Warzone private lobbies allow you to create custom matches with friends, practice in controlled environments, and host tournaments. This comprehensive guide covers everything about setting up private lobbies, custom game modes, and organizing competitive private matches.
What Are Warzone Private Lobbies?
Private lobbies (also called private matches or custom games) are closed Warzone matches that only invited players can join. Unlike public matchmaking, you have control over:
- Who can join the match
- Game mode and settings
- Map selection (within available options)
- Match duration and rules
- Whether bots fill empty slots
Private Lobby Features
| Feature | Public Matchmaking | Private Lobby |
|---|---|---|
| Player Control | Random players | Invite-only |
| Stats Tracking | Counts toward K/D | Does NOT count |
| XP Gains | Full XP | Reduced/No XP |
| Bots | No | Optional fill |
| Custom Rules | No | Yes |
Important: Private lobby stats (kills, wins, K/D) do NOT count toward your permanent stats. These are for practice, fun, and tournaments only.
How to Create a Warzone Private Lobby
Step-by-Step Setup
- Main Menu: Go to Warzone main menu
- Select Mode: Choose “Private Match” or “Custom Game”
- Game Settings: Configure match settings:
- Game mode (BR, Resurgence, etc.)
- Map (if multiple available)
- Player count
- Bot fill (yes/no)
- Time limits
- Health/armor settings
- Invite Players: Send invites to friends list
- Permissions: Set spectator/observer permissions
- Start Match: Begin when ready (minimum players required)
Minimum Player Requirements
- Battle Royale: Usually requires 50+ players (can fill with bots)
- Resurgence: Minimum 20-30 players
- Custom modes: Varies by mode
Note: Requirements vary by Warzone version and available modes. Check in-game for current minimums.
Private Lobby with Bots
One of the best features of private lobbies is bot-fill capability:
How Bot-Fill Works
- Auto-fill: Bots automatically fill empty player slots
- Difficulty: Can set bot skill level (Easy/Medium/Hard)
- Behavior: Bots play like real players (drop, loot, engage)
- Great for practice: Safe environment to learn
Best Uses for Bot Lobbies
- New player training: Learn mechanics without pressure
- Weapon testing: Try guns in realistic scenarios
- Map learning: Explore without enemies
- Warmup: Practice before ranked/competitive
- Content creation: Record guides and tutorials
Important: Bot lobbies in private matches give NO XP and don’t count toward stats. They’re purely for practice.
Custom Game Settings
Private lobbies offer various customization options:
Available Settings (Varies by Version)
- Health & Armor: Adjust starting/max health and armor
- Starting Equipment: Customize initial loadouts
- Loot Availability: Control ground loot spawns
- Buy Station Prices: Adjust costs
- Circle Settings: Modify gas speed and damage
- Respawn Rules: Enable/disable respawns
- Team Settings: Configure team sizes
- Time Limits: Set match duration
Note: Available customization varies significantly between Warzone versions. Check in-game options for current features.
Organizing Private Match Tournaments
Private lobbies are essential for competitive tournaments:
Tournament Setup Requirements
- Minimum participants: Meet private lobby minimums
- Spectator slots: For casters/observers
- Standard settings: Agreed-upon ruleset
- Recording capability: For dispute resolution
- Discord/Comms: Coordinate with participants
Popular Tournament Formats
- Kill Race: Most kills in set time
- Last Team Standing: Traditional BR winner
- Point System: Points for kills + placement
- Wager Matches: Competitive money matches
See our Tournament Lobbies guide for detailed setup instructions.
Common Private Lobby Uses
1. Practice Scrims
Teams use private lobbies to:
- Practice strategies against known opponents
- Test new tactics in controlled environment
- Review VODs for improvement
- Prepare for tournaments
2. Content Creation
Creators use private lobbies for:
- Challenge videos (sniper-only, melee-only, etc.)
