Cheating has been a part of online gaming since its inception, turning fair matches into frustrating experiences for players worldwide. Some games, however, have gained infamy for the sheer scale and creativity of the cheats used within them. From subtle aim assists to blatant wallhacks and game-breaking exploits, cheating has left its mark on many iconic titles.
Here we explore the 10 most cheated games of all time, looking at how cheats have evolved alongside the gaming industry. Whether it’s for competitive advantage or simply to disrupt others’ fun, cheating remains a persistent issue in some of the most beloved and widely played games in history. Let’s take a closer look at the titles that have become synonymous with this problem.
1
Counter-Strike Series (2000-Present)
The Counter-Strike series has long been synonymous with competitive gaming, making it a prime target for cheaters. Known for its precise gameplay mechanics and emphasis on skill, this franchise has attracted players who exploit cheats to gain an unfair edge.
Common Cheats:
- Aimbots: Automatically lock onto enemies for effortless precision, particularly devastating in high-stakes matches.
- Wallhacks: Allow players to see opponents through walls, nullifying the need for tactical positioning.
- Triggerbots: Fire automatically when a target enters the crosshair, giving cheaters an almost inhuman reaction time.
Despite its reputation for hosting some of the most skilled players in the world, the competitive nature of Counter-Strike has fueled the rise of these cheats, keeping it firmly on the list of the most cheated games.
2
Call of Duty Series (2003-Present)
The Call of Duty series stands as one of the most popular franchises in gaming, renowned for its fast-paced multiplayer modes and strategic gameplay. However, its widespread appeal has also made it a hotspot for cheaters employing a variety of hacks to dominate matches.
Common Cheats:
- Aimbots: Deliver near-perfect accuracy, making every shot count and leaving opponents no chance to retaliate.
- ESP (Extra Sensory Perception): Enables players to see through walls, detect enemy positions, and track movements in real time.
- Radar Hacks: Display all enemy locations on the minimap, removing the need for tactical awareness.
Understanding the dynamics of these cheats and how they impact gameplay can give players a deeper appreciation of the challenges developers face in keeping matches balanced. Platforms like SecureCheats provide insights into gaming trends and tools, helping players stay informed about evolving technologies in the gaming world.
3
Fortnite (2017)
Since its release, Fortnite has redefined the battle royale genre, drawing millions of players with its vibrant visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and building mechanics. However, its immense popularity has also made it a breeding ground for cheaters, eager to exploit the system for quick victories.
Common Cheats:
- Aimbots: Lock onto opponents with deadly precision, turning intense firefights into one-sided battles.
- Building Exploits: Manipulate the game’s signature building mechanics to create unfair advantages during engagements.
- Radar and ESP Hacks: Reveal enemy locations, loot spots, and movement, stripping the game of its tactical unpredictability.
The competitive nature of Fortnite, particularly in tournaments and ranked play, has made it a frequent target for cheaters. While the game’s ever-evolving updates aim to address exploits, the cat-and-mouse dynamic ensures that cheats remain a constant challenge in the community.
4
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG, 2017)
As one of the pioneers of the battle royale genre, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) quickly became a global phenomenon. Its realistic gameplay and high-stakes matches attracted millions of players—and a significant number of cheaters eager to exploit the system.
Common Cheats:
- Speed Hacks: Allow players to move faster than the game permits, giving them an unfair mobility advantage.
- Aimbots: Guarantee headshots and perfect accuracy, making them nearly unstoppable in firefights.
- Invisibility Glitches: Make cheaters undetectable, rendering them invulnerable to normal gameplay strategies.
PUBG and its focus on survival make it a prime target for cheaters who disrupt the natural flow of matches. Despite efforts to curb these exploits, its reputation as a heavily cheated game persists, further cementing its place on this list.
5
Apex Legends (2019)
Apex Legends brought a fresh perspective to the battle royale genre with its innovative gameplay mechanics, unique characters, and dynamic team play. However, its rapid rise in popularity also made it a target for cheaters looking to climb the competitive ranks unfairly.
Common Cheats:
- Auto-Aim: Ensures pinpoint accuracy, often resulting in instant eliminations during firefights.
- Wallhacks: Reveal enemy positions, allowing cheaters to track opponents through walls and terrain.
