The ongoing battle against cheaters in the Call of Duty franchise is intensifying with the introduction of Black Ops 7. While the past year has seen some fluctuations in the cheating landscape during Black Ops 6 and Warzone, the recent launch of the Black Ops 7 beta has already revealed challenges that Activision is keen to address. The company aims to establish the most secure iteration of Call of Duty yet, and as part of this effort, PC players are now required to enable two essential third-party anti-cheat features: Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.
Emerging Challenges in the Beta
Despite these measures, reports of cheating have surfaced just hours into the beta. Players have shared clips showcasing opponents utilizing aim bots and wall hacks, raising concerns within the community. Although widespread cheating has not been reported, the presence of these bad actors is disconcerting, especially for those who encounter them in matches. The footage includes kill cams that clearly demonstrate the use of cheats, alongside recordings from cheaters themselves showcasing their exploits.
While the situation may seem alarming, there are two key points to consider that may alleviate some anxiety. First, Activision’s in-house anti-cheat system, Ricochet, has not yet rolled out all of its promised enhancements. Currently, these upgrades are being “dynamically scaled,” meaning they are being tested and adjusted at varying times and intensities. As a result, players may not be experiencing the full benefits of Ricochet’s new detection capabilities during the beta phase. Activision has assured players that the complete suite of Ricochet’s upgrades will be activated upon the official release of Black Ops 7 in November.
Second, in an unexpected turn, Activision has expressed a willingness to see cheaters test the beta’s defenses. The company stated, “Cheaters will try to test the limits during the Beta. That’s exactly what we want because #TeamRICOCHET is here, watching, learning, and removing them as they appear.” Furthermore, any account permanently banned for cheating during the beta will face bans across all Call of Duty titles, reinforcing the seriousness of the initiative.
CHEATER ON DAY 1 OF BLACK OPS 7 BETA LMFAO!!! pic.twitter.com/KkkW55vZaO
– Nicari 🤍 (@Nicari) October 2, 2025
Activision has also been proactive in responding to community members who share footage of hackers, confirming the bans of specific accounts featured in these clips. This approach reflects a commitment to maintaining a fair gaming environment.
While the beta may present some short-term challenges, the long-term goal is to enhance security and player experience. With stiff competition from Battlefield 6 on the horizon, Black Ops 7 cannot afford a launch marred by cheating. As players dive into the beta, they can look forward to improved defenses and a more secure gaming experience in the near future.
For those planning to explore the beta in the coming days, resources such as guides on the best Black Ops 7 weapons are available. Should the beta not meet expectations, a variety of competitive multiplayer games await discovery.
Are you gearing up for the BO7 beta this weekend? Join the conversation in the PCGamesN Discord or share what other games you might be playing instead.
