Will I get banned for using a VPN in CS:GO?

Losing your Counter-Strike account can be a nightmare, especially if you’ve invested a lot of time and money into the game. If you’ve been looking for ways to lower your ping or change your matchmaking region, it’s only natural to ask yourself, “Will I get banned for using a VPN in CS:GO?”.

We’ll answer that question after highlighting why you might want to use a VPN in CS:GO/CS2. Afterwards, we’ll cover most bannable offenses (including VPN-related ones) and address some related FAQs.

Why you need a VPN for CS:GO

There are several solid reasons to consider using a VPN for CS:GO, such as:

Lowering your ping: Some ISPs have inefficient routing to CS:GO servers, causing high ping. A VPN can reroute your connection more efficiently, resulting in better ping. Keep in mind that VPNs slow down your internet speeds somewhat.
Fixing connection errors: Many players report fixing the dreaded “Failed to reach any official servers” error in CS:GO and CS2 by using a VPN. This ties in with the previous point, as better routing helps you avoid faulty network nodes.
Protecting against DoS attacks: A VPN can safeguard your IP and prevent people from flooding your connection with bogus requests that cause disruptions or connection drops. This is mainly an issue on community servers, as your IP is hidden on official ones.
Play CS:GO/CS2 on school wi-fi: Many educational institutions block access to online games for obvious reasons. Fortunately, VPNs help you bypass most restrictions by masking your online traffic, allowing you to play games at school.
Better matchmaking: Tired of running into rude or uncooperative players from certain regions? A VPN lets you change your virtual location, helping you connect with players from regions where the community is more friendly or competitive.
Bypass regional restrictions: CS2 has been banned in Tajikistan, whereas Vietnam banned Steam entirely. Switching locations with a VPN allows you to circumvent such limitations.

What could get you banned from CS:GO?

Valve’s rules for bans are straightforward and heavily focused on fair play. Here’s a quick rundown of actions that could result in a ban:

Cheating or using hacks: Running third-party software like wallhacks, aim-bots, or scripts will get you banned through VAC or Overwatch.
Griefing or abusive behavior: Intentionally sabotaging teammates, trolling, or excessive flaming can lead to cooldowns or bans.
Account sharing: Sharing your account or buying accounts with Prime status is against the TOS and can result in permanent bans.
Boosting or smurfing: Manipulating ranks by boosting accounts or playing in lower-ranked games can violate fair play rules.
Match-fixing: Collaborating with others to throw games or fix results for personal gain is a serious offense in sponsored events.
Trading scams or fraud: Attempting to scam others through the in-game economy can get your account banned or restricted.

Can you get banned for using a VPN while opening cases in CS:GO?

You won’t get banned for simply using a VPN while opening cases in CS:GO, as long as you don’t try to get around regional bans (such as those in The Netherlands and Belgium). If you’re going to attempt that anyway, at least use a secondary Steam account you don’t mind losing.

Can I get banned for using a free VPN in CS:GO?

While VPNs are not inherently bannable, frequent IP changes or connections from flagged VPN servers can trigger temporary bans for suspicious activity. We recommend using the same VPN server when playing CS:GO/CS2.

Free VPNs are a different matter. How so? Well, it just so happens that hackers, cheaters, and other malicious players typically use free apps for their activities. Since free VPNs have fewer servers, it’s easier for Valve to flag any involved in malicious activity.

Otherwise, many free VPNs sell user data, or may even expose passwords, payment data, and other sensitive info online in extreme cases. Security concerns aside, free VPNs severely impact your speeds in CS:GO and other areas, so they’re not a great choice either way.

Are you trying to test whether a VPN will improve ping or fix any connectivity issues in CS:GO? In that case, a better alternative would be a free trial VPN, as you get all the perks of a premium VPN with none of the downsides of a free provider.

See also:

CS:GO VPN ban FAQs

Is a VPN allowed in CS:GO?

Yes, VPNs are allowed in CS:GO as long as you’re not using them to break rules, such as opening loot cases in countries that ban them (The Netherlands, Belgium). Otherwise, if you stick to fair gameplay, using a VPN won’t lead to any issues.

Which countries banned CS:GO weapon cases?

CS:GO weapon cases are currently banned in The Netherlands and Belgium, as they classify loot boxes as a form of gambling. The UK is also considering adding new regulations against video game loot boxes.

The Netherlands and Belgium laws require gambling activities to have licenses and ensure consumer protection. Since loot boxes involve spending money for random rewards, they violate these regulations in those countries.

Can I use a VPN to avoid a CS:GO ban?

No, using a VPN won’t help you avoid a CS:GO ban. Bans are tied to your account, not your IP, and Valve’s anti-cheat system detects rule violations regardless of VPN use. In fact, most online games nowadays have done away with IP bans, as you can easily change your IP by unplugging your router.

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