- Rank Exploits: Manipulate the matchmaking system to achieve higher ranks without legitimate gameplay effort.
Apex Legends, especially in ranked modes, has made it particularly vulnerable to cheating. With hackers employing advanced tools, fair players often face uphill battles in maintaining their standing on the leaderboards.
6
League of Legends (2009)
As one of the most iconic multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, League of Legends has attracted millions of players over the years. Its competitive gameplay and strategic depth, however, have also drawn cheaters seeking shortcuts to victory.
Common Cheats:
- Scripting: Automates champion abilities and movements, granting inhuman precision and reaction times.
- Bots: Used to farm experience and resources in low-level matches or idle accounts for profit.
- Zoom Hacks: Alter the game’s camera limits to provide an extended view of the map, giving cheaters superior vision and map awareness.
The prevalence of these cheats has posed challenges for players striving for genuine skill-based progression, solidifying League of Legends as a game often associated with cheating controversies.
7
Grand Theft Auto Online (2013)
Grand Theft Auto Online offers players a sprawling open-world experience filled with heists, races, and endless possibilities for chaos. However, the game’s expansive multiplayer environment has become a haven for cheaters, often referred to as “modders.”
Common Cheats:
- Unlimited Money Mods: Grant cheaters infinite in-game currency, bypassing the need to earn resources legitimately.
- God Mode: Makes cheaters invincible, nullifying all attacks and in-game consequences.
- Environment Manipulation: Allows players to alter the world around them, from spawning vehicles to creating impossible obstacles for others.
The sheer scale and flexibility of GTA Online have made it fertile ground for inventive cheats that disrupt gameplay and create chaotic scenarios, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most cheated games.
8
Team Fortress 2 (2007)
A pioneer in team-based multiplayer shooters, Team Fortress 2 has maintained a loyal fanbase for over a decade. However, its long lifespan and accessible mechanics have made it a prime target for cheaters looking to exploit its system.
Common Cheats:
- Triggerbots: Automatically fire weapons when an enemy enters the crosshair, giving cheaters a significant advantage.
- Wallhacks: Allow players to see opponents through walls, undermining the game’s strategic dynamics.
- Backtracking Cheats: Manipulate hit registration to ensure attacks land, regardless of timing or positioning.
Adding to the chaos, bot infestations have further tarnished the experience for legitimate players, making cheating a constant challenge in this classic game.
9
Overwatch (2016)
Blizzard’s Overwatch revolutionized team-based shooters with its unique hero roster and emphasis on strategic gameplay. However, its competitive appeal has also made it a hotspot for cheaters seeking to gain an advantage in matches.
Common Cheats:
- Aimbots: Ensure perfect accuracy, especially with heroes that rely on precise aiming like Widowmaker or McCree.
- Input Macros: Automate complex hero abilities, allowing cheaters to execute perfect combos with minimal effort.
- Wallhacks: Reveal enemy positions, removing the element of surprise and disrupting tactical play.
Despite its emphasis on teamwork and fairness, Overwatch remains a target for cheats that compromise the integrity of its fast-paced matches.
10
When gaming got unfair
10. Valorant (2020)
As a tactical shooter focused on precision and strategy, Valorant quickly became a competitive sensation. However, its rapid rise also attracted cheaters who sought to exploit the game’s mechanics and dominate matches unfairly.
Common Cheats:
- Triggerbots: Fire automatically when an enemy enters the crosshair, giving cheaters a split-second advantage.
- Wallhacks: Reveal enemy locations through walls, negating the importance of map knowledge and positioning.
- Aim Assistance: Provide pinpoint accuracy, often making cheaters nearly unbeatable in firefights.
The competitive structure of Valorant, with its emphasis on ranked progression, has made it a magnet for cheaters seeking to climb the leaderboard without putting in the effort.
Cheating has become an unfortunate reality in online gaming, affecting even the most iconic and competitive titles. From the tactical precision of Counter-Strike to the open-world chaos of GTA Online, these games highlight the persistent challenges developers and players face in maintaining a fair gaming environment.
While cheats may offer short-term advantages, they undermine the integrity and enjoyment that make gaming such a compelling experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated competitor, supporting fair play is essential to preserving the spirit of these beloved games.
