Call of Duty: Mobile (COD Mobile) is set to introduce an Auto Lean or Corner Slicing mechanic in its Season 5 (2025) update, as revealed on the current test server. This feature allows Operators to automatically peek around cover without fully exposing themselves, mirroring a mechanic long present in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
Image Credits: Activision
Leaning has been part of the franchise since the original PC release in 2003 and saw console implementations in titles like Ghosts (2013) and Modern Warfare (2019).
Early community feedback had flagged concerns over screen clutter if manual lean controls were added; Activision’s automated approach appears designed to minimize additional HUD elements. Some players remain skeptical-suggesting the demo may prioritize animation flair over full functional depth.
However, the test server rollout indicates a much better outcome.
What is Auto Lean / Corner Slicing in COD Mobile
The feature was first spotted by the leakers account Leakers On Duty on X (formerly Twitter). On the Season 5 test server which also revealed a dozen other upcoming features, auto-leaning surely takes the spotlight. The gameplay showcases, it activates when Operators slow-jog into cover, smoothly pivoting their aim without a manual button press.
A subset of players believe that the demo may emphasize polished animations over hit-detection improvements. Unlike PUBG Mobile’s Peek & Fire-where you gain a clear, tactical line of sight while remaining largely concealed-COD Mobile’s corner-slice appears to rely more on the visual flourish of the operator’s body shifting around cover.
Although there is a subtle shift in the camera angle, it doesn’t yet promise the significant point-of-view advantage that competitive players prize. Broad live-server testing will clarify whether auto-lean delivers measurable competitive advantages.
Image Credits: Activision
How Lean and Fire might impact COD Mobile Gameplay
Leaning in COD has always been used for “headglitch” spots where only a sliver of your head shows, so you shoot without getting shot back. It’s part bug, part emergent play, thanks to how the hitboxes and camera line up in the engine. In COD Mobile, this auto-lean could give cover-hugging players a new edge, especially in modes like Search and Destroy where sneaking around is everything. If it works well, it might shake up competitive matches big time.
With Warzone Mobile maybe winding down soon, Activision and TiMi Studios are refocusing on COD Mobile-and borrowing features once locked to Warzone Mobile. But hey, this won’t be the first big mobile shooter to get the axe; remember Apex Legends Mobile shutting down exactly two years ago?
Although present on the current test server, Activision has not formally committed to deploying the feature in either this or subsequent seasons. All dates remain provisional until official patch notes are published.