Can Your Account Get Banned For Boosting? The Definitive Guide

Yes, your account can absolutely get banned for boosting in most online games. Whether it’s a competitive shooter like Apex Legends or a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), boosting is almost universally prohibited by game developers and publishers. The severity of the punishment can range from temporary suspensions to permanent account bans, depending on the game and the specific circumstances of the offense. This article delves into why boosting is a bannable offense, how it’s detected, and what you need to know to protect your gaming account.

What is Boosting and Why is it Prohibited?

Boosting refers to the practice of a higher-skilled player (the booster) playing on a lower-skilled player’s account to artificially inflate their rank, win rate, or in-game achievements. This often involves sharing account login credentials which is a significant breach of most game’s terms of service. The reason game developers heavily frown upon boosting is due to the disruption it causes to fair gameplay and competitive integrity.

Here’s why it’s a major problem:

• Undermines Matchmaking: Boosting skews matchmaking systems by placing boosted accounts against opponents of varying skill levels. This creates unbalanced matches, leading to frustrating experiences for legitimate players.
• Devalues Achievements: When players achieve high ranks or obtain rare items through boosting, it devalues the accomplishments of those who earned them fairly through skill and dedication.
• Creates an Unfair Environment: The presence of boosted players can negatively impact team dynamics and overall enjoyment of the game. It can also foster a culture of cheating and discourage legitimate gameplay.
• Violation of Terms of Service: Almost every game’s Terms of Service (ToS) explicitly prohibit account sharing, which is a critical component of most boosting services.

How Do Game Developers Detect Boosting?

Game developers use various methods to detect boosting activities. While the specific algorithms used are kept secret to prevent exploitation, here are some common techniques employed:

• Sudden Rank Increases: A rapid and unusual jump in a player’s ranking is a major red flag. Game systems often monitor player performance trends, and significant deviations can trigger an investigation.
• IP Address Changes: If a player’s account is frequently logged into from different geographic locations (indicated by different IP addresses), it can suggest account sharing and potential boosting.
• Suspicious Gameplay Patterns: Systems analyze gameplay style, skills used, and in-game behavior. A sudden and dramatic change in a player’s proficiency can point to a booster taking control of the account.
• Reports from Other Players: Player reports are an essential tool for developers. If multiple players report a user for suspicious behavior, the account may be reviewed by staff.
• Account Sharing Detection: Developers track login patterns and can detect when an account is used from multiple devices or locations simultaneously or very close to one another, which could indicate a shared account.

The Consequences of Getting Caught

The consequences for boosting vary depending on the game and the company’s policy, but common penalties include:

• Temporary Suspensions: Many developers will start with a temporary suspension of the account, ranging from a few days to several weeks. This acts as a warning for the player.
• Rank Resets: The boosted account’s rank and rewards may be reset, effectively nullifying any gains they received from the illicit boost.
• Permanent Bans: Repeated offenses or severe cases of boosting can result in a permanent ban, permanently locking the player out of their account.
• Hardware Bans/IP Bans: In more extreme cases, game developers might ban the device or IP address used to conduct the boosting activity, impacting all accounts associated with that device or connection.
• Legal Actions (South Korea): In some regions like South Korea, boosting is considered illegal. Players who engage in boosting may face fines or even jail time.

Beyond Account Bans: Other Risks

Besides account bans, participating in boosting can have other risks:

• Account Security Breaches: Giving account information to an unknown third party can expose you to risks like stolen in-game items, hijacked accounts, or malware.
• Financial Scams: Some “boosting services” are nothing more than scams, where players pay for services they never receive.
• Loss of Reputation: Being known as a “booster” can negatively impact your reputation within the gaming community.
• Community Backlash: Your peers might hold a negative view of you if you’re known to participate in boosting, potentially leading to social ostracization within the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is boosting always bannable?

Yes, in almost all online games, boosting is a bannable offense. Game companies actively discourage the practice to maintain fair competition and player engagement.

2. Can I get banned if someone else boosted on my account without my knowledge?

Even if you claim to be unaware of the boosting, it’s still your responsibility to protect your account. It’s unlikely, but if the evidence is clear that your account was involved, you may still face penalties even if you claim ignorance. Many companies will hold the account holder responsible for any actions performed.

3. Are boosting websites illegal?

Boosting websites are generally not illegal, with the major exception of regions like South Korea where the act of boosting can be a criminal offense. However, while they may not be illegal in a traditional legal sense, they are always in violation of most game’s terms of service.

4. How does Riot Games (League of Legends/VALORANT) detect boosting?

Riot Games uses a combination of methods, including monitoring rapid rank increases, analyzing gameplay patterns, and tracking IP address changes. Their detection system is often able to identify players who have been boosted.

5. Can I get banned for playing with a booster?

Yes, knowingly playing with a booster can also lead to penalties. Developers often consider this “indirect boosting,” and it can result in account suspensions.

6. Is it safe to buy boosting services?

No, it is not safe. Buying boosting services puts your account at risk of being stolen, scammed, or penalized by the game’s developers. You also risk your financial information being stolen by the booster.

7. What games are most strict about boosting?

Games that have a strong focus on competitive play, such as League of Legends, VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike, tend to have strict policies against boosting.

8. Are there any circumstances where boosting is allowed?

Generally no. There is no situation or game in which boosting is explicitly allowed. Some games allow the buying of services, such as in World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14, but the services must be performed by a player in-game and cannot involve any account sharing.

9. What should I do if I suspect someone is boosting?

Report the player through the in-game reporting system. Do not confront them in the game chat, as this can escalate conflicts and potentially risk your own account being unfairly targeted.

10. Can I appeal a ban for boosting?

You can attempt to appeal a ban, but developers may be unlikely to reverse it if they have clear evidence of boosting. Some developers will not even respond to an appeal for boosting. It’s much better to avoid boosting altogether.

11. Can I use a VPN to avoid getting caught boosting?

Using a VPN might mask your IP address, but game developers can still detect boosting through other methods like performance monitoring, abnormal rank changes and account sharing practices. Using a VPN also is a violation of the ToS for many games.

12. Can I get a hardware ban for boosting?

In extreme cases, especially for repeat offenses, game developers might issue a hardware ban that prevents all accounts using that specific computer or console from accessing the game.

13. Is boosting considered cheating?

Yes, boosting is considered a form of cheating, as it unfairly manipulates the game’s systems and provides an unfair advantage.

14. What is “bussing” in gaming?

“Bussing” is a less common term for boosting. It also implies a higher-level player is helping a lower-level player achieve higher ranks or rewards. It is just as bannable as boosting.

15. Does boosting affect the entire player base?

Yes, boosting negatively impacts the overall player experience. It disrupts matchmaking, devalues achievements, and creates an unfair playing field for everyone.

Conclusion

Boosting is a serious violation of most game’s terms of service and can lead to severe consequences, including permanent account bans. While it may be tempting to take shortcuts, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. The best way to protect your account is to play fairly, avoid account sharing, and report any suspicious behavior. Focus on improving your skills through legitimate means and enjoy the journey of becoming a better player without jeopardizing your account.