Valorant
News, coverage and analysis tracking Valorant across the outlets.
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Popular Online Video Games Right Now (2026)
This article discusses the factors contributing to the enduring popularity of online video games in 2026, focusing on competitive balance, social interaction, and continuous updates. It categorizes popular genres like tactical shooters, battle royales, MMORPGs, MOBAs, and co-op sandbox games, offering advice on choosing a game that fits individual preferences and schedules. The piece also touches upon the potential downsides of live-service models, such as pressure from daily rewards and battle passes, and emphasizes the importance of responsible play and time management.
Riot Games issues statement on Valorant Vanguard anti-cheat 'bricking' cheaters' PCs
Riot Games has released a statement addressing an issue with its Valorant Vanguard anti-cheat system that reportedly caused cheaters' PCs to malfunction. The developer provided an explanation for the recent social media posts concerning the anti-cheat's behavior.
Riot: Valorant Anti-Cheat Not Bricking Any Hardware
Riot Games has addressed reports claiming its Vanguard anti-cheat software for Valorant was "bricking" hardware. The company stated on X that the software does not possess the capability to cause such damage.
Riot's anti-cheat "does not in any way brick PCs," though Valorant cheaters say otherwise
Riot Games has clarified that its Vanguard anti-cheat software for Valorant does not brick PCs, despite claims from cheaters. The company stated that the controversial kernel-level software only renders specific cheat hardware useless for the game, and does not damage or disable normal PC hardware or software. Riot has provided an FAQ to assure players that legitimate users are unaffected.
Riot says "congrats on your $6k paperweights" as new Valorant anti-cheat update reportedly bricks the PCs of…
Riot Games' latest anti-cheat update for Valorant, Vanguard, is reportedly causing PCs to become unusable, requiring a full operating system reinstallation. The company responded humorously to the issue, acknowledging the severe impact on players, particularly those who may have been cheating.
Valorant Update Bricks Cheating Hardware
Riot Games has released a new update for its multiplayer shooter Valorant that takes extreme measures to combat cheating. The update targets Direct Memory Access manipulation, a method used to circumvent anti-cheat software by directly accessing hardware.
Riot taunts would-be hackers using physical hardware to cheat: 'congrats to the owners of a brand new $6k…
Riot Games has implemented a new anti-cheat measure for Valorant that targets hardware-based cheating, specifically Direct Memory Access (DMA) cards. This update effectively turns expensive cheating hardware into useless paperweights, with the Vanguard anti-cheat system triggering an IOMMU restart warning that renders the DMA firmware unusable, even requiring a full OS reinstall in some cases.
Valorant's new Vanguard update seems to be bricking cheaters' PCs. Riot's response? "Congrats on your $6k paperweights"
Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat software has been updated, with reports indicating it is now bricking the PCs of cheaters by rendering their DMA firmware unusable, requiring a full OS reinstall. Riot Games responded humorously to complaints, acknowledging the aggressive nature of the anti-cheat, which operates at a kernel level to prevent sophisticated cheating methods in games like Valorant and League of Legends.
Anticheat check - which competitive games actually work on Linux?
This guide details which competitive games with anti-cheat systems are compatible with Linux and SteamOS. It explains how anti-cheat software interacts with different operating systems and compatibility layers like Valve's Proton. While some major titles like Fortnite and Valorant are blocked, games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Marvel Rivals function correctly.
Main Types of Online Games and Why They Are Popular | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the popularity of various online game types, including MMORPGs, mobile games, online casino games, competitive titles, and browser-based games. It highlights factors like social commitment, convenience, accessibility, and competitive environments that contribute to their widespread appeal and sustained player engagement.
NAVI's owner claims owning an esports team is actually a "very profitable business"
Malsym Krippa, owner of the esports organization Natus Vincere (NAVI), claims that owning an esports team is a highly profitable business. He stated that NAVI, which competes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and Dota 2, generates millions in net profit annually. Krippa took over NAVI in 2018 when it was losing $1.5 million per year but turned it around within his first year of ownership.
