CS2 has just witnessed one of the most significant blows to the cheating scene in recent memory. Without warning, Valve updated the VAC Live anti-cheat system, resulting in a wave of mass bans among users of third-party software.
A silent but major update
RUMOR: There's reports of a potential VAC Update that increased cheat detection ‼️ pic.twitter.com/6aCxHuHi84
— Ozzny (@Ozzny_CS2) September 13, 2025
September 13 became a turning point for CS2’s anti-cheat system. According to players and insiders, the updated VAC Live began detecting not only obvious “rage” programs, but also hidden “closet cheats” and even light configs that for years were considered relatively safe. This caused real chaos in cheating communities: software providers rushed to shut down operations, while forums and Discord servers were flooded with complaints about unexpected bans.
VAC vs. DMA cards
Particular attention was drawn to insider Gabe Follower, who confirmed that Valve had finally implemented a system capable of fighting DMA cards. These hardware devices allowed cheaters to bypass anti-cheats at a low level and had been a key tool for expensive “undetectable” hacks.
On forums and private Discord channels, cheaters began sharing screenshots with warnings: do not launch any software until its safety is confirmed. Many services temporarily closed access to their programs, fearing mass bans of their customers.
Mass complaints among cheaters
- “I played legit and got VAC’d by the third round,” wrote one Reddit user.
- Another added: “This is the end of the semi-rage era, even light configs are getting banned.”
- Some private providers admitted they are in “lockdown mode,” trying to figure out how to bypass the new algorithms.
In fact, for the first time in a long while, the community faced a situation where VAC truly changed the rules of the game.
Community reaction: euphoria, skepticism, and jokes
CS2 players immediately reacted across social media. Part of the community was thrilled:
- ICECOLD_SEAL: “Hope VAC bans them all, even those with high level and skins. Too many cheaters out there.”
- hobshy: “This is what I love to see, thanks for sharing.”
- FelixZ: “Feels like a Christmas gift in September.”
- Skinvault.gg: “WE ARE SO BACK.”
Others voiced caution and doubts:
- TekkCS2: “I won’t believe it until I see a ban graph in letify history.”
- TYLOO NUMBER 1: “Don’t exaggerate: within 4–5 hours almost all cheats were back online. Where’s your ‘annihilated’?”
- Cynade: “Does this affect FACEIT cheaters too?”
There were also outright critical voices, arguing that cheaters will adapt and return soon, even if with a short delay.
Why this matters for CS2
Cheat community is crying that a silent update to CS2's VAC anti-cheat has annihilated almost all known cheats, including some wallhacks and trigger bots that work through DMA cards. I'm taking this information from their forums and Telegram channels. Obviously, I'm not sharing… pic.twitter.com/IMPqv1mvxK
— Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) September 13, 2025
Anti-cheat has always been Counter-Strike’s Achilles’ heel. Especially after the transition to CS2, Valve faced harsh criticism for a weak VAC that allowed cheaters to ruin matches even at high Premier levels. If this update can truly counter DMA cards and closet software, it would mark the biggest breakthrough in fighting fraud in the game’s history.
It also signals that Valve is now seriously leveraging the potential of VACNet and machine learning. The community is already dubbing the update “VAC 3.0” — a sign that the anti-cheat is no longer a joke but evolving into a real weapon.
Valve has not yet issued an official statement. But the wave of bans, insider reports, and panic among cheaters are the best confirmation that the changes are real. In the meantime, players are celebrating across social media, hoping the new system can maintain stability and long-term integrity in matchmaking. If so, September 2025 may go down in history as the moment when the fight against cheating in CS2 finally reached a new level.
