Basic questions about cheating and VAC

[TJD]

Does VAC or other anti-cheat monitoring extend to coop games or only to multiplayer?

I'm referring specifically to Sniper Elite 4. In a couple of coop Survival games I joined (some time ago) they appeared to be using a trainer or other hack that gives unlimited ammo, increased experience, and invisibility. They seemed to think that because it's Coop and not competetive multiplayer, it's a no-harm, no-foul situation.

Second question (probably more about trainers and hacks than VAC): is it only the host of a coop game that can run these hacks or can anyone who joins potentially do so? Does the hack then necessarily affect all coop players? When I joined I was affected, and I left pretty quickly, but I'm wondering if just one player in a coop match for example could possibly use a similar hack covertly. I see a lot of odd things in these games.

Thanks for your insights!

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

It is not a game that uses VAC.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/312660/discussions/0/133256758574989400/

[hotdogPi]

Opprinnelig skrevet av cSg|mc-Hotsauce:

It is not a game that uses VAC.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/312660/discussions/0/133256758574989400/

:qr:

Explain this thread, then.

https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/9/3557193237111630139/

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

You tell me.

[Snaggle]

VAC is apparently enabled on Sniper Elite 4 but this is not mentioned on the store page. I've spoken to a few VAC banned users who have provided screenshots of the ban message which shows SE4 is the game they were banned in.

You should probably direct these questions to the devs/SE4 community as they can probably provide better in depth answers.

[Commander Makara]

1) You agreed not to use "cheats" (as defined per agreement) in association with Steam.
2) "Cheats" (defined per agreement) detected on a device when logged on via Steam and connected to a VAC-secured server will result in permanent ban(s).
3) Joining a 'hacked lobby' will not by itself result in a VAC ban.

[J4MESOX4D]

There are several games that use VAC under the table but it is not disclosed on the store page like Sniper Elite 4, Mordau and Avorian. People have been badly burned with these so if you are to ever use cheats on sever-based MP games; ensure that it's not VAC protected and that you comply with the games licence. May be worth checking out the game forum for further clarification. Some developers also have other anti-cheats in operation such as EAC which can see automated Game Bans being applied.

[TJD]

Opprinnelig skrevet av J4MESOX4D:

if you are to ever use cheats on sever-based MP games; ensure that it's not VAC protected and that you comply with the games licence. May be worth checking out the game forum for further clarification. Some developers also have other anti-cheats in operation such as EAC which can see automated Game Bans being applied.

I just want to make it clearer that I'm not trying to figure out if it's safe for me to cheat; I just want to know if it's possible that I am being cheated. Is it possible to use hacks of the sort I described in my first post in coop games without other players being aware? And, are coop games considered "server - based" and thus governed by VAC or other anti-cheats in the same way that multiplayer is?

It's possible that these questions are very game-specific and I should address them to a different forum but I appreciate any general insights you guys might have.

[Commander Makara]

VAC will permanently ban any account (and associated accounts) on detection of "cheats" upon a device from which an account has connected to a secured server. It does not matter whether the VAC-secured server is for coop, competitive or casual etc. gameplay.

There are many cheats and forms of cheats for many different products. Yes it's possible that players may be using "cheats" in cooperative games.

Due to the delayed nature of VAC bans, these players may seemingly evade a VAC ban for a duration.

My responses in this thread are specific to VAC system. For any other anti-cheat solution, please refer to the documentation and licensing provided by that product. However bear in mind that ANY product subscribed through Steam is subject to the SSA and the definition of "cheat" within in addition to any product specific license.

[J4MESOX4D]

Opprinnelig skrevet av TJD:

Opprinnelig skrevet av J4MESOX4D:

if you are to ever use cheats on sever-based MP games; ensure that it's not VAC protected and that you comply with the games licence. May be worth checking out the game forum for further clarification. Some developers also have other anti-cheats in operation such as EAC which can see automated Game Bans being applied.

I just want to make it clearer that I'm not trying to figure out if it's safe for me to cheat; I just want to know if it's possible that I am being cheated. Is it possible to use hacks of the sort I described in my first post in coop games without other players being aware? And, are coop games considered "server - based" and thus governed by VAC or other anti-cheats in the same way that multiplayer is?

It's possible that these questions are very game-specific and I should address them to a different forum but I appreciate any general insights you guys might have.

It's best to seek clarification in each games forum https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/#games as they are all different. Some people have been banned on some games for playing against bots with external modifications thinking it would be safe as it wasn't against other players. Other games may have more relaxed policies.

Typically any game with an anti-cheat enabled should not be modified with 3rd party material at all though. If the game has built-in cheats, use those otherwise it's best just to leave things as they are.

Another big example is COD games on PC - on console you can play offline and mod in some cases whereas on PC, all games are VAC protected and even a simple FOV changer can trigger a ban even despite not be classed as a cheat. There is no offline element either.

However, anti-cheats will only ban the person who is instigating the cheating so anyone affected by a modded lobby for instance wont get banned on these games. As long as you don't have cheats active on your device, you will be fine.