Players are finding it hard to figure out why a PvE game like Helldivers 2 would use a kernel-level anti-cheat.
Helldivers 2 is a direct sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter game Helldivers. The game was released for PC and PlayStation 5 by Sony Entertainment and developed by Arrowhead Game Studios.
The PC port of Helldivers 2 features a kernel-level anti-cheat, which operates even when the game is turned off. While these anti-cheats are most commonly used for competitive games, Helldivers 2 is a PvE game. So, including a kernel-level anti-cheat has left most players scratching their heads.
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What is Kernel-Level Anti-cheat?
First, let us specify what a kernel-level anti-cheat system is. In its simplest form, it’s an anti-cheat software that runs deeper within your computer’s operating system, making it more effective at detecting and preventing cheating in online games. The best example of a Kernel anti-cheat is Riot’s Vanguard, which is a must for playing VALORANT.
Helldivers 2’s Kernel- Level Anti-cheat Problem
While kernel-level anti-cheat is a crucial requirement for live service or highly competitive games, Helldivers 2 is just a PvE game. So, players are raising questions about why a game like Helldivers 2 utilizes nProtect’s Gameguard kernel-level anti-cheat.
Helldivers 2 features an MTX currency called Super Credits, which is earnable in-game. The only possible reason to include a kernel-level anti-cheat in Helldivers 2 would be to stop cheaters from generating Super Credits. Moreover, it is also in place to protect their microtransaction model.
Another reason for the kernel-level anticheat’s inclusion is to stop the imbalance of the Galatic War, as cheating can ensure victories by just pressing a button. Moreover, the game features crossplay with PS5, so Sony must have decided to include the anti-cheat to stop any kind of cheating abuse against PlayStation users, which is working so far.
While kernel-level anti-cheat might seem like an overkill, the plague of cheaters swarming every new live service game has made anti-cheat a crucial part of both single-player and multiplayer games. Helldivers 2’s anti-cheat is completely safe, so if you’re worried about a rootkit running in the background, rest assured that it won’t cause any harm to your PC.
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