With CS2, anti-cheat systems have become extremely important. Systems are constantly being expanded to protect players in competitive game modes. Valve has introduced a live VAC system in CS2 to increase this protection. If a player is found to be cheating in the game, they can be banned instantly. So what exactly happens to these banned players? Many people are especially curious about whether or not trades are made after a VAC ban.
Today, we will try to answer these and many similar questions. You will be able to clearly understand how a VAC ban affects your accounts. We will also try to talk about fraudulent activities provided by third parties related to account bans. Let’s not prolong the conversation any further and let’s quickly get to our topic.
What is VAC Banned in CS2 and Counter-Strike?
VAC is an anti-cheat protection system developed by Valve. Its working principle is to monitor players’ computers while playing CS2 and understand whether cheating is being done. For example, if a player starts using a cheat program or tool in CS2, VAC immediately steps in and starts monitoring. If the player is using cheats as a result of this monitoring, they are immediately banned from the game. With the ban applied by the VAC system, that player is completely banned from entering Valve’s servers in any way.
The VAC ban system is an official tool that only Valve can use. Third-party server owners cannot ban players from their own games. Only a specific ban, such as a ban on entering the server, can be applied.
Here is a list of common hacks that lead players to get VAC banned:
- Aimbot
- Triggerbot
- Silent Aim
- Anti-flash and anti-smoke
- Wallhack
- Speedhack
- Spinbot
- Anti-aim
- No recoil
VAC also tends to ban players for using third-party software that aren’t necessarily hacks, including:
- Skin changers
- FPS boosters
- Programs that enhance saturation, shadows, and other graphic aspects
Does VAC Ban Restrict Item Trading in CS2?
Yes, it does and unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. Valve wants to prevent users who are VAC banned from accessing all the functions of the game. Accordingly, even the inventory that you have carefully accumulated for years will be completely inaccessible. It is not possible to sell anything after a VAC ban. You also cannot transfer your skins to a different Steam account. In short, your skins will remain in your account forever.
At this point, we know that most CS2 players are wondering whether the ban can be lifted or not. Valve is obviously very strict about this issue. It clearly states that the support team cannot intervene in VAC ban situations in any way. A ban can only be issued if there is a wrong ban situation.
However, it is worth noting that not every ban freezes your inventory. Sometimes, we can say that players are banned in a way that is valid in competitive matches. Since these bans are short-term, you do not need to worry. If you have received a competitive cooldown penalty instead of a VAC ban, you can sell your inventory as you wish.
Despite all this, if you think a VAC ban is a wrong decision, you can contact the Steam support team. If you have not violated the rules required by CS2 and have not used cheats, the support team will take care of you. We can clearly say that such a misunderstanding will be resolved immediately. They will probably reactivate your account in a few days.
Why Did I Get VAC Banned?
All users who are subject to VAC bans are 99% using cheat programs. Frankly, we have seen a lot of fake VAC ban posts so far. Since Valve is very meticulous about this issue, it closely follows all misunderstandings. Naturally, it becomes impossible for any mistakes to occur regarding banning.
Players who are banned may have a cheat program or tool on their computers. You don’t even need to try this cheat program directly in a competitive match in CS2. Even if you haven’t entered CS2, you can get banned just because you have a cheat program on your computer. It is worth mentioning again that Valve is very strict about these issues.
How VAC Bans Relate to Phone Numbers?
Everyone who starts using Steam adds their phone number to their profile information. This phone number is vital for your security. Valve uses this phone number in banning processes. For example, let’s say you get a VAC ban while playing CS2. After this ban, if your phone number registered to your Steam account is also on another Steam account, it will also be affected by the VAC ban. In short, all Steam accounts registered to your phone number will automatically get a VAC ban.
Of course, this ban does not apply to all games. You will only be completely banned from CS2. Valve’s aim in doing this is to prevent cheating players from entering CS2 again in any way. In this way, we can say that they aim to remove cheaters from the game at least a little.
