With the release of Black Ops 7’s open beta, many players noticed a major change — the reduction of strict skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). The new “Open Mosh Pit” playlist now features “classic Call of Duty matchmaking where skill is minimally considered.” This small but significant shift has opened the door for players to experience more relaxed matches, and many are already finding creative ways to get into what the community calls BO7 bot lobbies.
After testing different approaches from the beta and analyzing gameplay from skilled players, here’s a breakdown of how these methods work — and how you can use them effectively to improve your experience without breaking any rules.
Understanding the Matchmaking Shift
In past Call of Duty titles, SBMM heavily influenced who you faced in multiplayer. If you performed well, you’d often end up in sweat-heavy lobbies filled with high-K/D opponents, making each match more exhausting than fun. Black Ops 7 takes a softer approach in its “Open Mosh Pit,” where skill factors less into the matchmaking equation. This has created an opportunity for players to encounter less competitive matches, especially when combined with a few smart tricks.
Method 1: Use a Low-Skill or “Bot” Account
One of the most effective methods for getting easier matches is to use a second or “bot” account. This approach involves creating a new profile and intentionally keeping its stats low — for instance, playing a few games with zero kills. When you use this account to host a match, the game’s system pairs you against players of similar (low) performance levels.
Then, when you switch back to your main account and join that lobby, you’ll often find yourself in much softer matches. This is the foundation of BO7 bot lobbies. It’s not cheating — it’s just taking advantage of the system’s natural matchmaking rules. Many players use this method to practice, warm up, or chase nukes without facing constant high-pressure situations.
Method 2: Party Up with Lower-Skill Friends
If you don’t have a second console or PC, playing with friends who are less experienced can achieve a similar effect. When your teammate with a lower K/D ratio hosts the lobby, the game tends to balance the skill levels by pulling in more casual opponents.
The result is usually a more relaxed environment where you can play aggressively, complete challenges, or experiment with new loadouts. Just remember: this method works best when your teammate consistently performs below average — not just slightly lower than you.
Method 3: Geo-Fencing and VPN Strategies
Another method mentioned by the community involves using a VPN to change your location, sometimes referred to as “geo-fencing.” By connecting to regions with lower player density or different peak hours, you can sometimes get softer matches. While the effect isn’t as strong as using a bot account, it can still make a difference — especially when combined with the above techniques.
That said, using a VPN can affect latency, so it’s important to find a balance between connection quality and matchmaking benefits.
Why This Works So Well in the Beta
The reason these methods are currently so effective is that Black Ops 7’s beta matchmaking system isn’t as restrictive. Since SBMM is only “minimally considered,” skill data has less influence on match formation. That means your average performance or that of your lobby host has a stronger impact than in previous titles.
As one player demonstrated in his gameplay, using a bot account made it possible to drop multiple nukes in just a handful of games. Even when two skilled players were in the same match, the overall lobby quality remained low, showing how lenient the system currently is.
Should You Consider a Boosting Service?
While many players prefer doing this manually, others explore external options like buying access to pre-set BO7 bot lobbies. Some platforms even offer to host these matches for you. If you’re looking to save time or don’t have the means to set up multiple accounts, you could buy BO7 bot lobby service through verified community hubs.
A well-known provider like U4N has gained attention for helping players access custom lobbies safely and efficiently. However, it’s still important to be cautious and ensure any service you use operates within fair play boundaries and does not risk your account.
The Black Ops 7 beta has given players a glimpse of what the multiplayer experience could look like without the heavy hand of SBMM. Whether you’re experimenting with bot accounts, teaming up with casual friends, or trying region-based matchmaking tweaks, these methods can help you create more balanced and enjoyable matches.
If Treyarch keeps this system in the full release, we might finally see the return of that classic Call of Duty feel — where fun, not frustration, defines your matches.
