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What is Cronus and how does it work in Call of Duty?

A Squad stands in the plane above Al Mazrah in Call of Duty Warzone 2.0

Credit: Activision

Regular Call of Duty players have likely heard of it but may not know exactly what Cronus is. Its use is fairly widespread in CoD thanks to the incredible gameplay advantages it provides. However, it is controversial and many blame it for spoiling the gameplay experience in Call of Duty. So, what is the Cronus and how does it work? This guide explains everything you need to know about the Cronus in Call of Duty.

What is Cronus?

Cronus is a third-party device that allows players to program and use scripts, mods, and macros for their controller in games such as Call of Duty. Players can also connect a keyboard and mouse to consoles for use in games that wouldn’t otherwise support them.

In addition, players are able to connect unsupported controllers to a console and use them in-game. Remapping buttons, sticks and sensors to preferred custom layouts is also possible.

Cronus hardware can be used on a variety of platforms. It is compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. Its popularity can be attributed to the immense competitive benefits it offers players in Call of Duty.

Image of the Cronus Zen product, often used in Call of Duty.
Credit: Official Cronus Shop

How does it work in Call of Duty?

Cronus devices interrupt the signals between controller and console or PC and allows them to be manipulated and reprogrammed to meet a user’s specific needs.

Because of this, players can automate in-game actions for competitive advantages, such as precision aiming, recoil elimination, and more.

Of course, this means gunfights against a player using one are unbalanced and often unwinnable.

Is using Cronus considered cheating?

Using a Cronus device in Call of Duty is considered cheating as it provides an unfair advantage.

In an official Call of Duty RICOCHET Anti-Cheat report published in April 2023, Team RICOCHET confirmed that “detection for third-party hardware devices that alter the Call of Duty gameplay experience” has been “developed and tested”.

This has now been deployed “globally on all platforms” and will seek to identify players using third-party hardware such as Cronus.

A sniper wearing a ghillie suit in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
Credit: Activision

How can you tell if someone is using it in Call of Duty?

First and foremost, if you suspect someone is using a Cronus in Call of Duty, you should report them at the earliest opportunity. This will likely result in appropriate action being taken against the offending player.

With that being said, it is almost impossible to know for certain if someone is using a Cronus in CoD. However, some subtle signs can be strong indicators that a player may be using one.

For example, if a player shoots with unrealistic accuracy for prolonged periods while moving quickly and erratically. Similarly, accurate kills from exceptionally long distances with minimal effort and rapid speed also suggest a player is using a third-party device to cheat.

What are the potential consequences of using Cronus in Call of Duty?

Consequences of using a Cronus device in Call of Duty range from mild to severe. Players are likely to receive warnings, suspensions, and bans depending on the level and frequency of offending.

As part of the new RICOCHET detection deployment, players will first receive an “Unsupported Device Warning”. It states: “Your account utilized an unsupported external hardware device to interact with the game.” You can check out a screenshot of the warning below.

Screenshot showing the Unsupported Device (Cronus) warning in Call of Duty.
Unsupported Device Warning. Credit: Activision

Continued offences will result in the following consequences: “additional warnings, the deployment of mitigations, account or feature suspensions, or the banning of the offending account.”

Players should consider the risks before using a Cronus. It is also worth bearing in mind the impact cheating may have on other players who want a fair and balanced experience. No one likes a cheater – so, if you don’t to be labelled as one, it’s probably best to avoid using Cronus devices in Call of Duty.

Have you ever used one? Are you pleased these devices are now detectable in CoD? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…

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Joe Harby

About Author

Joe is one of the editors and founders of Downtime Bros and an accredited critic. He has more than a decade of experience in journalism and communications. He is passionate about everything in the worlds of gaming, movies, and TV, as demonstrated by the countless words he has written about them. He is overly proud of his Bloodborne platinum trophy and plays too much Call of Duty. Follow him on Twitter and check out his reviews on OpenCritic.

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