What Level Do You Stop Getting Bot Lobbies in Fortnite?
The question of when bot lobbies cease in Fortnite is a common one, especially for new players eager to test their skills against real opponents. The short answer is: you stop getting exclusively bot lobbies once you reach Account Level 10. Until then, the game intentionally places you in matches with AI opponents to ease you into the mechanics and gameplay. This system is designed to provide a less intimidating introduction to the sometimes frenetic world of Fortnite. However, it’s crucial to understand that even after level 10, skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) comes into play, which can influence the types of lobbies you encounter.
How Bot Lobbies Work in Fortnite
Before diving into the specifics of the leveling system, it’s important to understand the purpose of bot lobbies. These matches are designed to help new players learn the ropes without the immediate pressure of facing highly skilled veterans. Bot lobbies are filled with AI-controlled opponents who exhibit predictable patterns of movement and combat. This allows newcomers to practice building, aiming, and exploring the map at their own pace. It’s essentially a safe space to grasp the fundamentals before stepping into the more competitive arena of real player lobbies.
The Transition to Real Player Lobbies
Once a player hits Account Level 10, they are automatically moved out of these beginner-friendly bot lobbies and into normal lobbies. This transition marks a significant shift in gameplay. Instead of facing only AI opponents, players are now matched with other individuals based on their perceived skill levels. This is where skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) becomes a factor, attempting to ensure that players compete against those with similar abilities. While the immediate switch from level 9 to 10 can feel jarring, it also represents your official entry into the true Fortnite experience.
Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) After Level 10
It’s important to note that reaching Account Level 10 doesn’t mean you will instantly be thrown into lobbies with the absolute best or most experienced players. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is designed to place you in matches against opponents who are around your same skill level. This system analyzes various performance metrics to determine your proficiency.
How SBMM Affects Your Lobbies
The first few matches after reaching level 10 will still typically be against relatively less experienced players. This allows the game to properly gauge your ability and assign you to appropriate lobbies. Over time, as you win matches, improve your kill-to-death ratio, and perform well consistently, you’ll be placed in progressively more challenging lobbies. Conversely, repeated losses and subpar performances will lead to you being matched against less skilled players. This dynamic system is why you might notice variations in lobby difficulty, even after escaping bot-only encounters.
Understanding the Bot Presence in “Normal” Lobbies
Even after you transition out of exclusively bot lobbies, it’s important to understand that AI opponents still exist in the game. In most regular matches, a percentage of the players will be bots. The exact number of bots can fluctuate, but it’s not uncommon to encounter several in every game. They still provide the benefit of being relatively easy eliminations, and for some the opportunity to complete challenges. However, the primary focus in these lobbies is on competing against other real players.
Identifying Bots in Normal Lobbies
It’s often quite easy to identify bots from the way they behave. Unlike human players who exhibit diverse and unpredictable strategies, bots tend to move in more predictable patterns, often exhibiting erratic movements in combat. They might circle around the same house or stay in one spot, never landing on rooftops. They are also often easier to eliminate. This predictability is a telltale sign that you are facing an AI opponent rather than a real person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if I am in a bot lobby?
When you’re in an exclusive bot lobby (prior to Account Level 10), you’ll notice that nearly all of your opponents are behaving in the manner described above. The matches will generally feel less challenging and you will likely be able to eliminate several opponents with relative ease. In normal lobbies (after Level 10), bots will be less common than real players, but they will still have the same movement and combat characteristics.
2. Can I intentionally get into bot lobbies after level 10?
While there are methods to enter specific “bot lobbies” through custom island codes, using these methods could put you at risk of breaking the game’s Terms of Service. It is not recommended to intentionally try to abuse the system to obtain easier matches.
3. What is the “bot lobby code”?
The common “bot lobby code” circulating online is 6285-5660-3783. However, these codes only work in Solo mode and are not officially sanctioned by Epic Games. The use of these codes may be risky.
4. Can you get banned for using bot lobbies in Fortnite?
Yes, it is possible to get banned for manipulating the game to get into bot lobbies using non-sanctioned means. Epic Games does not encourage this activity and could take action against players who try to exploit the system.
5. How does SBMM determine my skill level?
SBMM takes into account your performance metrics such as your placement, kills, and general gameplay to put you in lobbies with players of similar skill. If you win repeatedly, the system will gradually move you into more difficult matches.
6. Why are my Fortnite lobbies so hard?
Lobby difficulty can fluctuate for various reasons. If you’re consistently achieving high placements, the game will put you in more challenging lobbies due to SBMM. It can also occur if Epic Games implements changes to matchmaking, or changes in the player base.
7. How do I improve my lobbies in Fortnite?
If you find your lobbies too challenging, the most direct method is to focus on improving your game mechanics: practice your aim, building skills, and strategic game play.
8. Are PC lobbies harder than console lobbies in Fortnite?
The general consensus is that PC lobbies have a higher skill ceiling, with experienced PC players often being more competitive, but console lobbies are often harder on the lower skill end of the spectrum.
9. Can I play Ranked matches in bot lobbies?
There are bot lobbies for Ranked mode. They offer bots with higher skill levels to practice against while improving your rank.
10. How many real players are in a typical Fortnite match?
A 100 player lobby might contain approximately 25 real players and 75 bots. The exact ratio can fluctuate.
11. What are ways to get free V-Bucks in Fortnite?
Common ways to obtain free V-Bucks include completing Daily Quests, Login Rewards, Timed Missions, Main Quests, Side Quests, and participating in Events.
12. How do I identify a bot player?
Bots will exhibit predictable movements, tend to circle around buildings, stay in the same areas, or fail to utilize complex building techniques, and are generally easier to eliminate.
13. Is the first Fortnite game a bot lobby?
Yes, the first game for a new account is always exclusively against bots. This is part of the introductory system.
14. Are Fortnite lobbies random?
The selection of players in a match is based on SBMM and is not random. However, when there are more than 100 players entering a match at once, the game will randomly select 100 players out of that pool.
15. Is Fortnite losing players in 2023?
Despite some fluctuations, Fortnite is not considered to be dying. The game still maintains a very large and active player base with consistent updates and events that continue to engage players.
In conclusion, understanding how bot lobbies function in Fortnite and the transition to real player lobbies is essential for every player. Reaching level 10 signifies this transition, but it’s just the beginning of your journey. By understanding SBMM and continually improving your skills, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ever-evolving world of Fortnite.