Hosting a private Dino Hunters session lets you play co-op with only your friends, without random strangers joining. Private sessions are ideal for hardcore runs, contract stacking, and squads that want to coordinate without interference. This guide explains how to set up a private lobby, configure the security settings, and manage your session effectively.
If you have not yet launched your first co-op session, our Dino Hunters co-op setup guide covers the technical basics. Once you understand the setup, the private game guide below will help you configure your session.
Why Host a Private Game?
Private games have five advantages over public sessions. Each advantage is explained below.
Advantage 1: No random strangers. Private sessions only allow invited friends. This eliminates the risk of a stranger joining your squad unexpectedly.
Advantage 2: Coordinated loadouts. In a private squad, you can coordinate loadouts before the session starts. Each hunter brings the right weapon for the squad's plan.
Advantage 3: Voice chat discipline. Private squads typically use Discord, which makes voice chat discipline easier to enforce.
Advantage 4: Contract stacking. Private squads can stack contracts without worrying about a stranger abandoning the session mid-contract.
Advantage 5: Hardcore mode compatibility. Hardcore mode co-op is easier to manage in a private session because you control who joins.
Private vs Public Session Comparison
| Aspect | Private Session | Public Session |
|---|---|---|
| Random strangers | No | Possible |
| Loadout coordination | Easy | Difficult |
| Voice chat discipline | High | Variable |
| Contract stacking | Reliable | Risky |
| Hardcore mode safety | High | Variable |
Setting Up a Private Lobby
Setting up a private lobby takes about 3 minutes. The steps below walk through the process.
Step 1: Launch Dino Hunters. The host launches Dino Hunters from Steam.
Step 2: Select Multiplayer from the main menu. The host clicks Multiplayer and selects Host Game.
Step 3: Configure session visibility to Private. In the host menu, find the Session Visibility setting and change it to Private. This prevents the session from appearing in the public lobby list.
Step 4: Set a lobby password (optional). For extra security, set a lobby password. Friends who have the password can join even if they do not have a Steam invite.
Step 5: Configure game settings. Set the difficulty, sharing contract, friendly fire, respawn limit, and cross-play settings as desired.
Step 6: Launch the world. Click Launch World and wait for the lobby to load. The lobby code and password appear in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 7: Send Steam invites. Press Shift+Tab to open the Steam overlay and invite your friends one by one.
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Launch game | 20-40 seconds |
| Select Multiplayer | 5 seconds |
| Configure session | 1-2 minutes |
| Launch world | 10-20 seconds |
| Send invites | 30 seconds per friend |
| Total | 3-5 minutes |
Lobby Password vs Steam Invite
There are two ways to restrict access to a private session: lobby password and Steam invite. Each method has its pros and cons.
| Method | Security | Convenience | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam invite only | High (only friends) | High | Friends who already play together |
| Lobby password | Medium (anyone with password) | Medium | Friends who are not on Steam friends list |
| Both | Very high | Medium | Maximum security |
Choosing the Right Security Method
| Scenario | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Friends who play together regularly | Steam invite only |
| Friends who are not on Steam friends list | Lobby password |
| Hardcore mode session | Both |
| Public-facing content creator | Both |
Managing Your Session
Once the session is running, the host has several management options. The most useful options are listed below.
Kick a player. If a player is being disruptive or is not following squad protocols, the host can kick them from the session. The kicked player can rejoin if they have a Steam invite or lobby code.
Pause the session. The host can pause the session if needed (e.g., for a brief real-world interruption). All players remain in the session but cannot move or interact.
Change session settings. The host can change some settings mid-session, such as friendly fire or respawn limits. Other settings (like difficulty) cannot be changed once the world is launched.
Migrate the host. If the original host needs to leave, the host role can migrate to another player. This is a special option and is not available in all game modes.
Session Management Options
| Option | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kick player | Yes | Cannot be undone |
| Pause session | Yes | Brief pauses only |
| Change settings | Partial | Some settings locked |
| Migrate host | Sometimes | Mode-dependent |
Common Mistakes
The most common mistakes hosts make when setting up private sessions are listed below.
Mistake 1: Forgetting to set the session to Private. If the session is left public, random strangers can join and disrupt the squad. Always set Session Visibility to Private before launching.
Mistake 2: Sharing the lobby code publicly. Sharing the lobby code on Discord or social media defeats the purpose of a private session. Share the code only with intended squad members.
Mistake 3: Not setting a lobby password for hardcore mode. Hardcore mode sessions should always use both Steam invites and lobby passwords for maximum security.
Mistake 4: Launching the world before inviting friends. Once the world is launched, the lobby becomes harder to find for friends who have not yet launched the game. Send invites before launching if possible.
Mistake Frequency and Severity
| Mistake | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting Private mode | Common | Moderate |
| Sharing lobby code publicly | Less common | Moderate |
| No password for hardcore | Less common | Severe |
| Launching before inviting | Common | Low |
For more on the broader co-op tactics, see our Dino Hunters team compositions guide and our Dino Hunters voice & ping communication guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can strangers join a Private session?
No. Private sessions do not appear in the public lobby list. The only way to join a Private session is via Steam invite or lobby code.
What happens if the host disconnects?
The session ends for all players. There is no automatic host migration in normal mode. In hardcore mode, host migration is sometimes available.
Can I make my session Private mid-game?
No. The session visibility is set when the world is launched and cannot be changed mid-session. To change visibility, end the session and start a new one.
Should I use a lobby password if I only play with one friend?
A lobby password is not strictly necessary if you only play with Steam friends, but it adds a small layer of security. It is recommended for hardcore mode but optional for normal mode.