View source for Artisan Shield

'''Artisan Shield''' is Project Artisan's anti-cheat. It keeps the game fair by spotting the programs cheaters use. It is part of the game client (it arrives through the patcher), so there is nothing extra to install or run. On start-up you see a short splash screen with the shield emblem while it does a quick check.

== What it checks ==
* Other programs that read or change the game's memory (memory editors, bots, injectors).
* Extra DLL files loaded into the game that do not belong there, including the helper files cheat tools load.
* Programs that tamper with the game's network traffic (packet editors).
* Changes to the game's own code after it starts, and a debugger attached to the game.
* A short list of well-known cheat tools, by name.
* On the server, for everyone: speed hacks (a game clock running too fast) and sending far more actions than a person can.

Normal software is left alone: Windows itself, graphics drivers, Discord, OBS and other capture or overlay tools, and common antivirus.

== What it sends us, and what it never does ==
'''Only when it finds a match''', it tells our server: your character name and account ID, the name of the matching program or DLL, a short fingerprint of that file, and the publisher name from its digital signature.

It does '''not''' send a list of the programs you run, take screenshots, read your files, passwords or browsing history, collect hardware IDs, or track your location. It never changes, closes or deletes anything on your PC.

Reports reach staff through a private channel and the server logs. The temporary queue behind that channel empties itself after 14 days; staff may keep an individual alert for moderation.

'''Phones:''' Artisan Shield does not scan phones. The server-side speed and action checks apply to everyone, on every device.

== The one approved tool: 4RTools ==
4RTools is the only third-party automation tool that is allowed. The official, unmodified '''v2.10.0''' is delivered through the patcher, in the <code>4RTools</code> folder of your game folder. Its source is public: [https://github.com/4RTools/4RTools github.com/4RTools/4RTools] (MIT licence).

Artisan Shield recognises exactly this build by its file fingerprint (SHA-256 <code><nowiki>2a452c46c33671607a6cfaa0cf3278a858640f2f2c8f7e33eb8799da9fa4deea</nowiki></code>).

* '''Do not let 4RTools update itself.''' An updated or modified build is not the approved one. When a newer version has been checked and approved, it will arrive through the patcher.
* Any other macro, bot or memory-editing tool is not approved.
* Some antivirus programs warn about 4RTools because it reads game memory and sends key presses. That is expected for this kind of tool.

== What happens if something is found ==
{| class="wikitable"
! When !! What happens
|-
| During the beta || Artisan Shield only watches and reports to staff. Nobody is disconnected.
|-
| Once enforcement is on || You get a warning in the game with '''60 seconds''' to close the program. Close it in time and that is the end of it. If you do not, you are disconnected, and you can log in again after closing it.
|-
| Found again within 10 minutes of a warning || You are disconnected straight away.
|}
Artisan Shield only ever disconnects. Anything further is decided by staff after looking at the report.

== Think it got it wrong? ==
False alarms happen with unusual software. Tell staff on the [https://discord.gg/jHDEQzCCc Discord] with your character name and the program named in the message. We review it and fix our list. Keep the game up to date through the patcher: the fix usually arrives there.