PUBG's anti-cheat ban wave (Dec 30–Jan 5) shows permanent bans for illegal software; enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator to protect your account.
I still remember reading the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS anti-cheat notice for the investigation period from December 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Even now in 2026, that post is a great reminder of how seriously the team treats illegal software and player misconduct. I play a lot of battle royale games, and PUBG is one of those titles where a single cheater can ruin an entire match. That is why I always pay attention to ban reports like this one.
The notice shared a list of players who were permanently banned for violating the rules of conduct. It was not just a quick note. It included a full list of permanently banned accounts, and the page made it clear that these players lost their accounts for good.
One detail I appreciated was the privacy protection. The publicly attached list showed in-game nicknames, but the first three letters of each nickname were replaced with an asterisk. That struck me as a smart balance. Transparency matters, but so does not fully exposing personal identifiers. If you want to check whether someone you reported was banned, you can scan the list without getting all their naming details at a glance.
What did the ban wave cover?
The investigation period was short but focused: 2024/12/30 ~ 2025/01/05. Here are the main takeaways from that week:
-
🚫 Illegal software abuse led to permanent bans.
-
📋 The list included only permanently banned accounts.
-
✳️ Nicknames were partially masked for privacy.
-
🛡️ The anti-cheat team encouraged players to report misconduct in game first.
-
🔐 Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator was recommended to protect accounts.
Why this still matters in 2026
Cheating methods change every year. In 2026, I still see people ask whether permanent bans really happen. The answer is yes. PUBG has kept publishing these weekly lists, and the early January 2025 wave is proof that enforcement is not just talk. I also think the advice about account security is timeless. Many players lose access not because they cheated, but because their account was stolen and used for illegal software. That can lead to a permanent ban on an innocent player's main account.
How to protect your account
One of the most useful parts of that notice was the reminder to set up Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator. I have used it for years. It adds an extra layer of protection that makes it much harder for someone else to log into your Steam account. If your account gets hijacked and used for cheating, you may have a very hard time proving it was not you.
Here is the setup process I recommend:
-
Open your Steam app on your phone.
-
Go to the Steam Guard section in settings.
-
Choose Add Authenticator and enter your phone number when prompted.
-
Enter the code sent via SMS.
-
Save the recovery code somewhere safe. This is critical.
-
Confirm your setup and use the mobile app for login approvals.
No security tool is perfect, but Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator reduces risk dramatically. I would not play PUBG on a main account without it.
How to report potential cheaters
The notice was very clear about the correct order. Use the in-game report system first. That report goes directly to the anti-cheat team and helps them collect match data. If you need additional assistance, contact PUBG Support. I know some players get frustrated when the response is slow, but mass reporting plus support tickets gives the team more data to work with.
A quick reference table from the notice:
| Action | Purpose | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| In-game report | Flag suspicious players and send match evidence | First |
| PUBG Support ticket | Get additional help for specific issues | Second |
| Review weekly ban list | Verify enforcement and stay informed | Optional but useful |
| Enable Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator | Prevent account theft and misuse | Highly recommended |
My personal take
I like that PUBG shares these ban lists. It shows players that reports do something. A permanent ban is the strongest possible punishment for ruining matches with aimbots, wallhacks, or other illegal software. The masked nicknames also mean the process avoids public shaming while still providing accountability.
At the same time, I wish more players understood that account security is part of fair play. If you cheat, you should be banned. If your account is stolen and used to cheat, you might also be banned. That is scary, but it is why enabling Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator is so important. Protect yourself before anything bad happens.
Looking back at the 2024/12/30 through 2025/01/05 ban wave, I feel the same way now as I did then. The anti-cheat team cannot catch everyone instantly. Cheaters adapt. But weekly public lists, consistent enforcement, and strong account security advice combine to create a healthier environment.
I hope PUBG keeps this approach going well beyond 2026. Fair matches are more fun for everyone. If you play PUBG regularly, take five minutes to review your security settings and report suspicious behavior through the proper channels. Your account is valuable. Do not leave it unprotected.
That is my perspective on the banned players list from early 2025. Even though it is not news anymore, the lesson is still relevant today. Play fair, stay secure, and help keep Battlegrounds clean.