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SPECIFICTION
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PunkBuster

evenbalance.com

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Spec score 6.9 #19 of 22 in Game Anti-Cheat Software

What it is

PunkBuster is an anti-cheat system for online games. It scans computer memory during gameplay for signs of loaded cheats, verifies game integrity, and detects changes to the game environment. It supports major and proprietary engines and supplies countermeasures for individual games. Components can update frequently, including while players are playing. Publishers or developers must integrate PunkBuster directly into a game engine; it cannot run in an unintegrated game. Server administrators receive screenshot, logging, streaming, and remote-access tools. The optional MD5Tool checks configured files but is off by default because disk access may cause minor hanging, stuttering, or lag. PBSetup supports manual updates, and a Windows service installer supplies required services. PunkBuster supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, with pricing provided on request.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PunkBuster is an anti-cheat system for online games.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Support
Players with technical problems can submit a web-based trouble ticket, and the maker provides player and administrator manuals.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Headquarters
Austin, Texas, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · evenbalance.com
Founded
2000Read 28 Sep 2026 · evenbalance.com
Administrator tools
Server administrator tools include screenshots, logging, streaming, and remote access.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Cheat detection
It continuously scans computer memory during gameplay for signs that a cheat is loaded.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Downloads
The maker offers PBSetup for manual updates and a Windows service installer for PunkBuster's required services.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Game support
The system supports major and proprietary game engines and provides game-specific countermeasures.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Integration requirement
PunkBuster must be integrated directly into a game's engine with the publisher or developer; it cannot be run in a game without that integration.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Integrity checks
PunkBuster can verify game integrity and detect environment modifications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Intended customers
The maker directs game developers and publishers seeking anti-cheat integration to its license inquiry form.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Optional file scanning
The MD5Tool can check configured files during gameplay, but it is off by default because disk access may cause minor hanging, stuttering, or lag.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Privacy detail
The maker says PunkBuster generates a player GUID from the game CD key using a 128-bit one-way hash so the key cannot be computed from the GUID.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com
Updates
PunkBuster can update in the background while players play, and its components can be updated frequently.Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com

Plans and prices

PunkBuster license Priced on request For game developers or publishers; pricing provided after submitting a license inquiry Read 8 Oct 2026 · evenbalance.com

Every PunkBuster plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Scans memory during gameplay
  • Checks game and environment integrity
  • Background component updates
  • Administrator screenshots and logging
  • Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows

Limits

  • Requires direct game-engine integration
  • MD5Tool may cause stuttering or lag
  • License pricing is provided on request

Who it suits

It suits game developers and publishers seeking an integrated anti-cheat system, plus server administrators needing monitoring tools. Players can use the manuals and web-based trouble-ticket support.

Verdict

PunkBuster provides memory scanning, integrity checks, game-specific countermeasures, and administrator controls. Its main deployment constraint is mandatory engine integration by the game maker.

Where Specifiction places it

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