Despite the introduction of the RICOCHET anti-cheat system, complete with kernel-level drivers to combat hackers in Call of Duty, Activision also employs other measures, such as Limited Matchmaking, to help protect the player experience from being disrupted by cheaters.
Cheating and hacking are recurring issues in online games like Call of Duty. With the franchise's popularity, especially Warzone, which is free-to-play, instances of cheating can become widespread. This often leads to larger-scale battles against hackers and cheaters, requiring multiple solution methods that work jointly.
While the Limited Matchmaking system isn't new, many players wonder what this means, so here's all you need to know about this.
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What is Limited Matchmaking in Call of Duty?
When a Call of Duty player is suspected of violating the game's Security and Enforcement policy, their account is placed in a “limited matchmaking state.” This means they won't be able to join regular COD lobbies while Activision reviews their account. Instead, they will be "matched with other accounts in a similar state."
The severity of the Limited Matchmaking status varies depending on the suspected offense. Here are the four categories of offenses and suspensions within Activision's policy:
- Minor offense: This occurs when the player hasn’t caused significant harm to other players or the overall game community.
- Temporary suspension: Depending on the severity, these suspensions can range from 48 hours to over two weeks.
- Permanent suspension: These are final and can apply across all Call of Duty titles.
- Extreme offense: The player has significantly harmed other players or led large groups to commit further violations.
This policy applies to all Call of Duty titles, starting with Modern Warfare (2019), including console, PC, and mobile titles released subsequently.
Call of Duty Limited Matchmaking Causes – Complete List
Here's a complete list of every action that could cause Limited Matchmaking in Call of Duty:
- Extreme or Repeated Violations: Extreme or repeated violations of the policy may result in permanent suspension of all accounts.
- Spoofing: Any attempt to disguise your identity or hardware may lead to permanent suspension.
- Circumventing Security: Attempts to bypass security systems can result in permanent suspension.
- Use of Unauthorized Software (Cheating/Modding/Hacking): Using unauthorized code or software, such as aimbots or wallhacks, to modify gameplay will result in penalties. This may also lead to automatic application closure.
- Pirated Content: Acquiring Call of Duty titles or content illegally will result in penalties.
- Unsupported Peripheral Devices: Using unsupported hardware or applications like modded controllers or lag switches will lead to penalties.
- Boosting: Collaborating with others to exploit the game for XP, prestige, or other advantages is subject to penalties.
- Glitching: Abusing game code exploits, like going outside map boundaries, will lead to penalties.
- Griefing: Intentionally disrupting another player’s gameplay or engaging in repeated unsportsmanlike behavior will result in penalties.
- Offensive Behavior: Using aggressive or culturally offensive language or engaging in cyberbullying will lead to the most severe penalties.
- Improperly Obtained Content: Possessing content obtained outside of normal gameplay, except through legitimate means like gifting or events, is subject to penalties.
- Decompiling or Reverse Engineering: Decompiling or reverse-engineering game data will result in penalties.
- Malicious Reporting: Misusing the in-game reporting system for false or harmful reports against others is subject to penalties.
Call of Duty Shadowban Explained
A Shadowban in Call of Duty is essentially the same as Limited Matchmaking. Players suspected of a potential violation of Activision's Security and Enforcement policies are placed in a “limited matchmaking state,” restricting their ability to join regular COD matches.
How to Know If You Are Shadowbanned in Call of Duty
If you’ve been Shadowbanned or placed in Limited Matchmaking in Call of Duty, your gameplay experience may be affected by several changes. These can include longer matchmaking times, elevated ping, restricted access to certain game modes, and other conditions.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- October 25, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch, Raven Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Engine
- IW 9.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes - PlayStation, Xbox, PC
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- FPS
