SARD Anti-Cheat: FAQ

What is SARD Anti-Cheat?

SARD Anti-Cheat is a software designed to identify and prevent cheating and hacking in PC MMO games. It operates at the client side and the server side by employing a combination of traditional kernel-based tools and advanced AI/ML modules to maintain fair gameplay, safeguard the interests of game publishers, and promote vibrant online gaming communities.

By whom is SARD Anti-Cheat owned?

The core team of developers of SARD used to be an internal game security team within Innova for many years, however, SARD has been an independent company since 2021, owned by 4 co-founders. Currently, the SARD consists of 20 professionals, including developers, reverse engineers, game testers, technical support specialists, community managers, etc. The team is mainly located in Armenia.

Is SARD Anti-Cheat safe to use?

Yes, SARD Anti-Cheat is safe to use. It solely focuses on monitoring game data and does not collect any personal information from the players. The software has undergone extensive testing and currently is trusted by thousands of players worldwide.

What is unique about SARD Anti-Cheat?

SARD solution is a combination of traditional kernel-based tools and AI/ML modules that perform player behavior analysis. SARD is completely customizable and matches the unique needs of each game. SARD is transparent both with game developers and the game community. You can easily direct your questions to our support or community management teams and get quick replies.

SARD is a cybersecurity award-winning solution that proudly holds the title of Best Startup in the Region of 2024 by GISEC Global.

Furthermore, SARD has been working with the Little Orbit team for months doing custom integration work that further enhances the capabilities of the system specifically for APB.

I have modified APB files in the past. What will get me banned now? Is my XYZ edit okay to use?

While it is impossible to provide a comprehensive list of allowed and not allowed edits, we understand that players don’t want to risk losing their accounts.

First, use common sense. Editing or tampering with a game in a way beyond text editing will likely result in a ban. If you think you’re doing something that might not be allowed, it probably isn’t. If you think you can talk your way out of it, assume you can’t. If you’re worried about losing your account, then don’t mess around.

Second, there’s a difference between editing something that only you see privately and editing something and then streaming it publicly. If you represent APB in a negative way with offensive content, Little Orbit will take action.

Little Orbit’s support of SARD Anti-Cheat is a work in progress. Our policies and application of the technology will change as we learn more and dial in systems. As a result, Little Orbit will be changing our policies periodically, and it is the player’s responsibility to stay in compliance. In other words, ignorance of a policy is not a defense.

Currently, the following common categories are permitted for edits until fully support of these modifications are available through settings in-game:

• Configs / .INIs: These are text files that are manipulated by the game’s setting screens. They can easily be edited to optimize your experience - but you can’t create functionality through .INIs. These are all options that the devs have created support for. So modifying these options is open to all players.
• Localization files (.INT / .GER / etc): These are the language files for text that appears in-game. The localization for APB is woefully out of date. Community members are allowed to update these file to see the game in their own language and for their own use. However, editing localization files and stream them publicly with offensive content will require Little Orbit to take action.
• Use of Crosshair-X / Hudsight: Currently allowed, but may be banned in the future.

The following common categories of edits are NOT allowed:

• Removing or editing game files: This includes .UPK, .APB, .PCK, .AG, .BNK, and other game files. These are not easily edited files, and removing or modifying them gives the player an unfair advantage.
• Other specific things not allowed include but are not limited to: Skybox removal, VFX/Smoke removal, Ambient sound removal, etc.

How does the SARD Anti-Cheat AI module work?

SARD AI is purpose-built to detect cheats in games and employs AI/ML modules that have been trained using data provided by the game. This training enables SARD AI to identify a wide range of cheats effectively. SARD AI utilizes image processing, mouse movement analysis, and keyboard input tracking to understand and learn typical behavior exhibited by legitimate players. By establishing a baseline of normal player behavior, the system can then flag any abnormal activities or deviations from this baseline. When SARD AI detects suspicious behavior indicative of cheating, it provides actionable insights to game administrators or developers. These insights can be used to take appropriate actions against cheaters, such as issuing warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans from the game.

What are some games protected by SARD Anti-Cheat?

Some of the games protected by SARD are Linage2, PointBlank, AION, AION Classic, Ragnarok Landverse, Ragnarok Online, as well as several upcoming games on which SARD is working during the development stage, such as Soldier One and Dfuse.

What kind of information does SARD Anti-Cheat gather from the player?

SARD Anti-Cheat collects exclusively essential game data for the sole purpose of detecting and preventing cheating. This data comprises details about the player's in-game behavior, any modifications made to game files, and other relevant game-related activities.

Does SARD Anti-Cheat monitor computer processes when I am not playing the game?

No, SARD Anti-Cheat is designed to only monitor game data while the player is actively playing the game. Once the player exits the game, SARD Anti-Cheat stops running or monitoring any computer processes.

Does SARD Anti-Cheat have different services for games?

Yes, SARD is unique to each game. The solution is custom-built for each game and the level of security, performance, strictness, and modes are different for each game.

Does SARD Anti-Cheat affect game performance?

SARD is designed to have a minimal impact on game performance. While it may use additional system resources to monitor game data, the impact is generally negligible. Even on older or less powerful PCs, the reduction in frame rates during gameplay is minimal.

Is game data safe with SARD Anti-Cheat?

The terms of use of SARD are matched with the terms of use of the game, therefore your data is collected and saved according to terms of use of the game. SARD strictly follows GDPR compliance and your data is safe in accordance with GDPR rules and regulations.

Is SARD Anti-Cheat client side or server side?

SARD is both client and server side.

Does SARD Provide Steam Deck Support?

SARD team is actively working on providing Steam Deck support for Linux users to be able to enjoy APB. Currently, the new release is under testing and will be released in the coming weeks.

Can SARD Anti-Cheat be disabled or uninstalled?

No, SARD Anti-Cheat cannot be disabled or uninstalled. This is to ensure that the game remains fair and competitive for all players.

What is the required Operating System and version for SARD Anti-cheat?

Because SARD runs within Little Orbit games, it must meet the minimum requirements. For APB minimum requirements, go to: https://store.steampowered.com/app/113400/APB_Reloaded/

I get SARD-related error codes when I start APB Reloaded!

If SARD Anti-Cheat triggers error codes when launching APB Reloaded, please verify the integrity of your game files first. If issues persist, submit a support ticket to support@littleorbit.com

with screenshots or crash logs to get further assistance.

How does SARD Anti-Cheat handle false bans?

If a player believes they have been falsely banned, they can submit a ticket to support@littleorbit.com. We will conduct a thorough investigation and remove the ban, if it indeed was a false one.

I have additional questions about SARD Anti-Cheat.

Players should post questions in Little Orbit Discord channel focused on SARD Anti-Cheat: https://discord.gg/WVePB2pa

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