This comprehensive guide explains various methods players use to get into bot lobbies (easier, lower-skilled lobbies) in Warzone. We’ll cover everything from VPN setup to timing strategies, with platform-specific instructions for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Disclaimer: Some methods described may violate Activision’s Terms of Service and could result in account penalties. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always play fair and consider the impact on other players.
Method 1: Using a VPN (Most Popular)
The VPN method is the most commonly discussed approach for accessing easier lobbies by connecting to specific geographic regions with different player populations.
How It Works
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) changes your apparent location, allowing you to connect to Warzone servers in different regions. Some regions have:
- Lower average player skill levels
- Smaller player populations (wider skill ranges in lobbies)
- Different peak playing times
- Less strict SBMM due to fewer available players
Step-by-Step VPN Method
- Choose a VPN Service:
- NordVPN (popular, many servers)
- ExpressVPN (fast, reliable)
- Surfshark (budget-friendly)
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Install the VPN: Download and install the appropriate client for your platform
- Select Target Region: Connect to servers in these commonly cited locations:
- Egypt (Cairo)
- Kenya (Nairobi)
- India (Mumbai, Bangalore)
- Singapore
- Australia (during off-peak)
- Launch Warzone: Start the game after VPN connection is established
- Start Matchmaking: Queue for your preferred game mode
- Verify Lobby Difficulty: Use a lobby tracker to check if you got an easier lobby
Important: VPN effectiveness varies. You may need to try different servers and times. Higher ping is common when using VPN to distant regions.
Read our detailed VPN setup guide for more information including best VPN locations and configurations.
Method 2: Strategic Timing (No VPN Required)
Playing during specific times can naturally result in easier lobbies without any third-party tools.
Best Times to Play for Easier Lobbies
| Time Period | Why It Works | Region Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (3 AM – 7 AM) | Fewer hardcore players online, more casual gamers | Local timezone |
| Weekday Afternoons (1 PM – 4 PM) | Working players offline, more casual audience | Local timezone |
| Late Night (2 AM – 5 AM) | Smaller player pool, relaxed matchmaking | Local timezone |
| Holiday Mornings | Influx of casual/new players | Your region |
Timing Strategy Steps
- Identify your local off-peak hours
- Avoid prime time (6 PM – 11 PM on weekdays, afternoons on weekends)
- Log in during early morning or very late night
- Start matchmaking immediately (don’t wait too long)
- Track your lobby difficulty to confirm easier lobbies
Method 3: Geographic Server Selection
Even without a VPN, you can sometimes influence which servers you connect to.
How to Influence Server Selection
- Ping Limit Settings: Adjust in-game ping limit to restrict servers
- Firewall Rules: Block certain server IPs (advanced, not recommended)
- Natural Location: If you live in certain regions, you may naturally get easier lobbies
Best Regions for Easier Lobbies (Without VPN)
If you naturally live in these areas, you may experience easier average lobbies:
- Middle East (Dubai, Cairo)
- Parts of Southeast Asia
- Africa
- Oceania during off-peak
- Some South American regions
Method 4: Console-Specific Techniques (PS4, PS5, Xbox)
Console players have unique challenges and methods for accessing bot lobbies.
For PlayStation (PS4/PS5)
- Router VPN Setup:
- Configure VPN on your router
- Connect PlayStation to VPN-enabled network
- All traffic routes through VPN automatically
- Mobile Hotspot VPN Method:
- Enable VPN on smartphone
- Create mobile hotspot
- Connect PS4/PS5 to hotspot
- Warzone traffic goes through phone’s VPN
- Smart DNS Service:
- Configure DNS settings on PlayStation
- Use Smart DNS provider
- Less effective than VPN but easier setup
For Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
- Router-Level VPN: Same as PlayStation method above
- PC Sharing Method:
- Connect Xbox to PC via ethernet
- Enable VPN on PC
- Share PC’s VPN connection to Xbox
- Network Settings Optimization:
- Adjust Xbox network settings
- Manually select DNS servers
- Configure alternate MAC addresses
Read our complete console guide for detailed setup instructions.
