Call of Duty takes aim at third-party devices in latest anti-cheat update

Call of Duty has revealed a new wave of anti-cheat measures as the first-person shooter title prepares to launch Ranked Play modes for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone.

To ensure a level playing field, Ricochet is cracking down on unapproved third-party devices that provide players with a range of unfair advantages during matches.

As part of efforts to crack down on cheating across Call of Duty’s competitive modes, Ricochet plans to tackle players using devices that improve reaction times, reduce recoil, and enhance accuracy.

Arriving as part of the Season 2 update for Black Ops 7 and Warzone, Ricochet Anti-Cheat will introduce new detections targeting third-party devices and accounts using them to gain the upper hand during Ranked Play matches.

“We know what an unfair match looks like: losing a close gunfight to aim that never seems to miss, recoil that never kicks, or reactions that don’t feel human,” wrote Activision in a blog post. “Ranked Play demands trust and fair competition. It’s meant to require skill and teamwork. Addressing these devices is a critical step.”

The latest anti-cheat measures come as part of an increased effort to combat hackers negatively impacting matches. In January 2026, Ricochet anti-cheat introduced stronger cloud-based attestation to add further protection against cheaters before a match begins.

Alongside the Ricochet update, the second post-launch update for Black Ops 7 contains a wealth of new content catering towards the competitive scene. The launch of Ranked Play provides players with a platform to showcase their skills and compete using a dedicated in-game ladder.

With Activision continuing to apply preventative measures to stop players from gaining an unfair advantage, Call of Duty’s competitive modes are becoming a platform where players can participate in matches against legitimate opponents.