Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

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Jonathan
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Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Jonathan »

Some online multiplayer games use protection that prevents external programs from interfering with them.
These block tools that help players to cheat. Unfortunately this protection also blocks Xpadder's simulated keypresses and mouse actions.

The topic is dedicated to information and assistance in this area.

If you can help to update any of the lists below please reply and I will update the post

9Dragons - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Aion: The Tower of Eternity - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
America's Army - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Archlord - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Battlefield 2 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Battlefield 2142 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Battlefield Heroes - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Battlefield Vietnam - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Blackshot - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Brink - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Cabal Online - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty 2 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty: Black Ops - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty: World at War - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Call of Duty - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Combat Arms - uses HackShield - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Counter-Strike: Source - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Counter-Strike - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Dark Messiah Might and Magic - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Darkeden - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Day of Defeat: Source - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Day of Defeat - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Deathmatch Classic - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Diablo II - uses Warden - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Doom 3 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Dragonica - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Far Cry 2 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
FIFA Online - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Fly for Fun - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Frontlines: Fuel of War - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Garry's Mod - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Gunbound - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Half-Life: Opposing Force - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Half-Life - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Killing Floor - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Left 4 Dead 2 - uses Steam VAC - works with Xpadder (confirmed by Xpadder user on 2010-12-07)
Left 4 Dead - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Legend of Mir 3 - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Lineage II - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)

MapleStory
Text/Images: Show
- uses HackShield (since 2009 but used GameGuard before) - blocks Xpadder by default but running Xpadder as Admin allows Xpadder to work (confirmed by Xpadder user on 2010-12-07)
MadMouSe wrote:...users should take into account that a few updates after the switch Build-in controller support was added to the game, and (AFAIK) you can't unbind the arrow keys from movement in any way. That means:
-You shouldn't bind the "UP" arrow key in the D-PAD to jump, or you will jump off ropes when climbing.
-If you want to use Xpadder, leave the D-PAD completely empty and unbind all the buttons in Maple Story controller settings window before attemping to use the game with an Xpadder profile.
Medal of Honor - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
MLB Dugout Heroes - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Monster Hunter Frontier - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Moonbase Alpha - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
MU Online - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Need for Speed: ProStreet - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Need for Speed: Undercover - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Nuclear Dawn - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Operation 7 - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Phantasy Star Universe - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Prey - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Priston Tale 2 - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Priston Tale - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Project Torque - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Quake 4 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Quake III Arena - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Quake Live - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
R.U.S.E. - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Ragnarok Online - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Rakion - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Rappelz - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Return to Castle Wolfenstein - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Ricochet - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Shattered Horizon - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Shot Online - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
StarCraft II - uses Warden - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
StarCraft - uses Warden - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Team Fortress 2 - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Team Fortress Classic - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
The Chronicles of Spellborn - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
The Ship - uses Steam VAC - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Trickster - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Twelve Sky - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
War Rock - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Warcraft III - uses Warden - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory - uses PunkBuster - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)
Wolfteam - uses GameGuard - probably blocks Xpadder (unconfirmed)
World of Warcraft - uses Warden - probably allows Xpadder (unconfirmed)

My game is not listed above - will Xpadder work with it?
Search the internet to see if your game blocks Xpadder or if it uses one of the protection products listed below. The official forum for the game may have Xpadder/protection related posts so it is the best place to start.

List of Protection Products (with technical info):
Text/Images: Show
GameGuard
What does it consider cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle Xpadder: Blocks Xpadder completely

Hackshield
What does it consider cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle Xpadder: Some games block Xpadder and some do not!

PunkBuster
What does it consider cheating: ?. Macro software are ok.
How does it handle cheating: Instantly disconnects you from the game server
How does it handle Xpadder: Allows Xpadder :D

Steam VAC
What does it consider cheating: Bans known cheats methods (dll/memory manipulation etc). Macros (using Windows APIs) are allowed
How does it handle cheating: Permanent (and sometimes delayed) ban from all servers for all games that use the same engine (Unreal Engine for example)
How does it handle Xpadder: Only one game with this protection has been tested and it works with Xpadder - this could mean that this protection always allows Xpadder?

Blizzard's Warden
What does it consider cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle cheating: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How does it handle Xpadder: Unknown - please reply if you can provide info
How to bypass the protection?
We would prefer to get Xpadder whitelisted so that it can legally be used.
To request that Xpadder be whitelisted please send the following email to the developers of the game (their address will be somewhere on the game's official homepage)
Sample Email:
Text/Images: Show
Dear [INSERT GAME COMPANIES NAME],

I am a happy player of [INSERT GAME NAME].
I am also a fan of the excellent gamepad-to-keypress program Xpadder (the homepage is http://xpadder.com )

Unfortunately the anti-cheat protection that your game uses blocks Xpadder and I am unable to play your game with my game controller.

I would like to request that you whitelist Xpadder so that I can play your game as comfortably as possible.
The developer of Xpadder (Jonathan) has stated that he is happy to be contacted if you require any technical information.
His email address jonathan at xpadder.com (*in the email you send you can replace the "at" with "@")

Thank you,

[INSERT YOUR NAME]

Primal Fear
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Primal Fear »

All informations are to find on Wikipedia, except of course "How does it handle Xpadder" (OK, Hackshield Edit:is isn't :lol: really comprehensive).
Why not simply only use these informations? :?:
Last edited by Primal Fear on 19 Nov 2010, 00:09, edited 1 time in total.

