Originally posted by v1to:

Hi,
I just received a ban shortly after the July 29 update, right in the middle of a match. I was completely shocked, because I have never used any cheats or third-party software in my life. My account has over 3600 hours of legitimate playtime, many medals, and in-game purchases. I've always taken the game seriously and played fair.

I don’t share my account, I’ve never been hijacked, and my system is clean. I wasn’t even streaming at the time of the ban, so I have no footage to prove my gameplay. I suspect it might have been a misunderstanding during one round — I shot an enemy near a smoke using radar info because my teammate saw him. Maybe it looked suspicious, but it wasn’t cheating.

I understand VAC and Overwatch bans are considered final, but this feels like a mistake. I just want a fair review or at least clarification on what happened.

I’m really disappointed and heartbroken. I’ve invested years into this account, and it’s hard to accept a permanent ban when I know I’ve done nothing wrong.

If anyone else experienced this after the update, please let me know. Maybe it’s a broader issue

1 game ban on record | Info
5 day(s) since last ban

always amazing when someone gets a GAMEBAN, then they immediately go to "they never used cheating software". Gamebans for CS2 can be given for one of a few things and yes cheating is one of those things. And its permanent. FYI this is a community only forum.

gameban cs2 - https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4E54-0B96-D0A4-1557

Why are game bans issued?
Game bans in Counter-Strike 2 are issued when a player attempts to circumvent or interfere with game systems to the detriment of others.

Examples include:
Cheating.
Manipulation of matchmaking rank by deranking or falsely increasing your Skill Group or Counter-Strike Rating.
Botting and/or automation.
Intentionally interfering with the normal operation of game servers or other players.
Game Bans for all of the above are not removed by Steam Support.

Can you tell me why I was game banned?
No. We do not disclose the reason for your game ban.

Whether you were using cheat software, automating matchmaking, or abusing matchmaking the reason a game ban was issued is not shared with users.

Can I appeal my game ban?
No. Game bans cannot be appealed and are not removed from accounts.

I was not using my account when it was game banned. Can the ban be removed?
No. Regardless of who was using the account at the time the ban was issued, game bans are permanent and are not removed.

Can I move my Counter-Strike 2 items to a different account?
No. Counter-Strike 2 items cannot be moved from a game banned account to a different account.

Can I upload content to the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop and Community with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. You cannot upload new content, such as guides, artwork, or Workshop items to the Counter-Strike 2 Community if you have been game banned.

Can I vote on Counter-Strike 2 Steam Workshop content with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. Counter-Strike 2 game bans prevent voting within the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop.

Lifetime ban son. Permanent display on your profile. And your items are now safely locked to your account. Im sure you have an idea what you did.

Originally posted by JacquesPatat:

Originally posted by v1to:

Hi,
I just received a ban shortly after the July 29 update, right in the middle of a match. I was completely shocked, because I have never used any cheats or third-party software in my life. My account has over 3600 hours of legitimate playtime, many medals, and in-game purchases. I've always taken the game seriously and played fair.

I don’t share my account, I’ve never been hijacked, and my system is clean. I wasn’t even streaming at the time of the ban, so I have no footage to prove my gameplay. I suspect it might have been a misunderstanding during one round — I shot an enemy near a smoke using radar info because my teammate saw him. Maybe it looked suspicious, but it wasn’t cheating.

I understand VAC and Overwatch bans are considered final, but this feels like a mistake. I just want a fair review or at least clarification on what happened.

I’m really disappointed and heartbroken. I’ve invested years into this account, and it’s hard to accept a permanent ban when I know I’ve done nothing wrong.

If anyone else experienced this after the update, please let me know. Maybe it’s a broader issue

1 game ban on record | Info
5 day(s) since last ban

always amazing when someone gets a GAMEBAN, then they immediately go to "they never used cheating software". Gamebans for CS2 can be given for one of a few things and yes cheating is one of those things. And its permanent. FYI this is a community only forum.

gameban cs2 - https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4E54-0B96-D0A4-1557

Why are game bans issued?
Game bans in Counter-Strike 2 are issued when a player attempts to circumvent or interfere with game systems to the detriment of others.

