> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.witt-play.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to join private and invite-only Witt & Play games

> Private games are hidden from the Browse feed and map. Join them using a 6-digit join code or a shareable invite link shared directly by the host.

Some hosts choose to make their games private — visible only to people they personally invite. Private games do not appear on the Browse feed or on any map view, regardless of your location or filter settings. To join a private game, you need either a 6-digit join code or a direct invite link from the host.

## What makes a game private

When a host creates or edits a game and enables the private setting, the game is excluded from the public Browse feed entirely — it never appears in search results, regardless of your location or filters. A **Private — invite only** badge appears on the game's detail page for anyone viewing it.

## Two ways to join a private game

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="6-digit join code" icon="key">
    The host shares a numeric code. Enter it on the Browse page to navigate directly to the game.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invite link" icon="link">
    The host shares a URL of the form `/invite/:token`. Opening the link takes you straight to the game detail page.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Joining with a join code

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Browse page">
    Navigate to the Browse view (`/?view=browse`). The **Join with code** button appears in the sticky toolbar next to the Search button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Join with code'">
    A dialog opens with the title "Join a private game" and the prompt: "Enter the 6-digit code the host shared with you."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the code">
    Type the 6-digit numeric code. The input field only accepts digits and is formatted in a large monospace display so the code is easy to read. You can also press **Enter** to submit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the game">
    Click **Find game**. The platform looks up the game by its join code. If a match is found, you are navigated directly to that game's detail page with a success toast: "Found '\[game title]' — request to join below." If no match is found, you see an error: "No game found for that code."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Request to join">
    On the game detail page, follow the standard join flow — click **Request to join**, optionally leave a message, agree to the Code of Conduct, and confirm. See [Requesting to join a game](/playing/join-a-game) for the full flow.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The join code is generated by the platform and visible to the host on the game detail page under a **Join code** panel. The host can copy it from there to share with invitees.
</Note>

### Joining with an invite link

Hosts and approved members can share a direct invite link. The link follows the pattern:

```
https://wittandplay.com/invite/:token
```

Opening this URL navigates you to the game's detail page. From there, you follow the same join request flow as any other game.

<Tip>
  If you receive an invite link, you don't need to know the join code — the link takes you directly to the game page. Both methods lead to the same join request flow.
</Tip>

## After using the code or link

Whether you arrive via join code or invite link, the experience is identical to any other game detail page:

* You'll see the game's title, sport, skill level, date, location (city-level until approved), and current roster.
* The **Private — invite only** badge confirms this is an invite-only session.
* You request to join, the host approves, and your status moves from **pending** to **approved** — at which point the full address and the game discussion thread become available to you.

<Info>
  Phone verification is still required to join a private game. If your phone isn't verified yet, you'll be prompted to complete verification in your profile settings before you can submit a request.
</Info>