To play with friends in Disc Golf Masters, the most reliable method is to navigate to the 'Casual Match' menu, select 'Host Game,' set the lobby privacy to 'Invite Only,' and then share the generated six-digit Lobby Code with your friends. They can then enter this code in their 'Join Game' menu to connect directly, bypassing any public matchmaking or platform friend list issues.

This guide breaks down every method for connecting with your friends, from creating a lobby from scratch to troubleshooting the most common connection errors. We'll cover all the settings you need to craft the perfect private match on courses like Eagle's Peak or Redwood Creek.

Finding the Multiplayer Hub: The 'Casual Match' Menu

Before you can send any invites, you need to know where to go. The main menu of Disc Golf Masters, known as 'The Fairway,' presents you with several options. You'll see the single-player 'Pro Tour,' your 'Player Locker,' and the game's settings. The one you want for multiplayer is 'Online & Events.'

Inside this menu, the game splits its online offerings into two distinct paths:

  • Ranked Leagues: This is the competitive ladder where you play for seasonal rankings and rewards. It uses skill-based matchmaking and is strictly for solo players looking to test their mettle against the world.
  • Casual Match: This is the social hub and your gateway to playing with friends. All non-ranked game modes, including private lobbies, are hosted here. This is the menu you will use for all friend-based play.

Select 'Casual Match' to proceed to the lobby creation and joining screens.

The Easiest Way: Joining a Friend's Game

If your friend is the one hosting, getting into their game is a simple process with two main avenues. The best method depends on whether you're already friends on your console or PC platform (Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox network) and if you're playing on different systems.

Joining via the Friends List

This is the quickest method if you and your friend are on the same platform. The game automatically pulls your existing friends list into its own social overlay.

  1. From the 'Casual Match' menu, select 'Join Game.'
  2. The screen will default to the 'Public Lobbies' browser. Look for tabs at the top of the screen and navigate to the 'Friends' tab.
  3. This list will only show active lobbies hosted by players on your platform's friends list. You'll see their username, the course they've selected, the game mode, and the current player count (e.g., "PlayerName - Redwood Creek - Stroke Play - 2/4").
  4. Simply select their lobby and click 'Join.' You'll be connected directly to their session.

This method's primary limitation is that it does not work for cross-platform play. If you are on PC and your friend is on PlayStation 5, their lobby will not appear here.

Joining with a Lobby Code

The Lobby Code system is the universal solution. It's a unique, six-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 8K4-N2X) generated by the host's game. This code is the key to any private lobby and is the only way to facilitate cross-platform multiplayer.

  1. First, you need the code. The host will have to send it to you via an external message (text, Discord, etc.).
  2. Navigate to the 'Casual Match' menu and select 'Join Game.'
  3. Instead of browsing the public or friends lists, look for a button that says 'Enter Lobby Code' or shows a keypad icon.
  4. A text box will appear. Carefully type in the six-character code and hit confirm.

As long as the code is correct and the lobby still has space, you'll be connected instantly. This is the definitive method for private games and cross-play.

Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Hosting Your Own Match: A Complete Settings Breakdown

If you're the one setting up the game, you have full control over the rules, course, and who can join. The process is straightforward, but understanding each setting is key to creating the experience you want for your group.

From the 'Casual Match' menu, select 'Host Game.' This will take you to the match creation screen, which is broken into a few key steps.

Step 1: Setting Lobby Privacy

This is the most important setting for ensuring only your friends get in. You have three options, and choosing the wrong one can lead to random players filling your slots.

Privacy SettingWho Can Join?Best For
PublicAnyone browsing the public lobby list.Quickly finding a match with random players.
Friends OnlyOnly players on your platform's friends list can see and join from their menu.A quick game with same-platform friends.
Invite OnlyNo one can see the lobby. It is hidden and requires a direct Lobby Code to join.Private games, cross-platform play, organized events.

For a standard game with your friends, always choose 'Invite Only.' Upon creating the lobby, the unique Lobby Code will be displayed prominently on the screen for you to share.

Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Step 2: Choosing the Game Mode

Next, you'll decide what kind of disc golf you want to play. Disc Golf Masters offers several formats in its Casual Match suite, each providing a different competitive flavor.

  • Stroke Play: The traditional format. Every throw counts, and the player with the lowest total score after all holes are completed wins. This is the standard for 2-4 players.
  • Match Play: A head-to-head duel. Instead of competing for the lowest overall score, you compete to win individual holes. If you score lower than your opponent on a hole, you go "1 up." The game ends when one player is up by more holes than remain to be played.
  • Skins: A high-pressure mode where each hole is worth a "skin." To win the skin for a hole, you must have the sole lowest score. If two or more players tie for the best score, the skin carries over, and the next hole is worth two skins. This can lead to dramatic, high-stakes putts on the final holes.
  • Doubles (Team Play): A 2v2 format perfect for four players. In the standard 'Best Shot' sub-mode, both players on a team throw from the tee, then they choose the better of the two lies and both throw their next shot from there. This continues until the hole is complete.
Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Disc Golf Masters in-game screenshot

Step 3: Course and Conditions

Once you've set the rules, you pick the venue. You can select from any of the courses you've unlocked, from the beginner-friendly 'Oak Meadow Park' to the treacherous, high-difficulty 'Coastal Fury.'

Beyond the course, you can also tweak the environmental conditions to add another layer of challenge:

  • Holes: Choose between the front 9, back 9, or a full 18-hole round.
  • Wind: Set the conditions to 'Calm,' 'Breezy,' 'Gusty,' or 'Random.' Higher winds will dramatically affect your disc's flight path and require more complex shot-shaping.
  • Time of Day: Choose between 'Morning,' 'Midday,' and 'Evening' for different lighting aesthetics.

Step 4: Inviting and Launching

With all your settings locked in, click 'Create Lobby.' You'll now be in the lobby waiting screen. If you chose 'Invite Only,' your Lobby Code will be visible. Send this to your friends.

As players join, you'll see their avatars appear. Once everyone is in and has indicated they are ready by clicking the 'Ready Up' button, the 'Launch Game' option will become available for you, the host. Click it to start the match.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

Sometimes things don't go as planned. If you're having trouble connecting with friends, here are a few common culprits and their solutions.

  • Version Mismatch: This is the most frequent issue after a new game patch. If a player tries to join a host running a different version of the game, they'll get an error. The Fix: Ensure every player has closed the game and downloaded the latest update from Steam, the PlayStation Store, or the Xbox store.
  • NAT Type Issues: Network Address Translation (NAT) type can interfere with peer-to-peer connections. A 'Strict' or 'Type 3' NAT can prevent you from connecting to some lobbies. The Fix: While complex to solve, players can check their NAT type in their console's network settings. Aiming for an 'Open' or 'Type 1' NAT provides the best connectivity. Often, simply restarting your router can help.
  • Cross-Platform Not Enabled: Cross-play is not always enabled by default. The Fix: All players should go to the main 'Settings' menu, find the 'Online' tab, and ensure the 'Enable Cross-Platform Play' option is checked. This is required for the Lobby Code system to work between different systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many players can be in a multiplayer lobby in Disc Golf Masters? A standard card supports up to four players for all game modes, including Stroke Play, Skins, and 2v2 Doubles.

Is Disc Golf Masters cross-platform? Yes, the game supports full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. To use it, you must enable the option in your settings and use the 'Invite Only' Lobby Code system to connect.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core to play online? Yes. Like most premium console titles, access to online multiplayer in Disc Golf Masters requires an active subscription to your console's online service (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate).

Can we play the 'Pro Tour' career mode with friends? No, the Pro Tour is a curated single-player experience. All multiplayer activities are handled through the 'Casual Match' menu and its various game modes.

The Final Drive

Setting up a multiplayer match in Disc Golf Masters is a breeze once you understand the simple but crucial distinction between the different lobby types. For a guaranteed private game with your friends, especially across different platforms, the 'Invite Only' Lobby Code is your best tool. It cuts through any potential network or friend-list complications and gets you onto the first tee box with minimal fuss. Now, get your bag set and start sinking some putts.