.png)
Around six months ago, I shared a guide on how to handle shadow bans in Call of Duty—a method that worked for me. Since then, I’ve received countless questions and comments, not only on that video but on other posts as well, asking if I’ve been banned again, if my fix is still working, or if I somehow managed to get "whitelisted." Today, I'm sharing my experiences over the last six months and offering updates and insights into what’s been effective.
What is a Shadow Ban in Call of Duty?
In Activision’s Call of Duty, a shadow ban doesn’t necessarily prohibit players from accessing the game; rather, it places them in a restricted server pool. This means players suspected of cheating or exhibiting suspicious behavior are grouped into lobbies with others under similar suspicion, often facing extreme latency and harder matches. This mechanism was implemented with the Ricochet Anti-Cheat system to deter cheaters while maintaining a fair experience for regular players. But many legitimate players have found themselves shadow-banned for reasons as mundane as hardware changes or software misinterpretations.
My Shadow Ban Status Over the Last Six Months
I’ll say this upfront: I haven’t had a true shadow ban in the past six months—only a brief, unusual instance after purchasing a battle pass, where I was restricted for about 24 hours. This incident, to my knowledge, was acknowledged by Activision as a mistake rather than a formal shadow ban.
Otherwise, my account has remained clean. For those of you still struggling with shadow bans despite trying various fixes, I truly empathize. Here’s what I did that I believe has kept my account clear.
The Fix that Worked for Me: Replacing My Main Board
Replacing my motherboard was the key. Many players who tried everything, including full PC upgrades, still found themselves shadow-banned. But by specifically changing my mainboard, the core piece of hardware linked to unique identifiers, I managed to bypass recurring shadow bans. Alongside this, I made sure that all my gaming accounts were linked with Activision, so they could easily verify my identity and reduce any suspicious flags.
For those unfamiliar with account linking, go to Activision’s website, log in, and confirm that your profiles (Xbox, Battle.net, PC, and other accounts) are connected to your Activision ID. My accounts are all linked except for my PlayStation and Nintendo accounts. These serve as backup accounts, though I haven’t needed them recently.
Enhanced Security Measures: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) on my accounts has added a layer of security that further reduces the risk of unauthorized access. MFA, which prompts for verification via an authentication app or code upon each login, is simple to set up and significantly strengthens account security. Just head to your account settings, look for two-factor authentication (2FA), and choose your preferred method.
Software and VPN Usage
Many players assume that certain software or VPN use may lead to shadow bans. I still use my Easy Game VPN regularly, which lets me optimize latency and access easier lobbies. Currently, we’re running a 6.99€ promo on the 30-day package for PlayStation or PC users. Along with the VPN, I use various software for enhanced input recognition and management, like custom profiles and software such as Armory Crate, which provides additional system information.
I even have Warzone Agent software installed, which reads game memory data. Normally, this type of software could raise flags, but I haven’t faced any bans because of it. It’s crucial to ensure the legitimacy of your software sources to avoid potential issues.
Best Practices for Switching Accounts or Hardware
If you have multiple accounts and encounter a shadow ban, resist the temptation to switch accounts. Based on my experience, it's best to play solely on your main account after making any hardware changes, like replacing a mainboard. I have not touched my backup accounts since replacing my mainboard, which I believe has helped avoid suspicious flags.
Avoiding Scams and Fraudulent “Unban” Services
A quick reminder: avoid engaging with accounts claiming they can lift bans for a fee. Many scammers post in video comments claiming that they can assist with shadow bans or similar issues, often redirecting to dubious Twitter, Instagram, or other social media accounts. These services are rarely legitimate; they’ll likely attempt to steal or resell your account. Stick with Activision’s official support channels and trusted advice.
Final Thoughts on the Future of Shadow Bans and Anti-Cheat in Call of Duty
The shadow ban system is undeniably frustrating, especially when it impacts legitimate players. Activision’s Ricochet Anti-Cheat has shown significant flaws in identifying false positives, which means innocent players still get swept into restricted lobbies or disconnected without warning. My hope is that Activision replaces Ricochet with a more reliable anti-cheat solution in future releases.
With the Warzone integration with Black Ops 6 on the horizon, I’ll keep everyone updated if my situation changes or if I face any new shadow bans. For now, play fair, stay informed, and avoid tools or scripts that might risk your account.
In Summary:
1. Replacing your mainboard may be the most effective shadow-ban solution.
2. Link all your accounts to Activision and enable multi-factor authentication.
3. Avoid switching accounts or using unverified services to “fix” bans.
4. Steer clear of potential scam comments offering ban-lifting services.
Hopefully, this provides you a clearer path through the shadow ban landscape. I’ll keep you posted on any updates, especially with new releases!
Comments