Jonathan
Xpadder creator
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Jonathan »

While wikipedia contains examples it does not list all the games effected and there is no easy way for Xpadder users to discuss issues there.
Having a dedicated forum topic allows us to modify the list easily and for Xpadder users it will become the go-to place for the issue. Hopefully over time it will become very comprehensive.
With so many other forums containing conflicting compatibility information about Xpadder and game XYZ it will be good idea to have the definitive answers here.

Primal Fear
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Primal Fear »

Jonathan wrote:While wikipedia contains examples it does not list all the games effected
Well, if you look at PunkBuster and Steam VAC you see many games listed. Also Warden seems to be complete, since it is used only by Blizzard self. For GameGuard I would recommend the german version, it has many more "examples" then the english one.

Maybe you could take the Informations from there and add later new informations.
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Terms_of_Use

These question marks aren't really useful. ;)

Primal Fear
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Primal Fear »

I have an update for Steam VAC.
I have played 41.4 hours Left 4 Dead 2 with Xpadder... and was not be banned. :shifty:
So Valves Anti-Cheat protection should have no problems with Xpadder.

Edit: And I would like to add Informations about Steam VAC.
How does it handle cheating: If Valve Anti Cheat caught you cheating, you will get a permanent ban from all servers that run with Steam VAC. This ban applies to every game not only to the game you where caught at.
Last edited by Primal Fear on 07 Dec 2010, 19:59, edited 1 time in total.

imcookie6877
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by imcookie6877 »

I have to say that running the XPadder as admin makes it work on Maplestory with Hackshield :) Thanks for your time.

Just so you know... delete this post, i couldn't find the pm button.

Regards

Jonathan
Xpadder creator
Posts: 1737
Joined: 24 Aug 2009, 11:33
Location: England
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Jonathan »

Thank you you both for your information.
I have updated the main topic.

MadMouSe
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by MadMouSe »

Regarding Maple Story, as we know, after they switched from GameGuard to HackShield Xpadder started working on it, but users should take into account that a few updates after the switch Build-in controller support was added to the game, and (AFAIK) you can't unbind the arrow keys from movement in any way. That means:

-You shouldn't bind the "UP" arrow key in the D-PAD to jump, or you will jump off ropes when climbing.
-If you want to use Xpadder, leave the D-PAD completely empty and unbind all the buttons in Maple Story controller settings window before attemping to use the game with an Xpadder profile.

I was going to post this in this thread, but it's closed.

Jonathan
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Location: England
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Jonathan »

Thanks for the info MadMouSe. I want this topic to be the only place for this info to be listed so I have locked the other topic.
I have copied your advice into the main post and given you a thank you point :)

MadMouSe
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by MadMouSe »

Primal Fear wrote:I have an update for Steam VAC.
I have played 41.4 hours Left 4 Dead 2 with Xpadder... and was not be banned. :shifty:
So Valves Anti-Cheat protection should have no problems with Xpadder.

Edit: And I would like to add Informations about Steam VAC.
How does it handle cheating: If Valve Anti Cheat caught you cheating, you will get a permanent ban from all servers that run with Steam VAC. This ban applies to every game not only to the game you where caught at.
Actually, VAC (VAC2) bans by engine. That means if you cheat in Counter-Strike:Source you will get banned from all source engine games (HL2:Deathmatch, Team Fortress 2...) but not other VAC enabled games that use other engines such as the original Half-Life (Goldsource engine), Killing Floor (Unreal Engine 2.5), etc.

VAC also adds random delays to bans that range all the way up to months later after the cheat is detected, wich works great since cheaters will be scared to use even cheats that are actually undetected by VAC because of fear from the delayed ban (since they don't know whetever or not it is detected as a cheat)

But about Xpadder, VAC only bans KNOWN cheats, mostly anything that messes with the dll files or the memory of the game directly.
Macros, tools that use the Windows API to send emulated keystrokes and things like that are OK most of the time.

Jonathan
Xpadder creator
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Jonathan »

MadMouSe wrote: ...VAC also adds random delays to bans that range all the way up to months later after the cheat is detected, wich works great since cheaters will be scared to use even cheats that are actually undetected by VAC because of fear from the delayed ban (since they don't know whetever or not it is detected as a cheat)
This is clever :shifty:
(All info added to main post)

Primal Fear
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by Primal Fear »

MadMouse wrote:VAC also adds random delays to bans that range all the way up to months later after the cheat is detected,
So I could be banned anytime later (not that I would expect that).
MadMouse wrote: But about Xpadder, VAC only bans KNOWN cheats, mostly anything that messes with the dll files or the memory of the game directly.
Macros, tools that use the Windows API to send emulated keystrokes and things like that are OK most of the time.
In any way it would be pretty hard to ban everyone who used macros with his keyboard or mouse. I mean normally this is no intentional cheating (if they should even call it cheating).

mattg568
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by mattg568 »

Xpadder works in Garry's Mod, that, I can confirm. Garry's Mod, believe it or not, is controller enabled, despite what the Steam store page says for it. It's in mouse settings and is called "Enable the joystick". Actual controller enabled games say "Enable the gamepad" but it has the same effect. The only drawback is that there is no weapon select GUI on the d-pad, most likely because you can have many more weapons than what's available in Half-Life 2. D-pad up and down rapidly equips your weapons in either direction, no GUI at all. Of course, the controller does not control any other aspect of Garry's Mod. That's where Xpadder comes in.

williamjcm
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Re: Official Anti-Cheat Topic! GameGuard, HackShield, PunkBuster...

Post by williamjcm »

Got some info on Quake 4.

I bought the Bethesda re-release on Steam a few weeks ago and Xpadder works like a charm.

I don't know what it uses as anti-cheat protection (since it was re-released). VAC ? PunkBuster ?

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