FACEIT now allows null binds, but there’s a catch

PM and Editor

Publish Date: August 1, 2024

FACEIT has revealed its final stance on null binds in Counter-Strike 2, which may disappoint some players.

Null bind has sparked controversy since Razer’s Snap Tap keyboard announcement, with some players calling it a form of cheating. However, FACEIT has clarified the issue in a new blog post, confirming that null bind is legal, but with caveats. According to FACEIT, null binds are mere “configurations” and are legal based on their cheating policies. Even so, they won’t be allowed in ESEA.

“We’ve been closely monitoring the discussion around snap tap/SOCD and will be allowing players to use these features on FACEIT. We understand the controversy surrounding these features is fierce, and have not taken these decisions lightly,” said FACEIT.

Are null binds allowed on ESEA?

While players can use null binds in regular FACEIT games, they could get severe punishment for doing the same in the ESEA league.

This is due to ESEA’s direct funnel to ESL and its following ESL Pro Tour rules, which do not allow null binds. Snap Tap, on the other hand, will remain legal on all platforms, including ESEA.

The inconsistency has fueled debate in the community, with fans arguing that platforms should either permit or ban both products, citing the similarity in purpose between the allowed and banned items. Players argue that null binds being banned on ESL implies they are cheats, and the inconsistent allowance on FACEIT and ban on ESEA makes them seem even more unfair.

According to the director of game ecosystems at ESL Marc Winther, the company is discussing “potential policy changes for the future” to address the inconsistencies. So this is probably not the last ruling players will hear regarding null binds, as changes are to be expected.

That is not the only shocking update FACEIT has in store. Toxic players should also brace up for severe punishments.

Can you get banned for toxicity on FACEIT?

In a new update, FACEIT has warned players they could be banned for multiple years for toxicity.

The July 1 patch notes outline a new system that bans players based on their past behavior. If you’re a repeat offender of voice or chat comms, you could get barred from FACEIT for more than a year. Additionally, bans against toxic players will now be much quicker and swift.

For better understanding, FACEIT has divided the bans into three levels: