Prism safety FAQ: bans, file editing and offline mode
This section gives honest answers to the question people ask before installing: is editing GGPK bannable, and how safe is Prism? In short: Prism modifies local client assets only, offline and with the game closed. It does not inject into the process, read or write memory, automate gameplay, or interact with GGG servers, and it keeps a full backup with a one-click restore. GGG's ToS does technically forbid client modification, so we do not promise immunity; instead we explain plainly how it works and what is known about bans. For more on features, see the home page, FPS and optimization, and mod coloring.
What does Prism actually do to game files?
Prism is an offline editor of local client files. It modifies the game's data archive (Content.ggpk in PoE 1, or the _.index.bin bundle index in PoE 2) while the game is closed. That is how the visual patches (remove fog, rain, shadows, particles, camera zoom, full minimap, monster HP bars) and Mod Colors (recoloring mod text) work. It edits local client assets, not the running game process.
Does Prism read or write memory, or inject into the process?
No. Prism does not read or write process memory, does not inject DLLs into the game, does not hook calls, and does not automate gameplay. It never talks to GGG servers. Everything is done ahead of time with the game closed: a file on disk is edited, then you launch the game normally. That is exactly what separates an offline file edit from memory reading and botting.
Is editing GGPK bannable? What does GGG's ToS say?
Honestly: GGG's Terms of Service technically forbid any modification of the client, and editing game files falls under that. We cannot and will not promise you are 100% safe or that you will not be banned. You make this choice yourself and at your own risk. That said, it helps to understand how detection works and what enforcement has historically targeted, covered below.
Is there CRC detection of file edits?
The game verifies the integrity of its own data and will re-download original files on update or verification. So Prism does not mask its edits or hide anything from the client. It changes assets openly, and on a patch those changes simply revert and need to be re-applied. There is no obfuscation, no anti-cheat bypass, and no attempt to be undetectable.
What is known about bans in practice?
From what is known about Path of Exile's history, GGG enforcement is aimed primarily at bots, memory read/write tools, auto-potion, and automation that grants a gameplay advantage. Offline cosmetic and visibility edits are a different category. This is an observation, not a guarantee: the rules and their enforcement belong to GGG and can change. We describe what is known, not a promised outcome.
Is Prism a maphack, cheat, or ESP?
No. It is not a maphack, zoomhack, ESP, or bot. The full minimap reveals the layout you have already loaded, camera zoom and effect toggles are visual switches, and always-show monster HP bars is pure quality-of-life visibility. There is no memory scanning, no revealing server-side fog of war, and no automating actions on your behalf.
Is Mod Colors like chromatic sockets or a loot filter?
Neither. Prism recolors the mod TEXT you read: item affixes (life, resistances, movement speed), map/altar/strongbox mods, and PoE2 Precursor Tablet mods. It is not chromatic socket coloring and not a loot filter that colors drops on the ground. Prism changes the color of the mod lines themselves so the affixes that matter jump out at a glance.
How do I revert everything to vanilla?
Before its first edit, Prism makes a full backup of the original files. At any time you can hit Restore to vanilla, a single button that returns the client to its original state. On top of that, the game itself restores originals when it updates or verifies files. So you can always undo the changes.
Do changes persist forever, or do I re-apply them?
Edits stay in-game until the next game or league update. After a patch, GGG overwrites the files and the changes revert, which is normal and harmless. Just open Prism again and re-apply your settings. PoE leagues reset roughly every 3 months, so re-applying is a rare bit of housekeeping.
What is the difference between Free and Pro, and how do I get it?
Free includes a subset of features; the Pro subscription unlocks the full toolset: all visual patches, camera zoom, full minimap, and Mod Colors with presets and color-by-value. Pro is offered globally on a monthly subscription (the RU market is also served via FunPay at around 290 RUB/mo). Because leagues run in roughly 3-month cycles, a subscription lines up naturally with how you play.