Public matchmaking is chaotic fun, but friend groups want controlled lobbies — specific maps, gamemodes, and privacy from random players. Catto Pew Pew private room system lets hosts create named rooms friends join directly.
Creating a Private Room
From the main menu, select create lobby and enable private room mode. Name your room something memorable — friends search by exact room name.
Share the room name through Discord or text. There is no invite code beyond the name in current builds — spelling matters.
Host selects map, gamemode, and player cap before starting. Only the host needs Coolest Catto DLC for premium maps; everyone inherits access.
Joining a Friend's Lobby
Choose join lobby and enter the private room name your host shared. If the room is full, wait or ask host to increase cap.
Ensure game versions match — Steam auto-updates but friends on outdated builds cannot connect until they patch.
Crossplay enabled by default means VR and PC friends play together. Discuss locomotion fairness before competitive sessions.
Best Gamemodes for Groups
Race and Scramble were designed for friend groups per developer patch notes. Timed mode rewards coordinated teams.
CTF on Sky Isle supports 2v2 through 8v8 depending on group size. Assign flag runner and escort roles for structured fun.
FFA with friends devolves into targeted chaos — great for warmups, poor for practicing ranked strategies.
DLC Sharing Rules
One friend owning Coolest Catto DLC unlocks premium maps for the entire private lobby. The owner must remain host for access to persist.
If host leaves, migrate host to another DLC owner or switch to base maps to avoid loading errors.
Cosmetics remain individual — friends see your hats and headpieces but cannot borrow them.
Scheduling Regular Sessions
Peak hours after work evenings fill public lobbies fastest, but private rooms work any time with enough friends online.
Rotate gamemodes weekly to prevent burnout — Monday KOTH, Wednesday Race, Friday Fog Battle keeps groups engaged.
Use our Gamemode Picker tool when the group cannot decide — let data pick tonight's mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a friend code system?
Currently private rooms use searchable room names, not numeric codes. Share the exact name your host created.
Can I password-protect rooms?
Private rooms are hidden from public browser lists. Obscure room names act as informal passwords against random joiners.
How many friends can join?
Up to 16 players depending on map and gamemode. Host sets cap when creating the lobby.
Does private lobby progress count for ranks?
Trophy rules depend on match type settings. Most private friend matches still award trophies — confirm in lobby settings before grinding.
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