Cover-Credits:
Apex Legends has a massive controller versus M&K (mouse and keyboard) debate that has been going on for years. Many pro players are shifting to controller input as it is regarded to be the superior input method of choice due to aim assist offering an advantage in close-range combat. But with the rise of controller usage, there are Cronus Zens that are also being used by many players and a lot of PC players have no clue what they are.
Cronus Zens are essentially “hardware cheats” that connect via USB and can make your controllers have aim hacks. There are many brands that have hardware and replicate this effect and some companies are offering such hardware cheats for mouse and keyboard players as well.
Why Cronus Zens are problematic
It is very difficult to detect Cronus Zens and developers will not only have to invest resources in preventing PC cheats but they will also have to address such issues on console. Cheats ruin the competitive integrity of both casual gaming and esports, and the availability of these cheats can negatively impact future esports titles. There have been multiple incidents of players cheating in esports with ReFleck's use of cheats against Team Dignitas being one of the more recent examples.
Consoles have maintained the reputation of being safer than PCs when it comes to cheaters, but with the rise of these new-age cheats, things might change. Cronus Zens offer automatic recoil control, custom aim assist, and other exploits that offer a competitive advantage to players.
While it is possible to detect Cronus Zens, it is difficult to implement security measures that allow games to do so. If you feel that someone is cheating in Apex Legends, you should report them immediately.
While in a match, bring up the in-game menu (Tab on PC, Options on PS4, Menu on Xbox One).
Open the Squad tab.
Select the warning symbol (“!” inside a triangle) under the player you want to report.
Choose which category you’d like to report:
Cheating
Gameplay disruption
Harassment/threats
Inappropriate content
Choose the subcategory from the drop-down menu.
Click Report.
Over time, anti-cheat programs should get better at detecting Cronus Zens but cheats also evolve continuously and it can be difficult to keep them in check forever.
