Fortnite’s Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system is designed to ensure fair and competitive gameplay. But what if you just want to practice your aim, complete challenges quickly, or enjoy a few chill rounds without the pressure? That’s where bot lobbies come in.
This guide will walk you through legit, risk-free methods to get bot lobbies in Fortnite, including how tools like BearVPN can give you a strategic edge, without violating the game’s rules or using shady workarounds.
What Are Bot Lobbies, and Are They Allowed?
A bot lobby in Fortnite is a match populated primarily by AI-controlled opponents. These bots are programmed to simulate real players but are significantly easier to defeat. Bot lobbies are great for:
- Practicing your building or aiming
- Completing kill-based or timed challenges
- Farming XP or Battle Pass rewards
- Warming up before ranked games
Are Bot Lobbies Legal?
Yes, if you’re using matchmaking strategies rather than hacks or cheats. Epic Games introduces bots as part of the natural matchmaking process, especially for new or inactive accounts. Using region switching or secondary accounts does not break Fortnite’s Terms of Service. However, third-party cheats or tools that manipulate gameplay or give unfair advantages are subject to a ban.
How Matchmaking Works in Fortnite (SBMM 101)
Fortnite utilizes a system called Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) to pair players of similar skill levels in the same match. Here’s how it influences your lobbies:
- New Accounts are placed in easier lobbies with many bots.
- Returning Players with low activity may also get bot-heavy games.
- Matchmaking Region is based on your device’s IP and geolocation.
- Lower Population Servers (e.g., Middle East or South America) tend to have more bots during off-peak hours.
Understanding this system is key to accessing bot lobbies consistently and safely.
6 Legit Ways to Get Bot Lobbies in Fortnite
Want to outsmart Fortnite’s matchmaking without bending the rules? These 6 tested methods can help you get into bot lobbies consistently:
1. Create a Fresh Fortnite Account
Fortnite automatically places new accounts into beginner lobbies filled with bots to ease them into the game.
Steps: Create a new Epic Games account. Log in to a clean installation of Fortnite. Queue for Solo or Duo matches.
Pros:
- 100% guaranteed bot lobbies (initially)
- Great for learning game mechanics
Cons:
- No rewards transferred to your main account
- SBMM quickly adapts after 5–10 matches
Tips: Avoid linking to your main Epic account. Don’t complete too many early quests—just enjoy the easy kills.
2. Use an Alt Account to Host Matches
This trick lets you use bot lobbies on your main account by letting a low-rank alternate account be the party leader.
Step 1. Set up a second Fortnite account (fresh or underplayed). Use another device, split-screen, or a friend’s console.
Step 2. Let the alt account be the party leader and queue into a squad/duo. Once the match starts, the alt account leaves.
Pros:
- Allows progress on your main account
- Highly effective if done right
Cons:
- Requires multiple devices or a console with split-screen
- Setup can be repetitive
Tips: Disable XP gain for alt accounts to avoid fast leveling. Repeat the process every few matches.
3. Add a Known Bot Account to Your Party
Some Reddit and Discord communities publish usernames of players who intentionally keep their accounts low-level. By adding them and letting them host, you can enter easier matches.
How it works:
- Add the bot account as a friend.
- Join their party and let them initiate matchmaking.
- They leave after the match starts; you remain in the lobby.
Pros:
- Convenient if bot accounts are active
- No device juggling required
Cons:
- These accounts are often banned or inactive
- Reliability is low unless managed personally
Warning: Only add players from trusted sources. Do not download or install anything shared through these communities.
4. Use BearVPN to Switch to Low-Population Servers
BearVPN uses smart regional matchmaking logic to place you in lobbies with fewer real players.

