Helldivers 2's Anti-Cheat Software nProtect: A Concern for PC Players
Helldivers 2, the latest installment in the Helldivers series, has been making waves in the PC gaming community with its anti-cheat protection, nProtect. Despite being a PVE game, developer Arrowhead Game Studios has chosen to use this software to prevent cheating. However, this decision has raised concerns among PC players due to the software's kernel-level operation and potential access to personal files.
What is nProtect and Why Are Players Concerned?
nProtect is a lesser-known anti-cheat software that operates on a PC's kernel level, allowing it to access the entire hard drive and all files on it. While Arrowhead Game Studios claims that the software does not access personal user files, this claim does not alleviate concerns among PC players. The potential for the software to access sensitive information has led many players to avoid the game altogether and raise awareness about the software's capabilities.
This concern is particularly relevant for PC users who value their data security. In contrast, PS5 players do not have to worry about nProtect interfering with their personal data, highlighting the disparity in gaming experiences between platforms.
Why is nProtect Used in Helldivers 2?
The reason behind Arrowhead Game Studios' decision to use nProtect in Helldivers 2 lies in their experience with cheating in the original game. Cheaters in the first Helldivers exploited the game's system by gaining infinite Stratagems, using aimbots, and acquiring infinite ammo, which ruined the game's spirit and challenge.
Players want some level of challenge in games, and removing it through cheats makes for a boring experience that no one will want to play.In an effort to prevent similar cheating in Helldivers 2, the developer opted to use nProtect, despite the potential concerns it may raise among PC players.
A Possible Solution for PC Players
For PC players who are concerned about nProtect but still want to play Helldivers 2, an alternative solution is to play on a Steam Deck. Since the Steam Deck is a gaming-focused device, the risk of nProtect accessing personal files is minimal. This option may be a viable alternative for players who want to enjoy the game without compromising their data security.
Key Takeaways:
- Helldivers 2 uses nProtect anti-cheat software, which operates on a PC's kernel level and can access the entire hard drive.
- PC players are concerned about nProtect due to its potential access to personal files and the security risks it poses.
- The game's developer, Arrowhead Game Studios, claims that nProtect does not access personal user files, but this claim does not alleviate concerns.
- nProtect was chosen to prevent cheating in Helldivers 2, which was a major issue in the original game.
- Playing on a Steam Deck may be a viable alternative for PC players who want to avoid nProtect.