In the ever-evolving battle against cheaters, a recent study by the University of Birmingham reveals that Valorant and Fortnite lead the pack when it comes to effective anti-cheat software. Cheating has been a persistent issue for competitive games, and as new methods emerge, developers are stepping up efforts to maintain fair gameplay. According to the study, Valorant and Fortnite have set the bar for anti-cheat measures, securing the top two spots in a list of games with the best protections against cheating.
The research, which ranked 11 games known for their robust anti-cheat efforts, places Battlefield 2042, Rainbow Six Siege, and The Finals just behind the top two. Also in the lineup are Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Battlefield 1, highlighting a mix of approaches across popular multiplayer titles.
Source: Riot Games
Top 11 Games with Leading Anti-Cheat Software:
- Valorant
- Fortnite
- Battlefield 2042
- Rainbow Six Siege
- The Finals
- Overwatch 2
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Counter-Strike 2
- Team Fortress 2
- Battlefield 1
Source: Fortnite
Valorant earned its top ranking largely thanks to Vanguard, Riot Games’ powerful anti-cheat system that runs across games like League of Legends as well. Fortnite’s success stems from its kernel-level anti-cheat protections, which conduct an in-depth scan of players’ systems for suspicious activity. While both games are known for their consistent efforts to counter cheaters, other titles on the list had varying degrees of success. Some, like Counter-Strike 2 and Team Fortress 2, faced challenges in maintaining a fully effective anti-cheat defense.
Beyond ranking games, the University of Birmingham study also dives into the financial scale of the cheating industry. It’s estimated that annual revenue from cheat software sales ranges from $12.8 million to $73.2 million USD, underscoring the persistence of this market. Modern cheats are increasingly sophisticated, often targeting games with stronger protections, where developers face the ongoing challenge of countering these threats.
Game companies continue to explore ways to protect their players and ensure competitive fairness, with studios like Ubisoft and Respawn introducing recent anti-cheat updates for Rainbow Six Siege and Apex Legends, respectively. This study sheds light on the significant progress made—and the work yet to be done—to create cheat-free environments in the world of competitive gaming.