Differences Between VAC Ban and Server Ban
There are two different server systems in CS2. The first server is Valve’s official servers where competitive players play. Everything that happens on these servers is recorded and competitive matches can be played. Another CS2 server is the servers that communities open specifically for themselves. These servers are usually customizable and colorful with various game modes. In fact, they have a similar operation to official servers in terms of purpose and gameplay. You can see the differences between official servers and community servers in the list below.
- If you get a VAC ban, you will be banned from all official and community servers. You cannot play CS2 in any way.
- If you are banned by an admin from a community server, it will not affect your game in any way. You will only be unable to enter that server again.
- Bans from community servers do not prevent you from trading. You can continue to access and use your inventory.
- If you get banned for cheating on a community server, this is not related to VAC. Steam does not take any action on this issue. You will only be banned on that server through third-party cheat protection programs.
Can You Get Unbanned In CS:GO?
According to Steam Support, a typical and justified VAC ban cannot be lifted. However, if a VAC ban was issued incorrectly, there is room for appeal. Steam will usually automatically remove these false bans, but it’s always worth sending a ticket to have Steam review its decision.
How To Appeal For An Unban?
Before appealing for an unban, remember that Steam is extremely strict with VAC bans and will not tolerate it if you have used cheats or third-party programs. Appealing is only recommended for players who have never used cheats in the first place.
Follow these steps to send an appeal ticket so Steam Support:
- Go to the official Steam Support website using this link.
- Select Counter-Strike under “Recent Products”.
- Next, choose “Gameplay or Technical Issue” and click “I am having another problem”.
- Then, go to “Contact Steam Support”.
When writing the appeal message, remember the following:
- Be polite and greet Steam Support staff properly.
- Explain the situation clearly; do not leave any details unattended.
- You MUST provide evidence for Steam Support to even consider your application.
- Steam Support may take days or even weeks to reply. Be patient, and do not spam them with more tickets.
Ultimately, it’s always worth a shot to send a ticket. Sending one is entirely free, and you have nothing to lose. A handful of Counter-Strike personalities and professionals have wrongly received VAC bans. Sending a quick letter to Valve has commonly resulted in bans being reverted for these players.
How To Play CS:GO When VAC Banned?
If you are indeed guilty of using cheats or third-party software, we have bad news: You will likely never get your VAC ban lifted. The next step is to think about how to play CS:GO while VAC is banned.
While under a VAC ban, players are still allowed to launch the game but cannot connect to any VAC-secured servers, meaning multiplayer games. Still, there is a way for players on how to play CS:GO after VAC bans were issued to their accounts.
How To Play CS:GO Offline With VAC Ban
Fortunately, VAC-banned players can still load into offline matches. Private servers are not secured with VAC protection, meaning you can still play against bots. Though it’s not the most fun, you can’t ask for much else after trying to create an unfair advantage for yourself in CS:GO.
To play in an offline match against bots, follow the steps below:
- Launch Counter-Strike.
- Click on the Play button at the top of the screen.
- Select the Practice mode.
- Choose your preferred game mode and the map.
Bots will not report you for using cheats or similar software, so you can go all out even if your account has a VAC ban.
Make A New Steam Account
The only realistic way of how to play CS:GO after a VAC ban is to create a new Steam account and start from scratch. If you don’t mind losing your skins, achievements, and playtime, playing on a new account is the best alternative.
Creating a new Steam account requires an unused email address, which can be created for free. Additionally, Counter-Strike is no longer a paid game, so you can always grab it for free.
However, you must go through all the “new account” procedures to play competitive matchmaking games, such as meeting the required level and playing calibration matches to unlock your rank.
Another downside to a new account is the lack of Prime Status, which can place you in unprotected matches, increasing the chances of meeting hackers and cheaters in the game.
As you can see, VAC ban is a real headache. It becomes completely impossible for players to sell or trade their inventory. At this point, using a cheat program will take you to a point of no return. If possible, please stop using third-party programs, even if it is not a cheat. In some cases, Valve may perceive the program as a cheat and ban your account, even if it is not a cheat.