Valve Targets CS2 Players Exploiting Experience Points for Armory Pass

Valve has initiated decisive measures against players of CS2 who attempt to exploit experience points (XP) for gaining benefits from the newly launched Armory Pass. This significant update, which rolled out on October 2, 2024, represents one of the largest content expansions for CS2 in recent memory. As part of this update, players can accumulate Armory Credits by earning XP through gameplay. These credits are essential for unlocking new skins and items. Unfortunately, certain players have discovered ways to manipulate this system and are now facing repercussions.

One-Year Trading Ban Implemented by Valve on XP Exploiters in CS2

According to a report by @ThourCS2, a well-known content creator in the Counter-Strike community, various users have been hit with a one-year trading ban on Steam. The skins associated with the Armory Pass can only be accessed using Armory Credits, which can be earned exclusively by actively playing the game and gaining XP. This has led some players to seek shortcuts for accumulating XP more rapidly.

Those attempting to manipulate the XP system are receiving the following notification from Valve concerning their account suspension:

“Your trading privileges in Counter-Strike 2 have been suspended for exploiting bugged XP lobbies in Deathmatch on official Counter-Strike servers.”

The notification indicates that players found a method to join a malfunctioning Deathmatch server where they collected an excessive amount of XP, granting them an unfair edge over others.

It’s important to clarify that this isn’t a VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) ban, meaning players can still continue to play the game. Their trading privileges will be reinstated after one year. However, another attempt to exploit a bug after their ban is lifted could lead to a permanent prohibition from Valve.

Highlights of the Armory Pass in CS2

Official Armory Pass banner (Image via Valve)

The Armory Pass is heralded as one of the most thrilling updates for Counter-Strike 2 in a considerable period. It presents over 100 new items, including three exclusive weapon collections, a fresh weapon case, and the debut of Weapon Charms. Players can earn Armory Credits by engaging in gameplay, which they can then exchange for unique cosmetic items.

Interestingly, this pass also allows players to combine up to five passes at once, facilitating simultaneous progress and enabling access to more skins collectively. It’s no wonder that Counter-Strike skins can sell for thousands of dollars, given their desirability and scarcity. Once trading becomes available for the items obtained through the Armory Pass, it could potentially transform the gaming experience for many players.

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