Stuck searching for a match in Warzone, DMZ, or MW2? Here’s what to do

Patience is the key virtue.

Image via Activision

There’s only a limited amount of options available if you’re stuck searching for a match in WarzoneDMZ, or MW2, but here’s a list of things you can try when that happens.

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Exit the playlist and try searching again

A menu screenshot for SHOOT HOUSE searching for a match in Warzone 2.0
Screengrab via Activision

There’s probably a minimal amount of you reading that have yet to try this, but it is the easiest and quickest solution. If you’re trying to queue into matches on the launch day of a new update, then there is likely a ton of player volume overloading the Call of Duty servers.

Fully exiting out of the playlist and queueing up again should reset your search and give you better odds of getting connected.

Check for updates

Throughout launch day and the subsequent seasonal content drops, the various teams at Activision will be rolling out patches, updates, fixes, and more. Sometimes, these can get deployed while you’re searching, which could cause you to get stuck.

Exit out of the playlist and the game altogether, and if you’re on PC, then fully exit out of Steam or Battle.net. When you head back in to launch the game, an update will appear if one is ready, but you can also hit the “check for updates” button.

Warzone 2.0 promo image with a player holding a rifle and wearing a ghillie suit
Image via Activision

Have patience during server overpopulation. Getting stuck trying to find matches will be a frequent occurrence; that’s just the truth. With so many players trying to join, the servers can’t handle it all simultaneously. This should be remedied throughout the day by Activision, and it should get better as the season progresses.

If this issue continues to occur long after the wildness of launch day, you may have to contact Activision customer support.

Report the issues

If CoD continues to have server problems, report them to websites like Downdetector or even Activision Support to let them know there’s a problem. The publisher and developers are likely already aware, but it can’t hurt to let your voice be heard so long as you do so respectfully.


Now that you know everything you need about getting stuck searching for a match in Warzone, DMZ, or MW2, you can implement a quick fix and get back to gaming. Good luck!

Author
Image of Scott Robertson
Scott Robertson
VALORANT lead staff writer, also covering CS:GO, FPS games, other titles, and the wider esports industry. Watching and writing esports since 2014. Previously wrote for Dexerto, Upcomer, Splyce, and somehow MySpace. Jack of all games, master of none.
Author
Image of Scott Duwe
Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.