League of Legends ends Linux support with Patch 14.4 due to Vanguard Anti-Cheat introduction

Published: 19:42, 19 January 2024
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League of Legends ends Linux support with Patch 14.4 due to Vanguard Anti-Cheat introduction
League of Legends on Linux system is no longer supported

Key Points from the Article

  • Linux users will no longer be able to play League of Legends, even though there was no official support for the game on Linux in the past.
  • Riot Games has not indicated any plans to provide official support for Linux-based operating systems in the future.
League of Legends on Linux system is no longer supported

League of Legends players on Linux operating systems will face an unfortunate setback with the upcoming Patch 14.4, as Riot Games has decided to cease support for Linux.

League of Legends players on Linux operating systems will face an unfortunate setback with the upcoming Patch 14.4, as Riot Games has decided to cease support for Linux. 

This move is a consequence of Riot's initiative to combat rising instances of cheating, prompting the implementation of Vanguard, an advanced anti-cheat system previously used in VALORANT.

As the gaming landscape evolves with heightened security measures, the decision to sacrifice Linux support underscores the ongoing challenges faced by developers in maintaining fair and secure gaming environments.

Rise of Cheating Instances

  • League of Legends has witnessed a surge in cheating incidents, particularly over the past year. This uptick is attributed to a social engineering attack on Riot Games in 2023, compromising the security of both League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics (TFT).

  • To address this issue, Riot announced a comprehensive overhaul of its anti-cheat system, opting to integrate Vanguard, a kernel-level anti-cheat solution with proven efficacy in detecting cheating software.

Vanguard and Privacy Concerns

  • Vanguard, Riot Games' proprietary anti-cheat system, provides an in-depth and kernel-level inspection of users' machines to detect and prevent cheating. While this approach is effective in deterring cheaters, it raises privacy concerns as it grants Riot complete control over users' hardware.

  • Despite the efficiency of Vanguard, one significant drawback is its lack of support for Linux-based operating systems, a detail that has sparked concerns among Linux-using players.

Impact on Linux Users

  • The decision to adopt Vanguard means that Linux users will no longer be able to play League of Legends, even though there was no official support for the game on Linux in the past. Workarounds that allowed some Linux users to play the game will cease to function with the introduction of Vanguard.

Riot's Stance on Linux Support

  • Riot Games addressed the concerns during a League of Legends AMA, emphasizing the critical need to address rampant cheating, scripting, and botting issues. The implementation of Vanguard is seen as a strategic move to effectively combat these challenges.

  • Despite the setback for Linux users, Riot Games has not indicated any plans to provide official support for Linux-based operating systems in the future. Players relying on Linux may face the choice of transitioning to Windows or potentially discontinuing their engagement with the game.

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