Is a VAC Ban a Hardware Ban? Understanding VAC Restrictions
Learn what VAC bans are, how they affect your Steam account, and if they truly represent hardware bans.
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VAC bans are not hardware bans. VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) bans are tied to your Steam account and primarily affect your ability to play on VAC-secured servers using the banned account. You can still play games offline or on non-VAC servers, but creating a new Steam account won't lift the ban.
FAQs & Answers
- What is a VAC ban? A VAC ban, or Valve Anti-Cheat ban, is a penalty imposed on players who are found cheating in games that use Steam's anti-cheat software. It prevents the banned account from playing on servers that enforce VAC.
- Can I play games after receiving a VAC ban? Yes, after receiving a VAC ban, you can still play games offline or on non-VAC secured servers, but you will be unable to join competing or ranked matches on VAC-protected servers with the banned account.
- Does a new Steam account remove a VAC ban? No, creating a new Steam account will not lift a VAC ban from your original account. The ban is linked to your account and not your hardware.
- What should I do if I receive a VAC ban? If you receive a VAC ban, you should review the reasons for the ban, avoid using cheats in the future, and understand that you cannot appeal a VAC ban successfully as they are permanent.