Setting up custom Warzone lobbies allows you to create controlled matches with friends, practice scenarios, or host events. This comprehensive guide walks through every step of creating and configuring private matches in Warzone.
Remember: Custom lobby stats don’t count toward your K/D or progression. They’re for practice, fun, and tournaments only.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Custom Lobby
Step 1: Access Private Match Menu
- Launch Warzone
- From main menu, select “Private Match” or “Custom Games”
- If not visible, check mode selector (may be under “More”)
Note: Location varies by Warzone version. Look for “Private,” “Custom,” or “Create Match” options.
Step 2: Choose Game Mode
Select base mode for your custom lobby:
- Battle Royale: Standard BR with gas circle
- Resurgence: Faster-paced with respawns
- Plunder: Cash collection mode
- Custom Modes: Special modes if available
Step 3: Configure Basic Settings
Essential Settings:
- Lobby Name: Give your match a name
- Password: Optional, protects from randoms
- Max Players: 10-150 depending on mode
- Team Size: Solos, Duos, Trios, or Quads
- Bot Fill: Fill empty slots with AI?
Step 4: Invite Players
- From lobby screen, open Social menu
- Select friends to invite
- Can also share lobby code for others to join
- Set roles: Players vs Spectators
Step 5: Start When Ready
- Verify minimum players met (varies by mode)
- Double-check settings
- Click “Start Match”
- Pregame lobby countdown begins
Detailed Settings Configuration
Player Settings
| Setting | Options | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Max Players | 10-150 | Total lobby capacity |
| Team Size | 1-4 players | Squad configuration |
| Fill With Bots | On/Off | AI fills empty slots |
| Bot Difficulty | Easy/Medium/Hard | AI skill level |
| Spectators | Allow/Disallow | Observers for casting |
Gameplay Settings (Varies by Version)
Common customizable options:
- Health/Armor: Starting and maximum values
- Starting Equipment: Spawn loadouts
- Circle Settings: Gas speed and damage
- Respawn Rules: Enable/disable respawns
- Gulag: On/off (BR modes)
- Loadout Drops: Timing and availability
- Buy Stations: Prices and items
- Time Limit: Maximum match duration
Important: Available settings vary significantly between Warzone 1, Warzone 2, and Warzone 3. Some versions have limited customization.
Match Rules
- Win Condition: Last team standing, time limit, etc.
- Score to Win: For objective modes
- Friendly Fire: On/off
- Killcam: Enable/disable
Custom Game Modes and Ideas
Popular Custom Modes
1. Sniper-Only
- Loadouts restricted to snipers/marksman rifles
- Tests long-range skill
- Popular for content creation
2. Melee/Knife-Only
- No guns allowed
- Melee weapons or fists only
- Hilarious chaos
3. Hide and Seek
- One team hides, other seeks
- Time-based rounds
- Great for community events
4. Gun Game
- Progress through weapon tiers
- Kill with each to advance
- First to complete all weapons wins
5. Tournament Practice
- Standard BR settings
- Teams practice strategies
- Review VODs after
6. Training Drills
- 1v1 gunfight practice
- Rotation timing practice
- Clutch scenario training
Minimum Player Requirements
Different modes need different minimums:
| Mode | Minimum Players | Can Use Bots? |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Royale | 50+ | Yes |
| Resurgence | 20-30 | Yes |
| Plunder | 30+ | Yes |
| Custom Modes | Varies | Usually |
Bot Fill Solution: If you only have 10-20 players, enable bot fill to reach minimum. Bots will play realistically.
