How to start a private match in The Finals

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here

✓ At a glance
  • To start a private match, pick the ‘Private Match’ option, select a mode, and press ‘Create Game.’
  • To bring friends along, share your Lobby ID with them or use a friend’s Lobby ID to join their game.
  • A maximum of 12 players can join a private match and you need a minimum of six friends to start one. You cannot earn XP in these matches.

As of Season 2, The Finals lets you create private matches, letting up to 12 friends join up for a single-round match. Season 3 added a dedicated spectator slot to these matches too. You can’t earn XP towards progression though, effectively making private matches a free-play mode. It’s a great way to understand how the game works and map out secret routes in every stage. With abilities like the Dematerializer and explosives to pave new paths, practising beforehand will give your team an edge in competitive multiplayer. Read on to learn how to play a private match in the game.

How to play a private match with friends

To play a Private Match, you simply need to select the ‘Private Match’ option on the game mode page. Here’s how you can set it up:

  • After selecting ‘Private Match,’ you can either create a game or join one.
  • To host one, pick the ‘Create Game’ option and then share the 4-digit Lobby ID with friends.
  • And if you want to join a friend’s match, ask them for their Lobby ID and enter it after selecting ‘Join Game.’

Once your lobby is up and running, you will only be able to launch into a game if you have at least six people in the lobby. If players join in one by one, the first three will be placed in one group and the next three will be on the opposing team. To have a clear selection instead, ask friends to form three-player squads before entering the private match. This will let you test out combinations of the best weapons and gadgets.

All available game modes in a private match

Here are the game modes you can pick from for private matches:

  • Bank It
  • Cashout
  • Power Shift
  • Quick Cash
  • Solo Bank It
  • Terminal Attack

There are plenty more modes now to try out, including Power Shift and Terminal Attack. You can even play on new maps like Kyoto. Remember that you won’t be able to earn multibucks or level up in a private match. Update 2.1.0 also brought in the ability to select maps before starting a private match. And Update 3.0.0 adds a spectator slot to these matches. If you want to disband your lobby, go into ‘Private Match’ and press R3 on your controller. This will close the lobby and let you join a friend’s lobby.

About the Author

Jack Webb

Jack Webb is a guides writer for VideoGamer.

The Finals

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Action, First-Person Shooter, Shooter