The competitive intensity in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 can be challenging, with many players seeking strategies for easier, less competitive lobbies. The following guide will introduce you to some methods to enter BO6 Bot Lobbies and avoid high-level competitors.
In Black Ops 6, "Bot Lobbies" refer to two main types of game sessions:
Private Matches with Bots: Players can set up a Private Match filled with AI-controlled players. These matches allow the use of all progression unlocks, and other players can be invited to join via an invite or a Game Code. However, no XP or account progression is earned in these lobbies.
Low Skill Rating Lobbies: Informally, "Bot Lobbies" can also mean lobbies with lower-skilled players. This term often comes up in reference to the Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system in COD, which tries to balance matches based on player skill, connection, and location, creating alternating experiences of challenging and easy matches.
Setting up bots in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 allows you to practice skills and explore maps without the pressure of a competitive multiplayer match. Here’s a quick guide on how to set up bots in a private match in Black Ops 6.
Step 1. Go to Multiplayer Mode
- Start by navigating to the multiplayer section of the game.
Step 2. Access Private Match Settings
- Select “Find a Match.”
- In the bottom left corner, you’ll see an option for “Private Match.” Choose this to enter private match settings.
Step 3. Set Up Your Private Match
- Once the private match screen is loaded, you’ll see options to customize the game.
- Go to “Game Setup,” where you can choose the map, game mode, and team settings.
Step 4. Add Bots to Your Match
- To add bots, navigate to the “Teams” option in the setup menu.
- Choose a side (either Team 1 or Team 2) and press “+” to add bots to that team.
- You can add up to 11 bots, with a maximum of 12 players (including yourself).
Step 5. Adjust Bot Difficulty
For a more challenging experience, you can set the bots to Veteran difficulty. Add bots to each team according to your preferences, adjusting their skill levels as desired.
Step 6. Finalize and Start the Match
Once you’re satisfied with the settings, start the match and enjoy battling against AI opponents.
Many players, including content creators and streamers, have adopted a popular technique known as “two-boxing.” This method allows players to enter bot lobbies and avoid high-level competitors.
Two-boxing involves using two gaming consoles or devices to manipulate matchmaking in Black Ops 6. Here’s the process: one device logs into a “bot account” with poor stats, while the other device joins as the main account. By using this setup, players can consistently enter easier lobbies, enjoying gameplay without the intense competition that SBMM typically brings.
Requirements for Two-Boxing
To set up a two-box lobby, you'll need:
- Two consoles or devices with Black Ops 6 installed (e.g., PS4 and PS5).
- A secondary account (bot account) to artificially lower your matchmaking ranking.
- Your main account for actual gameplay.
If you’re using two consoles of the same type (e.g., both PlayStation), you can avoid purchasing the game twice by setting one console as the primary for your main account. For mixed devices (e.g., PlayStation and PC), you’ll need separate purchases of the game.
Step 1. Set Up the Bot Account
- Log into your bot account and enter five or more matches in Black Ops 6. Play poorly by crouch-walking, firing aimlessly, and dying frequently. Avoid killing any players or performing skilled maneuvers.
- If lobbies still seem challenging, continue playing and “tanking” your stats until you consistently enter easier matches.
Step 2. Prepare the Join Process
- Add your bot account as a friend on your main account.
- In your main account, hover over the "Join Session" button for the bot account.
Step 3. Start a Match with the Bot Account
- Begin searching for a game with the bot account. Once it enters a lobby, quickly join with your main account.
Step 4. Adjust Settings for Easier Match Joining
- If experiencing issues with joining, limit your search to one or two specific game modes. Reducing matchmaking options gives more time for your main account to join.
- You can also disable crossplay to slow down matchmaking, which can help you secure a spot in the bot lobby.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you connect to regions where players might be less competitive, particularly during specific times of the day. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Choose a VPN Service - Ensure the VPN offers stable connections and a variety of server locations.
- Connect to Regions with Lower Player Density - Select regions where fewer players are active. This is often early in the morning for most regions.
- Time Your Matches - It’s not just about the region but also timing. Early mornings generally have fewer competitive players, increasing your chances of joining a relaxed lobby.
Here are some key strategies and recommended locations:
- Chile: Many players report that connecting to Chilean servers, especially during late-night hours (around 2-4 AM local time), yields the easiest lobbies due to lower player activity at those times.
- India: Indian servers are also frequently mentioned as good options for accessing bot lobbies, providing a balance of player skill and lobby accessibility.
- Southeast Asia: Countries like Singapore and Malaysia can be beneficial as well, particularly when player counts are lower.
Tip: Experiment with regions and times to find what works best for you. Be mindful that VPNs might slightly affect your connection speed and latency.
This method involves intentionally lowering your account’s performance metrics to trigger easier matchmaking. Here’s how to do it:
- Enter Matches and Deliberately Die - Engage in 5-10 matches where you perform poorly by self-eliminating repeatedly.
- Play Normally in the Next Few Matches - After the game places you in a low-skill bracket, play your next 5 matches normally, and enjoy facing less competitive opponents.
- Repeat as Needed - After about 5 matches, you may notice the difficulty rising again. Repeat the process to stay in easier lobbies.
Pro Tip for Camo Grinders
If you’re working on camo challenges for weapons like knives or launchers, focus on these in your “stat-tanking” matches. Lowering your in-game score per minute while completing these objectives can help keep you in a relaxed lobby bracket longer.
Playing with friends who have lower stats can make matchmaking more forgiving. Here’s how to maximize this approach:
- Form a Party with Low-Skill Players - Invite friends who may not play Black Ops 6 often or who have a lower kill-to-death (KD) ratio.
- Join Matches Together - Queue up for matches as a party, which will likely place your team in a lobby that balances player skills.
Note: While this method can make the game easier for you, your lower-skilled friends may find themselves facing tougher opponents than usual.
Recommended:
Black Ops 6 Meta Loadouts: Best Class Setups for Every SMG
All Black Ops 6 Zombies Perk Locations - Terminus & Liberty Falls