Method 5: PC-Specific Methods
PC players have the most flexibility for accessing easier lobbies.
PC VPN Setup (Easiest for PC)
- Download VPN client (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.)
- Install and launch the application
- Select target server location
- Connect to VPN
- Launch Battle.net launcher
- Start Warzone and queue for matches
Advanced PC Methods
- Split Tunneling: Route only Warzone traffic through VPN
- Protocol Selection: Use faster VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2)
- Server Hopping: Quickly test multiple VPN servers
- Dual VPN: Chain multiple VPN connections (rarely necessary)
See our complete PC bot lobby guide for advanced techniques.
Method 6: Game Mode Selection
Different game modes have different matchmaking pools and difficulty levels.
Easier Game Modes
- Rebirth Island: Often has more casual players
- Limited Time Modes: New modes attract casual audience
- Plunder: Less competitive objective-based mode
- Solo vs Squads: Different matchmaking algorithm
Avoiding Harder Lobbies
These modes tend to have sweatier competition:
- Ranked/Competitive modes
- Regular Battle Royale during prime time
- Playing in full squads of high K/D players
How to Verify You’re in a Bot Lobby
After implementing any method, you need to verify if you actually got an easier lobby.
Using Lobby Tracker Websites
- Play a match or get to the pre-game lobby
- Visit a lobby tracker website (e.g., WZStats, COD Tracker)
- Enter your username/Activision ID
- View your most recent lobby statistics
- Check the lobby rank (Bronze = bot lobby)
Bot Lobby Indicators
| Lobby Rank | Average K/D | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze 5-1 | 0.65 – 0.85 | Bot Lobby |
| Silver | 0.85 – 1.00 | Easy Lobby |
| Gold | 1.00 – 1.15 | Average Lobby |
| Platinum | 1.15 – 1.30 | Sweaty Lobby |
| Diamond | 1.30+ | Very Hard Lobby |
Learn how to check your lobby KD in detail.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these methods as they’re ineffective, unethical, or against Terms of Service:
- Reverse Boosting: Intentionally dying to lower SBMM (ruins games for teammates, TOS violation)
- Account Buying: Purchasing low-SBMM accounts (TOS violation, risk of scams)
- Matchmaking Exploits: Using bugs/glitches (TOS violation, bannable)
- Bot Lobby Services: Paying for “guaranteed” bot lobbies (scams, TOS violation)
- Multiple Accounts: Creating many accounts to manipulate SBMM (TOS violation)
Warning: Violating Activision’s Terms of Service can result in permanent account bans, loss of all purchased content, and potentially hardware/IP bans.
Effectiveness and Realistic Expectations
What to Expect
- Success Rate: 30-60% of attempts may result in easier lobbies
- Consistency: Results vary day-to-day and hour-to-hour
- Ping Impact: VPN methods often increase ping (50-150ms typical)
- Time Investment: May need to try multiple servers/times
- Temporary Effect: SBMM adjusts based on performance over time
Is It Worth It?
Consider these factors:
- Higher ping can negate the advantage of easier lobbies
- Inconsistent results can be frustrating
- Risk of account penalties
- Ethical concerns about fair play
- Doesn’t improve your actual skill
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get bot lobbies in Warzone for free?
The timing method is completely free – just play during off-peak hours. Some VPN services offer free trials, but sustained free VPN use isn’t reliable for gaming.
How to get bot lobbies in Warzone without VPN?
Play during early morning hours, try different game modes, or naturally have a lower SBMM ranking by playing casually without focusing on performance.
How to get bot lobbies in Warzone on PS5?
Use the router VPN method, mobile hotspot with VPN, or play during off-peak times. See our console guide for details.
How to get bot lobbies in Warzone on Xbox?
Router VPN setup or PC connection sharing are most effective for Xbox. Timing strategy also works. Full guide in our console section.
Can you get banned for using VPN in Warzone?
Activision’s stance on VPN use is unclear. While not explicitly banned, using VPNs to manipulate matchmaking could potentially be considered a violation of Terms of Service. Use at your own risk.