- Custom game modes
- Hide and seek games
- Tutorial recordings
- 1v1 showcases
3. Friend Competitions
Casual groups use private lobbies to:
- Play with full friend group (no randoms)
- Friendly competitions
- Custom challenges
- Learning sessions for new players
4. Coaching Sessions
Coaches use private lobbies to:
- Demonstrate strategies in real-time
- Practice specific scenarios
- 1-on-1 training
- Spectate and provide live feedback
Private Lobby Limitations
Be aware of these restrictions:
What You CAN’T Do
- No stat tracking: Kills/wins don’t count
- Limited XP: Minimal or no weapon/player XP
- No challenge progress: Camo challenges don’t count
- Player minimums: Need certain number to start
- Limited modes: Not all public modes available
- No ranked: Can’t play ranked in private
Technical Limitations
- Host connection quality affects all players
- May require port forwarding for hosting
- Limited customization in some Warzone versions
- Can’t mix certain game modes
Private Lobby vs Public Matchmaking
| Aspect | Private Lobby | Public Matchmaking |
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Don’t count | Count |
| XP | Minimal/None | Full |
| Challenges | Don’t progress | Progress |
| Control | Full | None |
| Players | Invite-only | Random |
| Best For | Practice, tournaments, fun | Progression, competition |
When to use each:
- Use Private: Practice, tournaments, friends-only, testing
- Use Public: Leveling, stats, challenges, serious gameplay
Hosting Private Lobby Tournaments
Quick overview of tournament hosting:
Requirements
- Minimum 50+ participants (or use bots)
- Reliable host with good connection
- Agreed rules and settings
- Method to track results
- Discord for communication
Popular Tournament Types
- Community tournaments: Open to all
- Clan wars: Organization vs organization
- Wager matches: Money on the line
- Content creator tournaments: Streamer battles
For complete tournament setup guide, see our Tournament Lobbies page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private lobbies count toward stats in Warzone?
No. Kills, deaths, wins, and all stats in private lobbies do NOT count toward your permanent stats or K/D ratio. They’re separate from public matchmaking.
Can you get XP in Warzone private lobbies?
Minimal to none. Private lobbies give little or no player/weapon XP. They’re not for leveling – use public matches for progression.
How to make a private lobby in Warzone?
From main menu, select “Private Match” or “Custom Game”, configure settings, invite players, and start when ready. Requires minimum number of players (varies by mode).
Can you play Warzone private lobby with bots?
Yes. Private lobbies can fill empty slots with bots. Great for practice, learning, and testing. Bots don’t give XP or count toward stats.
How many players for Warzone private lobby?
Minimum varies by mode: BR typically needs 50+, Resurgence needs 20-30. Can fill with bots to reach minimum. Check in-game for current requirements.
Can you do Warzone challenges in private lobbies?
No. Camo challenges, weapon challenges, and operator missions do NOT progress in private lobbies. Must play public matches for challenge progression.
Are Warzone private lobbies free?
Yes. Creating and hosting private lobbies is free for all players. No special subscription needed.
Can you host Warzone tournaments in private lobbies?
Yes. Private lobbies are the standard method for hosting competitive Warzone tournaments. Allows full control over settings, participants, and rules.
Do you get weapon XP in Warzone private matches?
Very minimal or none. Private matches are not for weapon leveling. Use public matches, Plunder, or Zombies for fast weapon XP.
How to join someone’s private Warzone lobby?
You must receive an invite from the host. Can’t browse or search for private lobbies – they’re invite-only.
Conclusion
Warzone private lobbies are essential for practice, tournaments, and organized play with friends. While they don’t count toward stats or progression, they offer valuable controlled environments for improvement and fun.
Key Takeaways:
- Private lobbies = no stats, minimal XP
- Great for practice, tournaments, and custom games
- Can fill with bots for solo practice
- Require minimum players to start
- Customizable settings (varies by version)
- Essential for competitive tournament play
Whether you’re hosting a tournament, practicing with your squad, or teaching new players, private lobbies provide the perfect environment for controlled Warzone experiences.