Why it works: Fortnite matches you with players based on your region. If you connect to a low-population region—especially during off-hours—you’re more likely to land in a bot-heavy match.
Ideal regions for bot lobbies:
Pros:
- No new accounts or devices needed
- Safe and ToS-compliant
- Works on your main account
Cons:
- Requires BearVPN setup on the router for consoles
- Ping may vary by region (BearVPN minimizes this)
5. Play During Off-Peak Hours
You can also take advantage of global time zones without using a VPN by simply playing when fewer players are online.
Strategy:
- Play late at night or early morning (2–5 AM) in your region.
- Target weekdays over weekends.
Pros:
- No setup required
- Can be combined with a new or low-skill account
Cons:
- Inconsistent results
- High ping if matchmaking pulls remote players
6. Use Creative Mode or Team Rumble to Practice
While not true bot lobbies, these modes allow casual play without sweating real opponents.
Creative Mode:
- Use AI trainers or AI simulation maps.
- No progression, but ideal for skill-building.
Team Rumble:
- Occasionally includes bots in low-traffic lobbies.
- Eliminations and XP still count.
Pros:
- Zero pressure, great for warm-ups
- No account switching required
Cons:
- Doesn’t replicate real match experience
- No crowns or ranked play rewards
How to Use BearVPN to Get Bot Lobbies
BearVPN is a free, high-speed, privacy-first VPN designed for users who want unrestricted access to global content while protecting their online privacy. For gamers, it offers a unique advantage: by allowing you to change your IP address and connect to Fortnite servers in different global regions, BearVPN helps you access low-population matchmaking areas—especially during off-peak hours—where bot-filled lobbies are far more common.
This method doesn’t exploit any bugs or break Epic’s Terms of Service. Instead, it leverages Fortnite’s own regional matchmaking logic to give you a smoother, less competitive gameplay experience.
For gamers, BearVPN offers a special edge by providing access to:
- Low-traffic Fortnite regions (where bot lobbies are more likely)
- Faster ping routing for smoother gameplay
- IP masking to reduce matchmaking rank tracking
BearVPN is trusted by thousands of gamers for its reliability, speed, and zero-log privacy policy.
Setup Guide: Get Started in Minutes
Step 1. Download and install BearVPN on your device.
Step 2. Launch BearVPN and log in to your account. If you are a mobile user, you do not need to log in.

Step 3. Select a VPN server in a low-population Fortnite region, such as:
- Middle East (e.g., UAE, Bahrain)
- South Africa
- Southeast Asia
- Chile or Argentina (during off-peak hours)
Step 4. Connect and verify your IP address has changed (BearVPN will confirm connection status).
Step 5. Launch Fortnite, ensure your matchmaking region reflects your new location (Settings > Game > Matchmaking Region).

Step 6. Queue into Solo, Duo, or Squad matches and observe the difference in lobby difficulty.
Why BearVPN Works for Bot Lobbies
Fortnite’s servers match players based on region and skill. If you switch to a region where fewer players are online, especially at night or during weekdays, Fortnite fills empty slots with bots to keep matchmaking fast.
BearVPN helps you do this easily and safely.
Key Features of BearVPN (At a Glance)
Feature | Benefit for Fortnite Players |
Global Server Network | Access less crowded regions for easier matches |
Gaming-Optimized Nodes | Low-latency servers ensure smooth gameplay with minimal lag |
Unlimited Bandwidth | No throttling during long sessions or large downloads |
Strict No-Log Policy | Keeps your gaming identity and activities fully private |
Cross-Platform Support | Available on Windows, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and routers |
Dynamic IP Rotation | Avoid SBMM tracking by changing IP without restarting |
Simple UI | One-click region switching even for non-tech-savvy users |
Supported Devices
- Windows- Native desktop apps with full control. (macOS is coming soon )
- iOS & Android – Mobile apps optimized for one-tap switching.
Note: Using a VPN like BearVPN is not against Fortnite’s Terms of Service. You’re not modifying the game or cheating—just choosing your server location like any global user.
Comparison of All Methods
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of each method based on devices needed, whether it supports your main account, the skill/setup involved, and its reliability:
Method | Devices Needed | Works on the Main Account | Skill Needed | Setup Complexity | Reliability |
New Account | 1 | ❌ | Low | Easy | High (initially) |
Alt Account Trick | 2 | ✅ | Medium | Moderate | High |
Bot Account Friend | 1 | ✅ | Low | Easy | Medium |
VPN Region Switch (BearVPN) | 1 | ✅ | Low | Easy | High |
Off-Peak Hours | 1 | ✅ | Low | Easy | Low to Medium |
Creative/Team Rumble | 1 | ✅ | Low | Easy | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get banned for using bot lobbies?
Not if you’re using matchmaking strategies (alt accounts or VPNs). Using third-party hacks or exploits is bannable.
Do bot lobbies award XP and challenge progress?
Yes. As long as you’re playing in public matches, bot eliminations and wins count toward rewards.
Can I use BearVPN on a console?
Yes, via router installation. BearVPN provides guides for setting up a VPN on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Will VPN increase my ping?
BearVPN uses gaming-optimized servers with minimal latency. If you connect to nearby low-population regions, ping remains stable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re frustrated by Fortnite’s SBMM or just want to farm XP without the sweat, bot lobbies offer a low-pressure alternative. While some methods require more setup (like using alt accounts), others, like BearVPN’s region switching, offer a smarter, safer, and faster path to easier matches.
BearVPN doesn’t hack Fortnite or exploit bugs—it just gives you a tool to match in smarter regions. No extra hardware, no shady workarounds.
Ready to try it? Explore Fortnite bot lobbies in a new way—legally, securely, and stress-free—with BearVPN.