Has anyone been UN VAC banned?

The answer to the question of whether anyone has been UN VAC banned is yes, but it is extremely rare and usually occurs when a VAC ban is determined to have been issued incorrectly, in which case it will automatically be removed. Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) bans are generally permanent, non-negotiable, and cannot be removed by Steam Support, making reversals highly unusual and typically only happening due to technical issues or incorrect identifications.

Understanding VAC Bans

What VAC Bans Entail

To understand the context of VAC ban reversals, it’s crucial to know what VAC bans entail. VAC bans are issued to players found cheating in games secured by Valve Anti-Cheat, a system designed to detect and prevent cheating in online games. These bans are severe, restricting players from accessing VAC-protected servers for any VAC-enabled game on their account.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can VAC Bans Be Removed? VAC bans are permanent and cannot be removed by Steam Support. However, if a ban was issued incorrectly due to a technical issue or a mistake, it might be automatically lifted.

2. Do VAC Bans Expire? VAC bans do not expire but become hidden to other users after seven years without another VAC ban.

3. Can You Play on Custom Servers After a VAC Ban? Yes, players with a VAC ban can still play on custom servers that are not VAC-protected.

4. What Triggers a VAC Ban? A VAC ban is triggered when a player connects to a VAC-secured server from a computer with identifiable cheats installed.

5. Are VAC Bans IP Bans? No, VAC is not known to issue IP bans. It bans accounts based on the detection of cheating software.

6. How Does VAC Detect Cheats? VAC detects cheats using their unique signatures, reliably identifying and banning users who attempt to cheat in VAC-secured games.

7. Can You Trade Skins After a VAC Ban? No, trading and access to the Steam market are permanently disabled for VAC-banned accounts, although the skins remain in the inventory.

8. Is a VAC Ban Worse Than a Game Ban? A VAC ban is considered worse because it restricts access to all VAC-protected servers for any VAC-enabled game, while a game ban might only limit access to specific game modes or servers.

9. Can You Make a New Account If You Get VAC Banned? Yes, but be aware that playing on the same computer and IP address may lead to closer monitoring for suspicious behavior.

10. Do VAC Bans Affect All Games? VAC bans affect any game that uses VAC for anti-cheat measures, but do not affect single-player games or games played on LAN that are not VAC-protected.

11. What Are the New VAC Ban Rules? The new rules state that a VAC ban will only disqualify a player from an event if it was received less than five years prior or after their first participation in a Valve-sponsored event.

12. Is Steam Ban Permanent? Most Community Bans on Steam expire, but some can be permanent, especially if the prohibited activity continues.

13. How Many VAC Bans Can You Get? Technically, there is no limit, but accumulating multiple VAC bans can lead to the termination of your Steam account.

14. Can You Bypass a VAC Ban? There are methods to bypass some internet restrictions, but VAC bans are account-based, making bypassing them through technical means ineffective and against Steam’s terms of service.

15. What Happens to Your Steam Account After a VAC Ban? Your account will be marked with “ban(s) on record,” which is publicly visible. You won’t be able to play on VAC-protected servers, and certain features like trading might be disabled.