How Anti-Cheat Works
An overview of modern anti-cheat systems and their methods. Learn about the technologies used to detect cheating and the different approaches taken by major publishers.
Activision Ricochet
Used in:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
EA Javelin
Used in:
Battlefield 6
EA Sports FC 25
F1 25
Madden NFL 25
Activision Ricochet Anti-Cheat
Kernel-Level Protection
Ricochet operates at the kernel level of your operating system, providing deep system access to detect cheating attempts that traditional anti-cheat systems might miss.
Real-Time Monitoring
Continuously monitors gameplay data, player behavior, and system processes to identify suspicious activities and potential cheating in real-time.
Machine Learning Detection
Uses AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns and detect new cheating methods, though this can sometimes result in false positives.
Game-Specific Protection
Tailored specifically for Call of Duty games, understanding the unique mechanics and gameplay patterns to provide targeted protection.
28M+
PC Players Protected
2.2B+
Game Sessions Monitored
2021
Launch Year
EA Javelin Anti-Cheat
Multi-Layer Defense
Javelin employs multiple layers of protection including client-side detection, server-side validation, and behavioral analysis to create a comprehensive defense system.
Proactive Security
Instead of just reacting to cheating attempts, Javelin proactively creates secure spaces where players can trust the integrity of their gaming experiences.
Cross-Platform Protection
Provides consistent anti-cheat protection across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, ensuring fair play regardless of your gaming device.
Continuous Evolution
Constantly evolving to address today's and tomorrow's security threats, staying ahead of new cheating methods and techniques.
Secure Boot Requirement
Requires Secure Boot to be enabled, ensuring the system only boots with trusted software, making it harder for cheat software to function.
Kernel-Level Monitoring
Operates at the kernel level of your operating system, providing deep system access to detect and prevent cheating attempts that traditional anti-cheat systems might miss. Like Ricochet, Javelin also uses kernel-level monitoring.
Linux/Steam Deck Compatibility
Note: The Secure Boot requirement may cause compatibility issues with Linux systems and Steam Deck, as Secure Boot is not supported on these platforms.
2022
Launch Year
28M+
PC Players Supported
2.2B+
PC Game Sessions
Anti-Cheat Comparison
| Feature | Activision Ricochet | EA Javelin |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Level | Kernel-level monitoring | Multi-layer defense |
| Detection Method | Real-time + ML algorithms | Proactive + Behavioral analysis |
| Platform Coverage | PC focused | Cross-platform (PC, PS, Xbox) |
| Game Focus | Call of Duty series | EA Sports FC, Battlefield, F1, etc. |
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Shadowbanning | Yes - Places suspected cheaters in separate matches | No - Uses traditional ban methods |
| Hardware ID Bans | Yes - Can ban specific hardware components | Yes - Can ban specific hardware components |
| Secure Boot Required | No | Yes - For full functionality |
Shadowbanning & Hardware ID Bans
Shadowbanning (Ricochet Only)
Activision Ricochet: Suspicious accounts are placed in matches with other suspected cheaters without notification. This creates a separate player pool for monitoring and data collection. Shadowbans typically last around 5 days (±2 days).
Hardware ID Bans
Both Systems: Can ban specific hardware components (CPU, GPU, motherboard) making it difficult to play even with new accounts. The exact criteria for when this happens is not publicly disclosed.
Limited Transparency
Neither system clearly communicates when shadowbanning or hardware ID bans are applied. The decision-making process remains largely opaque to players, leading to confusion about penalties.
EA's Approach
EA Javelin: Does not use shadowbanning like Ricochet. Instead, it focuses on direct detection and prevention, with more traditional ban methods for confirmed cheaters.
Why Monitor Your Account Status
Early Detection
Get notified immediately when your account status changes. Whether you're using software that might trigger detection or just want to stay informed, early detection helps you understand what's happening with your account.
Shadowban Monitoring
Since shadowbans are not clearly communicated by Activision, our tool helps you detect when you've been placed in the shadow realm and, more importantly, when you've been released from it.
Discord Notifications
Receive instant Discord notifications whenever your account status changes, so you don't have to manually check. Stay informed about your account status 24/7.
Account History
Track your account status over time to understand patterns and see how different software or behaviors might affect your account status with these anti-cheat systems.