Does Game Boosting Services Actually Work Or Are They Just Cheating

In the competitive world of online gaming, climbing the ranks can feel like an uphill battle. Hours of grinding, repeated losses, and team dependency often lead players to seek faster routes to success. Enter game boosting services—third-party providers who promise to elevate your rank in exchange for money. But do these services actually deliver results, or are they simply a form of cheating that undermines fair play? The answer isn't black and white, but understanding how boosting works, its legitimacy across platforms, and its long-term consequences can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Game Boosting?

Game boosting refers to the practice of hiring skilled players to play on your account—or play alongside you—to improve your ranking in competitive games. This is common in titles like League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch, Apex Legends, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege, where ranked ladders determine player skill levels.

There are several types of boosting:

• Carry Boosting: A higher-skilled player completes matches on your behalf while you watch or stay idle.
• Duo Boosting: You play alongside the booster, who carries the game through superior performance.
• Win Boosting: Focuses solely on securing wins, regardless of individual rank progression.
• Placement Match Boosting: Used at the start of a season to secure high initial ranks based on booster performance.

These services are widely available through dedicated websites, Discord servers, and freelance marketplaces. Prices vary depending on the game, rank gap, and speed of delivery—ranging from $10 for a few ranked wins to over $200 for reaching top-tier divisions like Diamond or Immortal.

Tip: Always research a boosting provider’s reputation before sharing account details or making payments.

Do Boosting Services Actually Work?

The short answer: yes, most boosting services do work in the technical sense. If you pay for 10 ranked wins in Apex Legends, it's highly likely those wins will be delivered. Skilled boosters have proven track records, optimized strategies, and deep knowledge of meta gameplay. They can climb efficiently, especially in matchmaking systems that don’t heavily penalize smurf accounts or suspicious behavior.

However, “working” doesn’t mean risk-free. Success depends on multiple factors:

1. Service Reliability: Not all providers are trustworthy. Some may deliver slow progress, use bots, or disappear after payment.
2. Account Security: Sharing login credentials exposes your account to theft, phishing, or unauthorized purchases.
3. Matchmaking Detection: While many boosters avoid detection, some platforms are improving AI systems to identify unnatural performance spikes.
4. Long-Term Viability: Being boosted into a higher rank often means facing opponents far beyond your skill level, leading to frustration and rapid demotion.

A 2023 survey by Esports Insider found that 68% of users who used boosting services reported successful rank increases, but nearly half experienced negative side effects—including burnout, shame, or account suspension.

“Boosting might get you the rank badge, but it won’t give you the skills or confidence that come from earning it.” — Marcus Lin, Competitive Gaming Analyst at PlayMetrics

Is Game Boosting Cheating?

This question hinges on definitions. From a rulebook perspective, most major game developers explicitly prohibit account sharing and third-party performance manipulation. For example:

Game	Developer Policy on Boosting
League of Legends	Riot Games bans account sharing under its Terms of Service. Repeat offenders face permanent suspensions.
Valorant	Explicitly prohibits boosting; detected cases result in rank reset or hardware ID bans.
Overwatch 2	Blizzard considers boosting a violation. Accounts caught may lose seasonal rewards.
CS2 (CS:GO)	Valve does not actively ban for boosting, but community servers often enforce anti-boosting rules.
Apex Legends	EA’s policy discourages account access by others; enforcement varies.

From an ethical standpoint, boosting disrupts fair competition. It allows players to bypass the skill-based progression system, potentially placing them in lobbies with less experienced or genuinely ranked players. This creates imbalance and diminishes the achievement of those who earn their rank legitimately.

Yet, some argue that boosting is no different than hiring a coach or using guides and tutorials. The distinction lies in intent and method: coaching improves your ability, while boosting replaces it.

Mini Case Study: The Rise and Fall of a Boosted Player

Jared, a 22-year-old university student and casual Apex Legends player, had been stuck in Platinum for months. Frustrated by inconsistent teammates and lack of time to grind, he spent $75 on a service to boost him to Predator—the top rank. Within a week, his rank jumped. He felt proud, posting screenshots online.

But the next match was a wake-up call. His new lobby consisted of elite players using advanced callouts, movement tech, and precise aim. Jared died early in every round. Teammates accused him of being a “smurf,” then a troll. After five straight losses, he quit playing entirely.

