[Guide] What a macro is allowed to do in Path of Exile
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Hi,
The intention behind this thread is to clarify what type of macros are permitted in Path of Exile, and which are against the rules. Whenever I make a claim - particularly about something not being okay - I shall try to provide a publicly available source. Please understand that I'm not an employee, and I do have other demands on my time - this list may not be exhaustive. I'll try to gradually add more information, more sources, and replace existing sources with better ones. If you're aware of something I've missed which you would like to see added, feel free to post a link and I'll update the guide as soon as I can. Any help would certainly be appreciated! ABOUT MACROS Does it matter if I am using AHK, proprietary software, etc? No. It is important to understand that in the eyes of the developers they are creating rules based on what a player may or may not do - not specifically how a player may go about doing so. Using AutoHotKey, or software which came with your mouse or keyboard, or even a physical solution such as a popsicle stick would all be viewed the same way. Sources;
Why are GGG inconsistent when it comes to "actions" ? When GGG discuss whether a macro is permitted, it is common to see them mention the most prominent rule which is that "a macro can only result in a single action." Sometimes players are confused why macros which seemingly do multiple things were approved. The answer is that when GGG are referring to actions they're talking about "server-side actions" - or what your character does - and not how you interact with the UI. For example: you can use a macro to send the /oos chat command. While that macro replaces multiple mouse and keyboard interactions, you are sending a single command - in GGG's eyes, a single action. My macro does something automatically. Is that okay? A macro must be something you activate manually by interacting with your mouse or keyboard. One which, for example, pops a flask or logs you out when you reach a specific health threshold would be considered to be a form of automation and thus not permitted. Sources;
Can a macro include a timer? No. Sources;
Can a macro move the mouse cursor, then click on something? No. Sources;
Could you provide a complete list of rules pertaining to macros? Unfortunately I am not aware of one. It was actually the challenge of knowing which macros were permissible that led me to creating this resource. I'd love it if other people checked it out and found it useful - but even if that doesn't happen, it'll be useful for me. Hi could you help me write a macro to do {thing} ? That's outside the scope of this thread. While I've done similar stuff in the past I'm not used to the relevant syntax so there are probably others better able to help you with this. SPECIFIC MACROS Can I use a macro which activates all of my flasks at once? No. The most commonly cited rule pertaining to macros is "one action per key press." Using a flask is considered an action - and using multiple flasks is thus viewed as performing multiple actions. To press a single button resulting in multiple actions being taken would be regarded as partially automated gameplay. That is absolutely not allowed. Sources;
Can I click a macro several times to use multiple flasks? No; macros which alternate, or rotate, between multiple actions aren't approved. Sources;
Can I use a macro to send a chat command, or other chat message? Yes. It is totally fine to use a macro to say thanks for the trade :) or to send chat commands such as /hideout or /oos. GGG views each of these as being a single action. Sources;
Can my macro send /oos and perform another action? No. While sending a chat message or command is viewed as a single action, that action does count against the maximum number of actions (one) a macro may perform. As a side note, Mark_GGG notes that doing so would potentially make things worse. Sources;
Can a macro send the same message to multiple chat channels? No. A macro performing multiple actions, or a single action multiple times, is not okay. You have caused the first and the subsequent actions are automated - not unlike botting. Sources;
Can I use a macro for attacking in place? GGG has given this macro a reluctant approval. Sources;
MACRO DETECTION Can GGG detect it if I do X? I am not an employee and this is outside the scope of the guide. Ultimately you are, or are not, willing to risk your account. If GGG catch me doing Y how would I be punished? I am not an employee and this is outside the scope of the guide. How do I report someone for using a disallowed macro? Send an e-mail to support@grindinggear.com and they'll forward it for you. My friend uses a macro which does {thing} and wasn't banned! That's nice... not really a question, but nice all the same. There are people out there who have religiously bought a lottery ticket every week for decades who have never won more than a few hundred euros at a time, and others who won the jackpot the first time they bought a ticket. If you break the rules, and GGG catches you, "but my friend" won't stop them from taking any actions against you which they believe appropriate. “Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022 ---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. Last edited by Sarno on Mar 31, 2023, 6:05:33 AM Last bumped on Aug 15, 2024, 11:47:22 PM
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“Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022 ---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. Last edited by Sarno on Jul 25, 2020, 11:10:41 AM
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stuff to do
“Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022 ---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. Last edited by Sarno on Jan 4, 2020, 3:51:53 AM
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Reserved
“Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022
---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. | |
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Not Reserved (because I can) :P
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning."
"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!" | |
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Ooh this is a good idea. Will bookmark!
Specific macros: attack in place is okay. Source: email exchange with Bex. Have you done something awesome with [url=http://pathofexile.gamepedia.com/Sire_of_Shards]Sire of Shards[/url]? PM me and tell me all about it! Last edited by viperesque on Jan 22, 2018, 11:30:26 PM
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" Thanks! That’s an interesting one... a very authoritative source, but not exactly a ringing endorsement. “Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022
---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. | |
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Nice guide, have bookmarked it for reference!
One other thing I see people commonly asking about: Open inventory -> click portal scroll (not allowed, two actions) Assume inventory is already open -> move mouse to where portal scroll is, click (one server-side action) - I don't know if this is allowed. Seems to fit the letter of the law, not sure about the spirit. Last edited by Abdiel_Kavash on Jan 23, 2018, 3:04:32 AM
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" Thanks. :) “Please understand that imposing strong negative views regarding our team on to other players when you are representing our most helpful forum posters is not appropriate.” — GGG 2022
---- I'm not 'Sarno' on Discord. I don't know who that is. | |
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Useful, thank you for creating that thread.
" Godlike attitude - may the Force be with you! "Let the day dawn golden with possibility." ~ Izaro Phrecius
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