Managing Your Custom Lobby
Host Controls
As host, you can:
- Kick players: Remove disruptive participants
- Change teams: Balance squads
- Adjust settings mid-lobby: Before starting match
- Start match: When ready
- End match early: If needed
- Promote new host: Transfer control
Communication
Keep players informed:
- Use Discord for coordination
- Explain rules before starting
- Set expectations (no stats, practice only)
- Establish win conditions clearly
Recording/Streaming
Custom lobbies are perfect for content:
- Enable spectator mode for casting
- Record from multiple POVs
- Set up obs for multi-cam
- Great for tutorial videos
Common Custom Lobby Issues
Issue: Can’t Start Match – Not Enough Players
Solutions:
- Enable bot fill to reach minimum
- Try different mode (Resurgence needs fewer players)
- Invite more friends
- Post in community Discord for participants
Issue: Settings Greyed Out/Unavailable
Why:
- Some settings locked in certain modes
- Warzone version may have limited custom options
- May need specific game ownership (MW2/MW3)
Issue: High Ping in Private Match
Cause:
- Host connection quality affects all players
- Private matches may route through host
Solution:
- Choose host with best internet
- Host uses wired connection
- Avoid hosting on WiFi
Issue: Players Can’t Join
Fixes:
- Check lobby isn’t full
- Verify password if set
- Ensure privacy settings allow invites
- Have them restart game
- Check NAT types (strict NAT = problems)
Issue: Lobby Crashes
Preventions:
- Don’t change settings after match starts
- Stable host connection required
- Update game to latest version
- Avoid extreme custom settings
Best Practices for Custom Lobbies
Pre-Match Preparation
- Test settings first: Run quick test with 2-3 people
- Write down rules: Share in Discord/chat
- Set clear start time: Give everyone time to join
- Backup host: Have someone ready to take over if needed
- Recording setup: If streaming, test beforehand
During Match
- Monitor for rule violations
- Have spectator watch for issues
- Be ready to make judgment calls
- Keep communication open
Post-Match
- Gather feedback on settings
- Adjust for next game
- Share highlights/clips
- Thank participants
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a custom lobby in Warzone?
From main menu, select “Private Match” or “Custom Games,” choose mode, configure settings, invite players, and start when ready. Requires minimum players (varies by mode).
How many players needed for Warzone custom lobby?
BR requires 50+ players, Resurgence needs 20-30. Can use bot fill to reach minimum if you don’t have enough real players.
Do custom lobbies count for stats in Warzone?
No. Kills, deaths, wins, and all stats in custom lobbies do NOT count toward your permanent record or K/D ratio.
Can you get XP in Warzone custom lobbies?
Very minimal or none. Custom lobbies don’t give meaningful weapon or player XP. Use public matches for leveling.
How to add bots to Warzone custom lobby?
In lobby settings, enable “Fill With Bots” option. Set bot difficulty (Easy/Medium/Hard). Bots will automatically fill empty player slots.
Why can’t I create custom lobby in Warzone?
Option may not be available in all Warzone versions at all times. Check under different menu sections or wait for feature activation if temporarily disabled.
Can I customize circle settings in Warzone private match?
Depends on Warzone version. Some versions allow gas speed/damage customization, others have limited or no circle customization options.
How to host Warzone tournament with custom lobbies?
Create custom BR lobby, invite tournament participants, use standard settings, enable spectators for casting, record for disputes. See our tournament guide.
Do I need good internet to host custom lobby?
Yes. Host connection quality affects all players in private matches. Use wired connection, 50+ Mbps upload recommended for smooth experience.
Can custom lobbies help me practice?
Yes. Custom lobbies with bots are excellent for practicing aim, learning maps, testing strategies, and 1v1 training with friends without stats pressure.
Conclusion
Setting up Warzone custom lobbies is straightforward once you understand the menu system and minimum requirements. Whether practicing with friends, hosting tournaments, or creating content, custom lobbies provide complete control over your match experience.
Quick Setup Checklist:
- ✅ Access Private Match menu
- ✅ Choose game mode
- ✅ Configure settings (players, teams, rules)
- ✅ Invite participants
- ✅ Enable bot fill if needed
- ✅ Verify minimum players met
- ✅ Start match
Remember that custom lobbies are for practice and fun – stats don’t count, so experiment freely with settings and game modes!