Two weeks later, EA issued a wave of anti-cheat updates. Though Jared hadn’t cheated himself, the booster used an exploit-enabled account in duo mode. His main account was flagged, stripped of rank, and temporarily suspended. The $75 cost him more than money—it cost his enjoyment of the game.

Alternatives to Boosting: Skill Development That Lasts

If your goal is recognition, better gameplay, or qualifying for tournaments, there are ethical and sustainable alternatives to boosting:

1. Invest in Coaching

Professional coaches analyze your gameplay, identify weaknesses, and provide structured training. Unlike boosters, they empower you to improve. Many offer session packages starting at $20–$50 per hour.

2. Join a Ranked Team or Clan

Consistent teamwork builds synergy and communication. Platforms like Discord and FaceIT host communities looking for active players. Playing with coordinated teammates often leads to natural rank growth.

3. Review Your Own Gameplay

Record and study your matches. Look for patterns: Are you dying in the same way? Missing key shots? Mispositioning? Even 10 minutes of self-review per session accelerates improvement.

4. Focus on One Role or Hero

Mastery comes from repetition. Instead of rotating through characters, pick one and play 50+ matches with them. Deep familiarity leads to better decision-making under pressure.

5. Use Training Tools and Maps

Many games include custom training modes:

• Valorant’s Range and Practice Mode
• CS2’s Aim Botz and Surf maps
• Overwatch’s Workshop modes for mechanics drills

These tools build muscle memory without relying on live match outcomes.

Tip: Set measurable goals—like reducing deaths per game or increasing K/D ratio—instead of fixating solely on rank.

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Rank Without Boosting

Follow this timeline to build real skill over 8 weeks:

1. Week 1–2: Assess & Plan
   Create a profile of your current strengths and weaknesses. Track stats like accuracy, deaths, and objective time. Define one core area to improve (e.g., positioning).
2. Week 3–4: Drill Fundamentals
   Spend 30 minutes daily in training modes. Focus on aiming, movement, and map awareness. Avoid ranked games during this phase if possible.
3. Week 5–6: Apply Skills in Low-Stakes Matches
   Play unranked or casual modes to test improvements. Record feedback from teammates or self-review.
4. Week 7–8: Re-enter Ranked with Strategy
   Return to ranked play with a clear role and mindset. Stick to one character or class. Review each loss objectively.

By the end, you may not reach the absolute top tier—but you’ll earn every step, gain confidence, and enjoy the game more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get banned for using boosting services?

Yes. Most game developers prohibit account sharing and third-party performance manipulation. While enforcement varies, documented cases exist in League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch where users received temporary or permanent bans after being flagged for boosting.

Are there safe boosting methods?

Technically, no. Any service requiring login credentials violates most platforms’ Terms of Service. Even \"duo boosting,\" where you play alongside the booster, is considered unethical and risky. There is no officially sanctioned form of paid boosting in competitive esports.

Does boosting affect matchmaking for others?

Yes. When boosted players enter high-rank lobbies, they create imbalanced matches. Legitimate players face opponents who underperform relative to their rank, leading to frustration and distorted win rates. This harms the integrity of the entire ladder system.

Checklist: Before Considering a Boosting Service

• ✅ Have I tried improving through practice, coaching, or team play?
• ✅ Am I comfortable sharing my account login with a stranger?
• ✅ Do I understand the risk of permanent suspension?
• ✅ Will I enjoy the game if I’m constantly outplayed in my new rank?
• ✅ Is temporary status worth potential long-term consequences?

If you answered “no” to any of these, reconsider boosting. The risks often outweigh the fleeting reward of a higher rank display.

Conclusion: Rank Isn’t Everything

Game boosting services technically work—they can move your rank upward. But they don’t build skill, confidence, or genuine mastery. What they offer is an illusion of achievement, often at the cost of account security, community trust, and personal satisfaction.

True success in gaming comes from growth, resilience, and earned victories. Whether you’re climbing from Silver to Gold or aiming for the global leaderboard, the journey shapes the experience. There’s pride in knowing you reached a milestone because you improved—not because someone else played for you.

Instead of chasing shortcuts, invest in sustainable habits: deliberate practice, constructive feedback, and consistent effort. These won’t show up as instantly as a rank badge, but they last far longer.

💬 Have you used or considered a boosting service? Share your story or thoughts in the comments—let’s discuss the real cost of fast-tracking success in gaming.