Activision has taken innovative measures to combat cheating in Call of Duty, but hackers continue to circumvent these efforts.
On Dec. 22, 2023, Activision disclosed that over 23,000 accounts had been banned since the launch of MW3, with much of the credit attributed to the RICOCHET anti-cheat system’s pioneering mitigation techniques. In a new approach for MW3, developers integrated AI “machine learning” to identify wrongdoers and implemented deterrents like “splat,” which causes cheaters to plummet to their demise, and a hallucination effect that inserts decoy characters into the game, visible only to cheaters. Despite these extensive efforts, a new cheating service emerged.
What is Phantom Overlay for MW3 and Warzone?
Phantom Overlay is a cheat provider that allegedly enables players to see enemies through walls and utilize an aim bot to lock onto targets. The service boasts customizable features allowing players to conceal any suspicious activity effectively.
In January, MW3 and Warzone players on PS5 received a fortunate break when a system update disabled Cronus Software, the once-popular method for modifying mechanics such as aim assist and recoil control. However, PC players continue to contend with the proliferation of another cheating service.
Fortunately, if you encounter someone using the Phantom Overlay cheat system, there are steps you can take.
How to report a player for cheating in MW3 or Warzone
Here’s how to self-report a suspected cheater in MW3 or Warzone:
- Open the Options menu and choose Report Player at the bottom.
- Select the player you wish to report, then click Report.
- Specify the reason for your report.
- Choose Send Report or Report & Block Player.
