Cheat provider Phantom Overlay has announced it’s shutting down, a big win for Black Ops 6 players frustrated by the game’s ongoing cheating issues.

Trouble with cheating and hacking has been at an all-time high for Call of Duty since the launch of Black Ops 6. The issues proved so prevalent that developers were forced to add console-only crossplay to Ranked mode in BO6 and Warzone.

Activision also made strides to bolster its RICOCHET anti-cheat system in early 2025; however, cheat developers like Phantom Overlay continue to complicate the situation.

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This provider lets players engage in illicit tactics like aim botting under the assumption that their behaviors will remain hidden from cheat detectors. RICOCHET’s gotten better about catching on, though, all while Activision is still suing known cheat makers.

Phantom Overlay closes down in BO6’s fight against cheaters

As relayed by content creator ItsHapa, Phantom Overlay announced that it will “begin the process of closing down immediately.”

Their services will remain online for the next month or so, giving customers with 30-day keys plenty of time “to get their full money’s worth.”

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🚨I can't believe it!! Phantom Overlay SHUTS DOWN!!!🤯
Does this mean the season 3 anti cheat update is really gonna work?! pic.twitter.com/o8ZDWUGbxG

— ItsHapa (@ItsHapa) March 2, 2025

This shutdown could go a long way in helping ease Black Ops 6’s unceasing cheating troubles, as ItsHapa notes in the above post.

However, not all Call of Duty players are convinced this will make a big difference. Riot Vanguard analyst GamerDoc replied to the post saying, “…they will just move to another vendor. Cheats aren’t hard to create, dude; branding and marketing are.”

Others are a bit more hopeful as one person noted that, given Phantom Overlay’s prominence, this could be a “major blow” to cheaters.

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Black Ops 6 devs double down on cross-play in Ranked despite hacker crisis

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Meanwhile, users in BO6’s subreddit cast doubt on the idea that this news marks a win for the progress of RICOCHET. One fan argued Phantom Overlay’s owner is likely opting for a “graceful exit” as Activision lawyers may be breathing down their neck.

If that is true, this would be a big win for Call of Duty in the never-ending battle against cheaters.

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As of writing, it’s unclear if the publisher has its sights set on Phantom Overlay. It’s also unknown why exactly the cheat provider is bowing out. Regardless, the shutdown gives cheaters one less service to rely on.

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