In Lineage Classic, a massive surge in characters using illegal programs—commonly referred to as 'bots'—has been disrupting normal gameplay. While NCSoft continues to issue bans, the reality is that blocking them at the source is difficult, as banned users simply return with new accounts.

However, the recent influx has become so severe that it is causing login queues and monopolizing hunting grounds. In some servers, even characters from major 'line' (top-tier) alliances have shown behavior suspected of using these programs, leading to conflicts and keeping the bot issue a hot topic.

As player frustration mounted, some streamers recently made headlines by taking matters into their own hands as vigilantes. By identifying the distinct behavioral patterns of bot-using characters—such as those with nonsensical, randomized nicknames—they would attack them to observe their reactions. Once their suspicions were confirmed, they would continue to attack to disrupt the bots' farming.

Of course, these individual vigilante efforts could not bring about massive change against automated bot farms that are difficult for the company to address, but players felt a sense of relief, describing the experience as 'refreshing' as they were finally able to vent some of the frustration that had built up over the use of illegal programs.

NCSoft has also recently taken action. Similar to its early 'Clean Campaign,' the company has implemented character creation limits across 10 servers while simultaneously banning suspicious accounts to prevent bots from re-entering. All eyes are now on whether the synergy between these user-led self-policing efforts and the company's systemic reforms will be enough to resolve the bot problem.