Valorant gets Anti-Lag 2 but after testing it I don't think users with high-end AMD rigs should crack open the…
Valorant has implemented AMD's Anti-Lag 2 feature for RDNA 6000 series GPUs and later, aiming to compete with Nvidia's Reflex technology. However, testing suggests its benefits are highly system-dependent, with minimal latency reduction observed on high-end AMD rigs. The feature can be toggled in the graphics settings and may offer more noticeable improvements on lower-end systems, though it can slightly decrease frame rates.
The world's first 1000Hz Full HD gaming monitor is finally here
LG has unveiled the LG UltraGear 25G590B, the world's first gaming monitor capable of a 1,000Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution. This display is designed for competitive esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering faster visual confirmation and quicker reaction times. The monitor is expected to launch in select markets in the second half of 2026, with pricing yet to be announced.
I prefer this plug-n-play Zowie mouse even to ones that are objectively better
The BenQ Zowie EC2-DW gaming mouse is highly recommended for palm grippers who primarily play tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering a comfortable ergonomic shape and plug-and-play functionality. While it boasts excellent build quality and convenient wireless charging, its $150 price point and 60g weight may not appeal to those who prefer ultralight mice or play tracking-heavy games.
LG reveals the world's first native 1,000 Hz 1080p panel but you're gonna need a beast of a rig to make good…
LG has unveiled the world's first 1,000 Hz FHD (1080p) gaming monitor, the UltraGear 25G590B, featuring a 24.5-inch IPS panel. This new monitor aims to provide ultra-fast visual response and motion clarity for competitive gaming. The article also discusses the high-end PC hardware required to achieve such frame rates and compares it to existing high-refresh-rate monitors.
LG has finally created a 1,000Hz gaming monitor, but it's a Pandora's Box no one needed to open
LG has announced the world's first 1000Hz gaming monitor, the 24.5-inch UltraGear 25G590B, with a native Full HD resolution. While the monitor is slated for release in the second half of 2026, the article questions the practical need for such a high refresh rate, noting that most gaming PCs cannot currently support it and that it may not significantly benefit even competitive players.
Voice Chat Safety: The Practical Guide for Online Gamers (2026) | TAG
This guide provides practical advice for online gamers on managing voice chat safety in 2026, addressing the uneven implementation of AI monitoring across various games. It details different voice chat configurations like 'Voice Off,' 'Party-Only Voice,' 'Push-to-Talk,' and 'Open Mic, Active Muting,' and offers specific settings for popular titles such as Call of Duty, Valorant, and Fortnite. The article also discusses the privacy implications of voice chat and recommends using platforms like Discord as a safer alternative for communication.
Save up to $129 on my favorite gaming chair and desk in this early Memorial Day sale
Secretlab is offering early Memorial Day discounts of up to $129 on gaming desks and $100 on gaming chairs. The sale includes popular models like the Titan Evo chair and Magnus Pro desk, with various color and game-themed options available. Discounts are also available on bundles, and the sale is primarily for US customers.
Top 10 hot summer gaming tech for 2026 - headsets, controllers, and more
This article highlights top gaming technology accessories for summer 2026, focusing on peripherals like headsets, controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and chairs. It notes that while core components remain expensive, these accessories offer desirable upgrades without significant price hikes due to memory shortages. Featured items include collaborations with brands like Pokémon and Blackpink, alongside high-performance tech from SteelSeries, Logitech, Razer, and Turtle Beach.
Canadian Gamers Are Bringing Sports Style Prediction Habits Into Competitive Gaming
Canadian gamers are increasingly applying sports betting prediction habits to esports, driven by the growth of competitive gaming and accessible mobile play. Meanwhile, the design of mobile apps, including those for casinos, now heavily incorporates game-like pacing and reward systems to maintain user engagement. Separately, Nebraska is suing Roblox, alleging systemic failures to protect children from predators and deceptive marketing practices, a lawsuit echoed by other states and highlighting concerns about child safety in online gaming platforms.
