Call of Duty Limited Matchmaking Explained

Call of Duty Limited Matchmaking Explained

As a seasoned Call of Duty gamer with countless hours spent battling it out across various maps and game modes, I can’t help but appreciate Activision’s efforts to combat cheaters and hackers in their games. The introduction of Limited Matchmaking is one such measure that, while not always welcomed by players, serves a crucial purpose in maintaining the integrity of the gameplay experience for everyone involved.


In addition to the RICOCHET anti-cheat system, which includes kernel-level drivers for fighting hackers in Call of Duty, Activision also implements additional safeguards like restricted matchmaking to maintain a high-quality gaming environment free from interference by cheaters.

In online games such as “Call of Duty,” including the popular “Warzone” version, unauthorized play using hacks or cheats is a persistent problem due to its massive following. This can lead to widespread cheating, which in turn necessitates numerous strategies for dealing with hackers and cheaters simultaneously.

Although the Limited Matchmaking system might be familiar to some gamers, it still raises questions for many. Here’s a breakdown of everything you should know about it.

What is Limited Matchmaking in Call of Duty?

Call of Duty Limited Matchmaking Explained

As a Call of Duty gamer, if I ever find myself under suspicion for breaching the game’s Security and Enforcement policy, my account gets put into a “restricted multiplayer mode.” This essentially means I can’t jump into normal COD matches while Activision looks over my account. Instead, I get paired up with other accounts that are in a similar predicament.

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 encompasses all versions of the “Call of Duty” series, commencing with “Modern Warfare” from 2019. This includes games launched on consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices that have been published afterwards.

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

In the game Call of Duty, a Shadowban equates to being Limited in Matchmaking. If players appear to have violated Activision’s security and enforcement policies, they are put into a “limited matchmaking mode,” which restricts them from participating in normal Call of Duty matches.

How to Know If You Are Shadowbanned in Call of Duty

Call of Duty Limited Matchmaking Explained

If you’ve been Shadowbanned or restricted in the Multiplayer section of Call of Duty, your gaming experience might undergo several adjustments. These could involve longer waits for matchmaking, higher latency (ping), limited access to specific game modes, and additional restrictions.

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2024-10-17 21:53