Examples include:
Cheating.
Manipulation of matchmaking rank by deranking or falsely increasing your Skill Group or Counter-Strike Rating.
Botting and/or automation.
Intentionally interfering with the normal operation of game servers or other players.
Game Bans for all of the above are not removed by Steam Support.

Can you tell me why I was game banned?
No. We do not disclose the reason for your game ban.

Whether you were using cheat software, automating matchmaking, or abusing matchmaking the reason a game ban was issued is not shared with users.

Can I appeal my game ban?
No. Game bans cannot be appealed and are not removed from accounts.

I was not using my account when it was game banned. Can the ban be removed?
No. Regardless of who was using the account at the time the ban was issued, game bans are permanent and are not removed.

Can I move my Counter-Strike 2 items to a different account?
No. Counter-Strike 2 items cannot be moved from a game banned account to a different account.

Can I upload content to the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop and Community with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. You cannot upload new content, such as guides, artwork, or Workshop items to the Counter-Strike 2 Community if you have been game banned.

Can I vote on Counter-Strike 2 Steam Workshop content with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. Counter-Strike 2 game bans prevent voting within the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop.

Thanks for the info. I’ve already read the official Steam FAQ, and I understand the rules around Game Bans.

However, I’m not here to deny facts blindly — I’m here because I genuinely believe this may have been a false positive. I have over 3600 hours in CS, never cheated, never boosted or deranked, never shared my account, and always played clean. I also didn’t use any software that interacts with the game in any way.

The ban happened mid-match right after the July 29 update, which is why I suspect something went wrong. I know appeals aren’t processed, but I think it’s still worth raising awareness — especially if other players are experiencing the same issue.

Not every ban is always black and white, and I believe it’s fair to speak up when something feels off.

Originally posted by 50 Cal:

Lifetime ban son. Permanent display on your profile. And your items are now safely locked to your account. Im sure you have an idea what you did.

I understand how this looks from the outside, and I know it's easy to assume everyone who gets banned is guilty. But I can confidently say I have no idea what I "did" — and that’s exactly why I’m here.

I’ve spent thousands of hours building this account and playing fairly. No cheats, no exploits, no shared access. The ban happened mid-game right after a major update, which raises questions.

If nothing else, I just want my voice heard in case others are affected too. False positives do happen, even if they’re rare. I’m not here to argue — just to stand up for myself and hopefully help surface a real issue.

Bans are delayed so what you did at the time does not matter. You dont sound sincere

Originally posted by 50 Cal:

Bans are delayed so what you did at the time does not matter. You dont sound sincere

I understand your skepticism — it’s the internet, and a lot of people lie when they get banned.

But I have nothing to gain by pretending. I know bans can be delayed, but my concern isn't about when it happened — it's about why. I’ve played clean for over 3600 hours and never installed or used anything that could cause this.

I’m not here asking for sympathy, just fairness. If I broke a rule, I’d accept the consequences. But I genuinely believe something went wrong here — and I think it’s fair to speak up, even if others doubt it.

lets see, bans are delayed. system gets updated. So the idea of "false positives" goes out the door immediately. And even "if" its a false positive then that will be an extremely small chance of being one, as gamebans can be given for one of a few things.

Originally posted by JacquesPatat:

lets see, bans are delayed. system gets updated. So the idea of "false positives" goes out the door immediately. And even "if" its a false positive then that will be an extremely small chance of being one, as gamebans can be given for one of a few things.

You're right that bans can be delayed and false positives are rare — I’m not denying that.

But “rare” doesn’t mean impossible. Someone has to be the edge case when things go wrong. I'm just raising my voice in case this is one of those edge cases. Not expecting miracles, just fairness.

I’ve done everything by the book for years. So if something tripped a system unintentionally, I think it’s fair to at least put it out there — especially if others are seeing similar issues after the update.

Originally posted by v1to:

Originally posted by JacquesPatat:

1 game ban on record | Info
5 day(s) since last ban

always amazing when someone gets a GAMEBAN, then they immediately go to "they never used cheating software". Gamebans for CS2 can be given for one of a few things and yes cheating is one of those things. And its permanent. FYI this is a community only forum.

gameban cs2 - https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4E54-0B96-D0A4-1557

Why are game bans issued?
Game bans in Counter-Strike 2 are issued when a player attempts to circumvent or interfere with game systems to the detriment of others.

