The online virtual world platform, VRChat is quite an intriguing and fun concept wherein you could create your own 3D avatar and interact with other user-created 3D avatars and worlds. One of the major reasons why it has been so popular among the VR community is due to the support of numerous third-party mods. However, that is soon going to be a thing of the past, all thanks to the introduction of Easy Anti Cheat in the latest VRChat update.
For the unaware, Easy Anti Cheat [EAC] is a software developed by Epic Games that blocks the cheat and exploits used in the game. It is already being used across many popular titles, including the likes of Apex Legends, Fortnite, Gears of War, and Elden Ring, and has now made its way over to VRChat. So it’s time to rejoice, or is it?
VRChat Easy Anti Cheat Update: Was it Really Needed?
EAC has always received a mixed reaction from the userbase. One on hand, it does the obvious of straightaway blocking malicious programs that would let users gain an undue advantage. So not only will this level the playing field but you will also get. moderated and secure gaming experience. But on the other hand, it tends to act over-protective and ends up blocking tweaks that aren’t risky but only add a fun element to the gameplay.
And VRChat is going to be a major sufferer in this regard. This is because as soon as Easy Anti Cheat is implemented, you will not be able to use any mods/modified clients in VRChat. If you currently have it installed, then the game will get stuck at the loading screen and would subsequently close after a second or two. We have to break it down for you, but yes, the popular OpenVR AMD FSR tool will also be affected.
The likes of Playspace Mover, OpenVR Advanced Settings, and overlays like OVR Toolkit and XSOverlay are the only ones left out of it. Since making the announcement, the developers have received a truckload of negative reception and criticism on Reddit. As a result of this, they had to lock the forum from the left. So will this uproar lead to anything fruitful? Unfortunately, not.
The developers have confirmed that they are not rolling back the changes and EAC is the only way forward. All in all, it seems that there is no other way out and you will have to mold yourself accordingly in this new restrictive environment. And that is the thing with this anti-cheat software. Since they straightaway opt for the extreme measure, you will either love it or hate it, and there’s nothing in between.
What are your views about the introduction of the Easy Anti Cheat in VRChat? Was it the need of the hour or it was something that at least this game could have done away with [considering EAC’s past wherein more often than not it proves to be the culprit when a game is lagging or not working along the expected lines]? Do drop in your valuable opinions in the comments section below.