This means your account was flagged for review and placed in restricted matchmaking, often from automated triggers or forbidden input devices. Playing clean clears most cases. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.
A RICOCHET limited matchmaking status or shadowban, often seen as repeated disconnected from server messages or being matched only against other flagged players, means your account was flagged for review. This is usually triggered automatically, by high-performance detection heuristics or by forbidden input devices such as mouse-and-keyboard adapters or macro hardware that RICOCHET does not allow. It is different from a permanent ban: it is a temporary restriction that typically resolves on its own after a review period if no further violations occur. The practical steps are to disconnect any forbidden input devices immediately, stop using anything that could trip the detection, and keep playing legitimately so the automated review clears you. If you believe the flag is a genuine mistake, you can appeal to Activision Support. Note that if the flag was caused by actual cheating or banned peripherals, it can escalate to a full ban.
RICOCHET can place an account into a restricted matchmaking pool or shadowban when its automated systems flag it for review. Triggers include high-performance detection heuristics and forbidden input devices like keyboard-and-mouse adapters or macro hardware that are not permitted.
Unlike a permanent ban, this is usually a temporary review that clears on its own if there are no further violations. Disconnecting forbidden devices and playing legitimately lets the automated review lift it. A genuine cheating flag, however, can escalate to a ban.
“Shadowbans panic people, but a RICOCHET limited-matchmaking flag is usually a temporary review, not the end of your account. The two things I check first are input devices, adapters that let you use mouse and keyboard where you should not, and macro hardware, because those trip it fast. Disconnect anything like that, then just play clean. Most automated flags lift themselves after the review window with no further hits. If you genuinely think it is wrong, appeal to Activision. But if it was actual cheating or banned peripherals, do not expect it to quietly go away.”
RICOCHET limited matchmaking or a shadowban is a temporary review, not usually a permanent ban. Disconnect forbidden input devices (mouse-and-keyboard adapters, macro hardware), play legitimately, and let the automated review clear it. Appeal to Activision Support if you believe it is a mistake. Genuine cheating can escalate to a ban.
If your account stays restricted well beyond a normal review window with no banned devices or software in use, an appeal to Activision Support with details of your setup is the right next step. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.
