Hello players! Or, as I like to call you, fellow survivors who have definitely never whispered 'just one more ESP' into the void. I was sipping my coffee, minding my own business in 2026, when I stumbled across a classic PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS anti-cheat announcement from the investigation period 2023/12/11~2023/12/17. Yes, I know that is old. But the weekly banned players list is like a fine wine—it only gets more bitter with age. The anti-cheat team shares these lists to raise awareness about illegal software and misconduct. And let me tell you, awareness has never been so entertaining.

The announcement begins with the cheerful 'Hello players!' which is the gaming equivalent of a teacher saying 'I am not mad, I am just disappointed.' Then it drops the hammer: a list of players who have been banned for violating rules of conduct. The list attached shows in-game nicknames of permanently banned accounts. But here is the spicy detail: the first three letters of each nickname are replaced with ''. So your buddy 'AimbotAndy' becomes '**botAndy'. Still obvious. Still shameful. Still probably in your Discord.

pubg-ban-list-a-cheater-s-worst-nightmare-and-my-favorite-bedtime-story-image-0

Now, I am just a regular player. I do not run a cheat farm. I do not sell accounts. I once got killed by a guy who was clearly using illegal software, and I reported him with the righteous fury of a thousand suns. The ban list is my version of a victory royale. It is not as satisfying as a chicken dinner, but it is close. Especially when you imagine the cheater's face as they realize their account is gone forever.

The announcement also reminds us to report illegal software and misconduct through in-game reports first. If you need additional assistance, contact PUBG Support. I have done both. The in-game report is quick. The support ticket is where you write a novel about how that one guy shot you through a mountain, and then you attach a clip, and then you wait. But hey, the anti-cheat team says they value your interest and opinions. And they will do their best to provide a fair gaming environment. I believe them. Mostly.

Then there is the golden rule: to ensure your valuable account is not abused or banned for using illegal software/misconduct, sign up for Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator. I did this years ago. Now every time I log in, my phone buzzes like an angry bee. It is mildly annoying. It is also the reason my skins are still mine. If you have not set it up, do it. Unless you enjoy the thrill of waking up to an empty inventory and a permanent ban because someone in another time zone decided your account was a rental car.

If you are wondering how to set up Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator, the announcement says there is a guide. I will summarize: download the Steam app, enable two-factor, scan a QR code, and then never lose your phone. Easy. Unless you are like me and you change phones every two years, in which case you will spend an afternoon cursing at recovery codes. Still worth it.

Here is a quick translation table for the official message:

Official message My player translation
'We are sharing the banned players list' 'Here is the wall of shame. Bring popcorn.'
'Nicknames have first 3 letters replaced with *' 'We are protecting their identity, but we all know it is xX_CheatLord_Xx.'
'Report illegal software through in-game reports first' 'Do not DM the anti-cheat team on social media. Use the button.'
'Sign up for Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator' 'Two-factor authentication is your account's seatbelt.'
'We will do our best to provide a fair gaming environment' 'We are trying. Please stop making it weird.'

A few things I have learned from reading ban lists:

  • Never trust a player named 'DefinitelyNotCheating'.

  • If someone kills you with a single pistol shot from 800 meters, they might be talented. They might also be on the list next week.

  • The first three letters being masked is not enough. We need a 'reason for ban' column. Was it aimbot? Speed hack? Team killing? I want the tea.

  • Reporting works, but it is not instant. The ban list is the slow-cooked BBQ of justice.

  • Your account is only as safe as your worst password. Use Steam Guard.

In 2026, I have seen battle royales come and go. But PUBG's anti-cheat team keeps showing up with receipts. They do not just say 'we banned people.' They publish a list. That is bold. That is transparency. That is also a little scary if you ever lent your account to your cousin. Do not do that. Seriously. Your cousin will install something called 'FreeChams4U' and then you will both be on the list, except your nickname will be '***_FormerlyHonestPlayer'.

The banned players list is more than a list. It is a promise. It is a warning. It is a reminder that behind every suspicious headshot from across the map, there is an anti-cheat team compiling names, masking letters, and swinging the ban hammer. In 2026, the battle royale is still full of sweaty tryhards, but at least some of the sweatiest are getting banned. I will keep my account clean. I will keep my reports coming. I will keep my Steam Guard on. And I will keep reading the ban list like it is a gossip column. Thank you, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team. You are the real MVPs—even if you will not let me see the first three letters of a cheater's name. Fair enough. I will just use my imagination. 🐔🔨