Bots Reporting Real Players in PvP/PK

A concerning trend has emerged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) where bot farms are potentially reporting legitimate players during PvP encounters, leading to false bans and disrupting fair gameplay. This issue has gained significant attention in the community, with players documenting instances of coordinated bot behavior in the Wilderness.

The Problem: Bot Farms Targeting Legitimate Players

Recent reports from the OSRS community suggest that bot farms operating in the Wilderness are not just engaging in automated gameplay, but are also systematically reporting real players who encounter them. This creates a serious problem where legitimate PvP players may face unwarranted bans due to mass reporting from automated accounts.

According to a recent Reddit discussion, players have observed suspicious patterns where:

  • Bot farms operate in coordinated groups
  • Multiple bot accounts report the same legitimate player simultaneously
  • Reports are filed against players who are clearly engaging in normal PvP activities
  • The reporting behavior appears automated and systematic

How This Affects Legitimate PvP Players

For players who enjoy legitimate PvP content in OSRS, this trend poses several risks:

  1. False Bans: Mass reporting from bot farms can trigger Jagex’s automated detection systems
  2. Unfair Targeting: Legitimate players may be singled out simply for engaging in normal PvP activities
  3. Disrupted Gameplay: The fear of false reports may discourage players from participating in PvP content
  4. Community Distrust: Players may become suspicious of others, harming the social aspect of the game

Evidence and Documentation

The issue has been documented through various sources, including:

  • Community Reports: Players sharing their experiences with suspicious reporting patterns
  • Video Evidence: Content creators documenting bot farm behavior in the Wilderness
  • Reddit Discussions: Community analysis of bot farm coordination and reporting tactics

For a detailed look at this issue, check out the comprehensive Reddit thread where players discuss their encounters and observations.

The Revenant Bot Exploit and Auto-Reporting

A recent YouTube investigation revealed a sophisticated system where Revenant bots are programmed to automatically report players who attack them. According to the video:

How the Auto-Reporting Works

The video documents how bot scripters have implemented an auto-reporting feature that triggers whenever a player attacks their bots. The scriptor interviewed in the video confirmed:

“I was seeing the same account hopping worlds and killing whichever bot was at the current location… I figured the account killing my bots was also a bot… I could get the account flagged for a check if enough players reported for botting while the account is in a heavily botted area.”

The Impact on Legitimate Players

The investigation revealed that three separate accounts were banned for botting after killing Revenant bots, despite providing extensive video evidence showing they were legitimate players. This includes:

  • Two permanent bans and one temporary ban
  • Well-known PK YouTubers Greg and Amnity experiencing similar bans
  • Appeals being denied instantly

The Bot vs Bot War

The video explains how this auto-reporting system evolved from a “war between bot farms”:

  1. PvP bots were programmed to farm Revenant bots for profit
  2. Revenant bot owners responded by adding auto-reporting features
  3. Legitimate players became collateral damage in this automated conflict

The scriptor admitted: “It seems to have worked, I have not seen those same accounts anymore and all the guys running my script are also reporting anyone who attacks them.”

Testing the Reporting System

The investigation also tested whether mass reporting could trigger automatic bans. The scriptor demonstrated a system that could launch 120 relatively fresh accounts to spam report the same player, though the test target (a known bot) remained unbanned after 24 hours, suggesting Jagex may have additional validation measures.

Why This Matters for the OSRS Community

This issue goes beyond simple botting - it represents a coordinated attack on legitimate gameplay. When bot farms can manipulate Jagex’s reporting systems to target real players, it undermines the integrity of the game’s anti-cheat measures and creates an unfair environment for honest players.

The video evidence shows that even players who are actively fighting against bots (by killing Revenant bots) can be falsely banned due to the auto-reporting systems implemented by bot owners.

What Players Can Do

If you encounter suspicious bot farm activity or believe you’ve been falsely reported:

  1. Document Everything: Take screenshots or record video evidence
  2. Report Legitimately: Use Jagex’s official reporting system for actual rule violations
  3. Stay Informed: Follow community discussions about bot farm behavior
  4. Support Each Other: Help other players who may be affected by false reports
  5. Be Cautious: Understand that engaging with certain bot farms may trigger auto-reporting systems

The Broader Impact

This issue highlights the evolving nature of botting in OSRS, where automated systems are not just engaging in gameplay but actively working to disrupt legitimate players. It’s a reminder that the botting problem affects more than just the economy - it can directly impact the gaming experience of honest players.

The video investigation revealed that the problem extends beyond simple botting to include coordinated attacks on the game’s reporting system itself, creating a dangerous precedent where legitimate players can be punished for engaging with obvious bot activity.

Community Response

The OSRS community has been actively discussing this issue, with players sharing strategies for identifying bot farms and protecting themselves from false reports. The Reddit discussion and YouTube investigation serve as valuable resources for understanding the scope and impact of this problem.