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Riot Games demands BIOS update for anti-cheat
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Valorant now requires BIOS updates for some players to combat cheating.
- Riot targets 'Restricted' players with specific hardware configurations.
- Mandatory updates could affect compatibility with older PCs.
Riot Games is implementing a controversial anti-cheat measure requiring certain Valorant players to update their PC's BIOS. This is to address exploits that leverage memory manipulation through specific UEFI/BIOS configurations, which some manufacturers' older installs may allow.
The developer is initially enforcing this BIOS update requirement on "Restricted" players, identified by hardware setups similar to those used by cheaters. This targeted approach aims to mitigate memory exploits without impacting the entire player base.
However, Riot is considering making this update mandatory for all players in the highest competitive ranks across its game portfolio, including League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. This poses a challenge, as some older PCs may not support the necessary security features, potentially excluding a segment of their player base.
