.

The Vanguard Update and DMA Device Disruption

The update enforced Input-Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) protections, which block DMA devices from accessing protected game memory. Users reported that Vanguard triggered an IOMMU restart warning, after which the DMA firmware became unusable even after uninstalling Vanguard. Some claimed only a full OS reinstall could restore functionality. While Riot acknowledged that systems using DMA cheats might experience instability due to IOMMU enforcement, it stressed that this behavior stems from the security feature itself rather than deliberate damage.

Riot’s Clarification: No Physical Damage

Riot issued a statement denying that Vanguard physically harms PCs or permanently disables devices. “Vanguard does not damage hardware or disable your devices,” the company wrote. It explained that disabling IOMMU would allow the cheat device to function again, but IOMMU remains required to play Riot’s games—so the devices simply cannot work with Valorant. Riot clarified that its “paperweight” comment referred to the devices being useless for cheating in Valorant, not physical destruction. Players not using DMA cheating hardware are entirely unaffected.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

The update drew applause from players who favor aggressive anti-cheat measures, but others raised legal and ethical concerns. One viral post argued that “bricking a user’s hardware should be illegal,” while another warned of a potential class-action lawsuit. Riot’s engineer Daax countered that the block only applies when the DMA device is connected and can be removed; the device works normally on systems without Vanguard. The remaining reactions follow a similar pattern of praise or criticism, with no new arguments beyond these positions.

How DMA Cheats Work and Vanguard’s Role

DMA cheating hardware bypasses kernel-level anti-cheat by accessing memory directly through dedicated devices. Riot has long promoted Vanguard as one of the most aggressive kernel-level solutions, particularly for Valorant. By enforcing IOMMU protections, Vanguard prevents DMA devices from reading protected game memory—a standard security measure now leveraged to neutralize this cheat method.

What is Valorant and Valorant Points?

Valorant Points function as the premium currency in Valorant, granting access to exclusive weapon skins, battle passes, and other cosmetic enhancements unavailable through regular gameplay.
You can Valorant points buy from specialized game trading platforms like LootBar, which provide secure top-up services at discounted prices.
These platforms streamline the purchasing process, instantly crediting points to your account for immediate use in customizing your arsenal.

Why do you choose LootBar to buy Valorant Points?

If players want to top up Valorant Points, they may want to consider using the lootbar game trading platform for a convenient and efficient experience. One of the main advantages is that you can buy Valorant Points at very attractive prices, allowing you to get more value out of every purchase compared to other platforms or in-game options.

LootBar also stands out for its commitment to user security, employing robust encryption technology and strict data protection measures to ensure your transactions are always safe and reliable. Additionally, players benefit from rapid delivery, typically receiving their Valorant Points within minutes, so there’s no long wait before you can enjoy new content. Should any issues arise, LootBar’s dedicated 24/7 customer support team is ready to help, making the entire process smooth and stress-free for all gamers.

How to top Valorant on LootBar Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin by navigating to the LootBar platform and logging into your account, choosing your region and currency for a smooth transaction.
   
2. On the main page, locate the game top-up section and select Valorant to access its dedicated recharge area.
   
3. Provide your Riot Games login credentials so the system can link your account securely for the Valorant top up.
   
4. Pick the exact quantity of Valorant Points you need from the available bundles, then confirm to move forward.
   
5. Choose a convenient payment method from the options, finalize the payment, and wait for the Valorant top up to process.
   
6. After a brief moment, your VP balance will be updated, ready for you to unlock new cosmetics.