Warzone is a highly competitive game, and the developers are actively monitoring player behavior to ensure fair play.
Sometimes, players may be hit with a shadow ban—a subtle penalty that modifies or limits gameplay without any formal notification.
If you suspect you’ve been penalized with this kind of ban, this ONE Esports guide can help you understand what it is, how to check if it’s happened to you, and what steps to take next.
What is a shadow ban?
A shadow ban is when your account is flagged for suspicious activity, such as cheating or violating the game’s terms of service.
Instead of being outright banned, you’re placed in lobbies with other shadow banned players where you’ll experience significantly increasing wait times and find it hard to find a match.
Additionally, these lobbies are often filled with cheaters, creating a frustrating gameplay experience.
Another tell-tale sign is getting into a server that is far from your region, resulting in higher ping than usual.
Warzone shadow ban check: A step-by-step guide
- Visit the Activision Support website and log in with your account credentials.
- Navigate to the “Ban Appeal” section.
- If your account status shows “No Ban Detected,” you’re likely not shadow banned. However, if it displays “Under Review,” it suggests your account may have been flagged, and is currently under investigation.
If you’ve verified that you’ve been penalized, here are the steps you can take:
- Wait it out: Shadow bans typically last about seven to 14 days. After this period, if no further suspicious activity is detected, the ban is usually lifted.
- Submit a ban appeal: You can submit a ban appeal through the Activision Support page, though this doesn’t guarantee a response or immediate resolution.
- Ensure fair play: Reflect on your gameplay and make sure you’re not using any third-party software or engaging in behavior that could be misinterpreted as cheating.
To minimize the risk of being shadow banned in the future, avoid using any cheats, hacks, or exploits. Stick to fair play to ensure your account remains in good standing.
Additionally, refrain from engaging in abusive or toxic behavior as it can also lead to reports and potential bans.
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