Understanding Ban Evasion

Ban evasion encompasses various tactics employed by players to bypass server bans. Understanding these methods helps ScreenSharers know what indicators to look for:

• Using Alternate Accounts ("Alts"): The most common method. The player simply uses a different game account (purchased or borrowed) to log into the server after their primary account has been banned. Detection relies on linking the player's current session or machine to their previously banned identity.

• Changing Hardware Identifiers (HWID Spoofing): Some servers implement HWID bans, linking the ban not just to the game account but also to unique identifiers derived from the player's hardware components (CPU, motherboard, network adapter MAC address, disk serial numbers, etc.). Ban evaders may attempt to bypass this by:

  • Using a completely different computer.

  • Employing specialized software ("HWID spoofers") that attempt to modify or intercept the hardware information reported by the system or game client. Detecting spoofers often involves looking for specific processes, drivers, or system modifications associated with these tools.

• Using Virtual Machines (VMs): As discussed previously, running the game inside a VM can obscure the host machine's true hardware details from HWID detection systems operating within the guest OS.

• IP Address Changes: Utilizing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), proxies, or simply obtaining a new IP address (if on a dynamic IP) can help evade IP-based bans or monitoring. Detecting VPN/proxy usage often involves checking running processes, network routing tables (route print), or analyzing network connections for non-residential IP addresses.