Does Using WinExp in Valorant Get You Banned?

Valorant, the popular first-person shooter by Riot Games, is known for its highly competitive gameplay and strict measures to ensure fair play. With its growing popularity, players often seek tools and software to enhance their gaming experience. One such tool is WinExp, which has garnered attention in the gaming community. But this raises an important question: does using WinExp in Valorant get you banned?

What is WinExp?

WinExp (short for Windows Explorer Enhancement) is a third-party tool designed to modify certain aspects of a user’s system. In the gaming context, some players use it to adjust in-game settings, such as the window size, resolution, or aspect ratio, in ways that are not natively supported by the game’s interface. A significant use of WinExp is to achieve stretched resolution in Valorant, which some players believe provides a competitive edge by enlarging character models and hitboxes.

The Rise of Stretched Resolution in Valorant

The usage of stretched resolution in Valorant has escalated over the past few months as players believe it provides slight competitive advantages. By stretching the screen, character models appear wider, making them seemingly easier to hit. To achieve this, many players resort to using WinExp, which modifies display settings. However, this practice has led to concerns about whether using WinExp could result in bans.

Is WinExp Bannable in Valorant?

The answer depends on how Riot Games’ anti-cheat system, Vanguard, interprets the use of WinExp. Riot has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to tools that alter the game’s files or give players an unfair advantage. Even if a tool is harmless or only used for visual adjustments, it might still trigger a ban if it interacts with the game’s protected files or processes.

Using WinExp to adjust windowed modes, resolutions, or to achieve stretched resolution might seem innocuous, but any third-party software that modifies gameplay elements runs the risk of being flagged. Riot Games has clearly stated on their official website that unauthorized third-party applications can result in bans without prior notice. Since WinExp hasn’t been whitelisted by Riot Games, using it remains risky.

Does Using WinExp in Valorant Get You Banned ?

While there is no concrete evidence of bans specifically for using WinExp, the potential risk cannot be ignored. Popular forums like Reddit currently lack reports of players being banned for using WinExp, but this does not guarantee safety. Given that stretched resolution can provide slight advantages, Riot Games may eventually take action against tools like WinExp.

It’s worth noting that Riot’s anti-cheat measures include hardware bans, meaning that if you’re caught, you might lose access to Valorant on your system permanently. This makes the stakes high for those considering using WinExp.

Safer Alternatives for Stretched Resolution

If you want to achieve a stretched display in Valorant without risking your account, consider using a 4:3 resolution, such as 1024×768, directly through the game’s settings. While this won’t offer the exact experience of WinExp, it’s a safer option that still enlarges hitboxes to some extent.

To adjust the settings:

  1. Launch Valorant.
  2. Open the Settings menu.
  3. Navigate to the Video tab.
  4. Change the resolution to your preference.

Is It Worth the Risk?

If you’re considering using WinExp in Valorant, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential consequences. Even minor tweaks for visual enhancements can put your account at risk. Riot Games’ Terms of Service explicitly state that players should avoid using unauthorized software, and ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

Conclusion

So, does using WinExp in Valorant get you banned? While there’s no definitive answer, the risks associated with using third-party tools like WinExp are significant. Riot Games’ commitment to maintaining fair play means that any software interacting with the game’s files or processes can lead to a ban. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to avoid using such tools and stick to the in-game settings provided by Riot.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but remember: in the competitive world of Valorant, fair play is paramount. Avoid unnecessary risks and enjoy the game within its intended boundaries to ensure a hassle-free experience.