Epic Games added the new feature very quietly with this update, and the developers have oddly remained totally mum on exactly how it works and who can use it. If you log into Battle Royale mode and take a look at the main menu screen, a curious addition now appears in the bottom right corner – Custom Matchmaking.
Although it seems like it might run counter to the game’s very open, large scale nature, there is finally now a method to create a Fortnite private match… for some people.
Players have been asking for this feature since 2017 in order to run private tournaments for local – or even national – events, and now it has (almost) been added to the game.
So how do you get a custom matchmaking key right now? Well, it’s complicated.
Well, hello there, Mr. New Feature Guy!
Fortnite Private Match Keys Aren’t For Everyone … Yet
While having a quick, random 100-player match is kind of the whole point of Fortnite, there are times where you just want specific people to join a game, like for a a friendly roommate tournament or YouTuber gathering.
For those Twitch streamers or YouTubers with large followings, private matches offer a quick way to setup a Battle Royale round that still hits the full 100 players but has more exclusivity than an open solo or squads match.
Unfortunately, Fortnite’s custom matchmaking isn’t available for John Q. Public at the moment. You can click the option and enter a custom matchmaking key to play a game (if someone else has a private match created already), but you can’t actually create your own Fortnite custom matches quite yet.
The feature is still in testing with a small number of palyers and only select content creators, YouTubers, and Twitch streamers with large followings are being given custom matchmaking keys.
If you manage to get in a custom match, you have our congratulations (and our envy). Be sure to drop a comment and let us know how the process works… and maybe hit us up with that custom matchmaking key so we can join the fun?
While waiting for custom matchmaking to go wide and be available for all players, don’t forget you can also jump in on the replay royale contest launched this week and earn some killer Fortnite swag if you manage to capture an amazing moment. One day we will make this Gameskinny private match a reality!
Are you planning on creating custom, private matches when the feature finally goes wide, or do you want to stick to the random wonderful chaos that is the typical Fortnite Battle Royale? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
For those still looking to complete the new Season 3, Week 8 content that arrived with the 3.5 patch, you can also check out our other latest Fortnite guides here:
Week 8 Dance Floor Locations Guide Replay Mode Has Arrived - Here’s How to Use It! Fortnite Port-a-Fort Grenade - What It Is and How to Use It Creepy Laugh Gnome Locations Search Between a Metal Bridge Treasure Hunt Fortnite Gets a Rare Blue Pump Shotgun How to Use C4 Remote Explosives Fortnite Forbidden Dance Locations Season 3 Bullseye Landing Locations
