Valorant ranks among the most competitive tactical shooters, and Riot enforces strict rules to preserve fair play. Understanding how your account can be flagged helps you avoid accidental bans.
This guide outlines the most common triggers for a permanent ban, what behavior the security team prioritizes, and how you can keep your account in good standing.
| Category | Specific Trigger | Evidence Source | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheating | Using third-party aimlocks or wallhacks | System memory scans, VACnet reports | Permanent ban |
| Cheating | Exploiting bugs to gain unfair advantage | Match telemetry, replay review | Permanent ban |
| Toxicity | Targeted hate speech or slurs | In-game chat logs, comms transcripts | Permanent ban |
| Toxicity | Severe harassment or threats | Report patterns, voice evidence | Permanent ban |
| Exploitation | Abusing queue dodge to manipulate rank | Match history analysis | Temporary suspension or permanent ban |
| Exploitation | RMM or macro use in ranked | Input pattern detection | Temporary suspension or permanent ban |
| Account Integrity | Selling or buying accounts | Payment trails, IP mismatches | Permanent ban |
| Account Integrity | Intentional intentional feeding and griefing | Performance metrics, damage graphs | Permanent ban |
Cheating With External Tools
Riot’s security systems focus heavily on software that gives you an unfair advantage.
Use of Aimbots and Wallhacks
Any third-party program that modifies mouse movement, target acquisition, or visibility is strictly prohibited. Detection is automated and manual review confirms the ban, which is nearly always permanent.
Abusing Bugs and Engine Exploits
Using map geometry, animation cancels, or other bugs to bypass walls or reach unintended areas is treated as cheating. If the exploit provides a consistent advantage, you risk a permanent ban even for first-time offenders.
Toxic Behavior and Harassment
Verbal abuse and targeted hatred damage the community and trigger escalating penalties.
Hate Speech and Slurs
Riot enforces a zero-tolerance policy on slurs, racism, and discrimination. One severe incident can lead to a permanent ban, especially when chat or comms logs provide clear evidence.
Threats and Severe Harassment
Threats of real-world harm, doxxing, or sustained targeted bullying are taken extremely seriously. The security team reviews context, and permanent bans are common for confirmed cases.
Exploitative Practices in Ranked
Manipulating the ranked systems undermines competitive integrity.
Queue Dodge Abuse for MMR Manipulation
Repeatedly dodging to avoid rank loss or to protect a win streak is classified as exploitation. After repeated warnings, Riot may issue a permanent ban to deter systemic abuse.
RMM, Macros, and Input Automation
Tools that automate key presses, simulate input, or provide reaction enhancements are not allowed in competitive play. If detected, you can receive a permanent ban depending on severity and history.
Account Integrity Violations
Treating your account as a commodity or bypassing access rules carries severe consequences.
Selling or Buying Accounts
Trading accounts violates the Terms of Service, and both buyer and seller can be permanently banned. IP and payment trails make it easy for Riot to track these activities.
Intentional Feeding and Griefing
Deliberately losing games to harm your rank or teammates is classified as intentional feeding. In severe or repeat cases, Riot applies permanent bans to protect the competitive experience.
Keep Your Account Safe and Competitive
- Never install third-party aimlocks, wallhacks, or radar tools.
- Report hate speech and threats through official channels instead of retaliating.
- Avoid queue dodging to manipulate rank or hide poor performance.
- Do not use macros or RMM tools that automate in-game actions.
- Never sell, buy, or trade your Valorant account with others.
- Control your teammates’ behavior by muting toxic players and focusing on your gameplay.
- Keep your login credentials secure and enable two-factor authentication.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will a first-time cheat offense always result in a permanent ban?
Yes, Riot typically issues a permanent ban for confirmed use of external cheating software, as it violates the core terms of service.
Can harsh trash talk lead to a permanent ban?
Extreme harassment, threats, or targeted hate speech can result in a permanent ban, while general toxicity usually leads to shorter suspensions.
Is queue dodging in competitive play actually punished with a ban?
Repeated queue dodging to manipulate MMR is considered exploitation and can lead to a permanent ban after warnings.
What happens if someone shares my account and they break the rules?
Account owners are responsible for all activity; sharing accounts can lead to permanent bans if the account is used for prohibited actions.