Examples include:
Cheating.
Manipulation of matchmaking rank by deranking or falsely increasing your Skill Group or Counter-Strike Rating.
Botting and/or automation.
Intentionally interfering with the normal operation of game servers or other players.
Game Bans for all of the above are not removed by Steam Support.

Can you tell me why I was game banned?
No. We do not disclose the reason for your game ban.

Whether you were using cheat software, automating matchmaking, or abusing matchmaking the reason a game ban was issued is not shared with users.

Can I appeal my game ban?
No. Game bans cannot be appealed and are not removed from accounts.

I was not using my account when it was game banned. Can the ban be removed?
No. Regardless of who was using the account at the time the ban was issued, game bans are permanent and are not removed.

Can I move my Counter-Strike 2 items to a different account?
No. Counter-Strike 2 items cannot be moved from a game banned account to a different account.

Can I upload content to the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop and Community with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. You cannot upload new content, such as guides, artwork, or Workshop items to the Counter-Strike 2 Community if you have been game banned.

Can I vote on Counter-Strike 2 Steam Workshop content with a Counter-Strike 2 game ban?
No. Counter-Strike 2 game bans prevent voting within the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop.

Thanks for the info. I’ve already read the official Steam FAQ, and I understand the rules around Game Bans.

However, I’m not here to deny facts blindly — I’m here because I genuinely believe this may have been a false positive. I have over 3600 hours in CS, never cheated, never boosted or deranked, never shared my account, and always played clean. I also didn’t use any software that interacts with the game in any way.

The ban happened mid-match right after the July 29 update, which is why I suspect something went wrong. I know appeals aren’t processed, but I think it’s still worth raising awareness — especially if other players are experiencing the same issue.

Not every ban is always black and white, and I believe it’s fair to speak up when something feels off.

Game ban doesnt have to be for cheating , most likely griefing but ban is still permanent

The update has nothing to do with your ban, as bans are delayed.

Originally posted by Breaker:

Originally posted by v1to:

Thanks for the info. I’ve already read the official Steam FAQ, and I understand the rules around Game Bans.

However, I’m not here to deny facts blindly — I’m here because I genuinely believe this may have been a false positive. I have over 3600 hours in CS, never cheated, never boosted or deranked, never shared my account, and always played clean. I also didn’t use any software that interacts with the game in any way.

The ban happened mid-match right after the July 29 update, which is why I suspect something went wrong. I know appeals aren’t processed, but I think it’s still worth raising awareness — especially if other players are experiencing the same issue.

Not every ban is always black and white, and I believe it’s fair to speak up when something feels off.

Game ban doesnt have to be for cheating , most likely griefing but ban is still permanent

If the ban was related to griefing, the only thing I can think of is that I used to report obvious cheaters and sometimes spammed in chat asking others to report too. I never insulted anyone or trolled — just got frustrated seeing cheaters ruin matches.

If that was considered disruptive, I understand, but I still think a permanent ban is extreme for something like that.

My favourite forum on Steam.

Originally posted by Beardface31:

The update has nothing to do with your ban, as bans are delayed.

That’s true — I know bans can be delayed. But mine happened mid-match, exactly after the July 29 update was pushed, which makes the timing feel suspicious.

It might be a coincidence, but I also noticed a few others reporting the same thing right after the update. That’s why I think there’s at least a chance something went wrong.

It's honestly ridiculous how Overwatch can just slap a VAC ban on someone without solid proof or a proper manual review. You can't just ruin a player's reputation and years of effort based on some lazy or flawed detection system.

A player with hundreds or even thousands of hours clearly has real skill , not some random cheater. If Overwatch can't distinguish between actual skill and hacks, then the system is broken. This kind of careless action kills trust in the entire anti-cheat process.

Review the case properly, and stop punishing legit players.

Originally posted by Shahin:

Review the case properly, and stop punishing legit players.

It's great that you want to stand up for your friend, but you're overlooking three points here.

A) It's not a VAC ban, it's a game ban.

B) Whether it's thousands of hours, a lot of money, or many years, none of that proves innocence.

C) Cheats aren't even necessary for a ban like this; there are various reasons for a game ban.