No, they are not cheating. Macros and scripts automate tasks, saving time and effort.
No, they are not cheating. Macros and scripts automate tasks, saving time and effort.
Third-party changes meant to favor one player over another are considered cheats or hacks and result in a VAC ban. This covers alterations to the game's main executable files and dynamic link libraries. Based on this, using macros or scripts isn't necessarily cheating either. If it objectively benefits some players, then applying the same rules applies to mice as well. To ensure fairness, everyone should use identical hardware and settings—mice, sensitivity, mousepads, graphics cards, etc.—so macros and scripts remain appropriate.
It varies—depends on whether you're buying loadouts or running a game script.
It's not about ensuring fairness because it's unattainable. There are strict guidelines you must follow, such as avoiding changes to the game's core files. Personally, I believe certain DLLs like SweetFX should be permitted since they mainly affect gamma settings in specific games—like using a "gamma hack" for nighttime in Rust can lead to bans, which seems justified in my view.
It varies by purpose. For me, most macros serve as shortcuts such as home base, throw grenade, switch to X group of units, etc. I accept the built-in features but avoid complicated actions like 360 quickscope via macro. I prefer straightforward tasks, like going to Town Center and creating X villagers, over intricate sequences.
It varies by game. In FPS, certain macros might be seen as cheating if they offer unfair advantages, like automatic kills or wall penetration. Fast buying in CS:GO wouldn't count as cheating because it doesn’t provide a real edge. Scripts that automatically aim at enemies or let you see through walls are considered dishonest. Modifying a game to gain benefits such as increased damage, night vision, or better gear is also cheating.
Scripts seem to have some hidden potential. A few years ago, while feeling unmotivated, I tried to test how far I could go with AHK. I focused on a specific texture and used Photoshop to identify unique hex codes in the soldiers' heads. Then I built a quick script that would move my mouse to that exact spot and click the left button when the right color appeared. In under an hour, I had created a basic aimbot. However, it failed on public servers because it confused multiple players and got stuck switching between them. My friend suggested making it target one player at a time, but I chose to drop it instead. Eventually, VAC blocked my account for running AHK, as confirmed when my friend tried it on a public server. This experience showed me how powerful scripts can be when used wisely.