How to fix VAC was unable to verify your game session in CS2

“VAC was unable to verify your game session” is a headache-inducing error that stumps both new and longtime CS2 players.

Ever since Counter-Strike 2’s release on September 27, 2023, players have mostly been fine with the new changes implemented into the game. While there is the occasional in-game bug in CS2, players or Valve are usually able to get things fixed before it becomes a major issue. However, one issue that continues to anger the CS2 community is when players try to queue for matchmaking only to be met with the message that VAC was unable to verify your game session.

Here is what VAC was unable to verify your game session means, how to fix it, and if CS2 players can still play the game when this happens.

How to fix VAC was unable to verify your game session in CS2

First and foremost, it is important to note that unless players are VAC-banned, this is an easy fix that starts by quitting CS2 and restarting the game. Additionally, CS2 players should still be able to play through the error.

However, if neither of the above options work, another option available for players is to verify the integrity of the game files which can be done by the following method.

How to verify the integrity of the game files

• Go to Steam library
• Find CS2 and right-click it
• Click Properties and then Local Files
• Click Verify integrity of game files and wait for the process to finish
• Restart the PC and open up CS2 again

Other ways to fix the VAC error in CS2

If verifying the integrity of the game files and restarting CS2 does not work, players can repair the Steam client. Players will be able to do this by following the next steps

How to repair the Steam Client

• Close Steam completely
• Press Winows key and R at the same time to open the Run menu
  • Mac users can use the search bar in the top right and search Applications, click Utilities, and double-click Terminal
• Copy and paste the following text: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe” /repair
• Let terminal window pop up close on its own
• Restart Steam and try again

Other methods also include running Steam as an administrator and reinstalling CS2 if any of the above methods do not work.

What is VAC?

VAC is Valve Anti-Cheat, a software that helps stop hackers and cheaters by monitoring forbidden programs used for hacking and exploiting CS2. Players with a VAC ban are unable to play on VAC-protected servers and suffer limitations on trading and selling on Steam. If players receive the message VAC was unable to verify your game session in CS2 with a VAC ban, then players are out of luck with that account.

Otherwise, players shouldn’t let the message VAC was unable to verify your game session stop future matchmaking sessions and continue playing.