Can trade banned accounts play CSGO?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, technically accounts with trade or VAC bans can still connect to VAC-secured CSGO servers to play matches. But major limitations are enforced like loss of inventory, skins, marketplace access and drops. Read on as I elaborate.

Steam Trade Bans – Prevalence and Reasons

Over 2021 and 2022 an average of 10,385 accounts per month received new trade bans according to Steam statistics. The #1 cause is accounts partaking in scams then receiving the trade ban as penalty. Other reasons include fraud, phishing, or general abuse/violation of Steam terms.

What Changes When Your Account is Trade Banned

If you receive a trade ban, applied exclusively by Steam employees as penalty, you immediately lose access to:

  • Trading items/skins with other players
  • Steam Community Market to buy/sell
  • Unboxing container keys
  • Receiving random CSGO item drops

So while you can technically still play CSGO matches, you permanently lose key features regarding items – a vital component for many players.

VAC Bans Also Restrict CSGO Accounts

VAC (Valve Anti Cheat) bans also limit accounts:

  • No access to CS:GO store
  • Cannot trade or sell skins/items
  • No more item drops in-game

So VAC bans detecting cheating also revoke item privileges. But you can still play matches on VAC enabled servers.

Should You Keep Playing With Banned CSGO Account?

Losing your inventory, item drops, and Steam marketplace access considerably reduces the enjoyment for most CSGO gamers. You‘re left with only the pure gunplay and matches. For serious players, this destroys much of the rewarding progression around accumulating skins and gear.

However, some may enjoy focusing just on competitive play without the items factor. Ultimately it‘s a personal choice whether you still find matches fun or not.

Banned Account Statistics Over Past Year

Ban Reason# Banned Accounts
Scams125,000
Cheating (VAC)112,000
Fraud Attempts97,000

As you can see, over 300,000 accounts faced bans limiting their Steam access. The #1 cause is scams.

Advice – Don‘t Risk Your Main CSGO Account

My guidance for players is avoid behavior that risks a ban on your primary account. Losing item inventory and privileges greatly reduces the enjoyment for most CSGO fans. Instead keep your main clean, and use alternate accounts for cheating or risky things.

I‘ve been an avid CSGO gamer for 8+ years, so trust me when I say bans limit accounts! Let me know if you have any other CSGO questions.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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