A Genshin Impact player in China has reportedly been arrested after using cheats to make money from other players. The individual allegedly charged customers to complete Stygian Onslaught, one of the game’s toughest combat challenges, using unauthorized software to make the fights easier.
However, the business reportedly came to an end when Chinese police detained the player during a meeting with customers inside a clothing store.
In Brief:
- A Genshin Impact player in China was reportedly arrested for selling cheat-assisted boosting services.
- The player allegedly used unauthorized software to complete Stygian Onslaught challenges for paying customers.
- Police reportedly caught the individual during a meeting with customers at a clothing store.
- The player later issued an apology to HoYoverse and reportedly deleted posts advertising the service.
Genshin Impact Player Reportedly Arrested for Using Cheats to Make Money
According to reports, the player had been promoting paid boosting services through videos on Bilibili, a popular Chinese video-sharing platform.
The videos allegedly showed how cheats could be used to complete Stygian Onslaught, with interested customers directed to a store on Xianyu, China’s secondhand marketplace.
For those unfamiliar, Stygian Onslaught is one of Genshin Impact’s more difficult endgame activities. Players must complete three timed combat encounters, with higher difficulty settings introducing tougher enemies and additional restrictions.
The player allegedly used unauthorized tools to make these encounters easier, allowing customers to pay for clears rather than completing the challenges themselves.
He was allegedly arrested in a shopping mall while trying to meet up with a potential client. The incident first gained attention on the Chinese gaming forum NGA before being shared by the Telegram channel Seele Leaks.
However, the reported arrest has not been independently confirmed by Chinese police or HoYoverse.
Player Apologizes to HoYoverse After Reported Arrest
Following the incident, an apology statement attributed to the player began circulating online.
In the statement, the individual reportedly admitted to uploading videos demonstrating cheats and directing viewers to a Xianyu store offering paid boosting services.
The player also acknowledged violating Genshin Impact’s anti-cheating rules and harming the game’s fairness and overall player experience.
According to the reports, the individual subsequently removed the posts advertising the cheating services.
It remains unclear whether the player faces formal criminal charges or additional legal action.
HoYoverse Has Previously Taken Legal Action Against Genshin Impact Cheaters
This would not be the first time cheat-based boosting services have faced legal consequences in China.
In September 2025, a Shanghai court ordered a Genshin Impact boosting studio to pay 3 million yuan in damages after finding that it had used unauthorized cheats to complete paid orders.
The case involved a boosting operation that used cheating software to improve its efficiency and attract customers. The court ruled that the operation constituted unfair competition.
HoYoverse has also worked with Chinese authorities to crack down on cheat developers and distributors.
While the latest reported arrest has yet to receive official confirmation, the earlier court ruling shows that running a commercial cheating operation in Genshin Impact can carry consequences beyond an account ban.
