How to Create a Custom Game in Marvel Rivals

Open Custom Game from the Play menu in Marvel Rivals and choose Create. Select a mode and map, set who can join in Room Settings, and invite the players you want. Check the team lists before pressing Start. If you are setting up a private match, review room access before sharing the lobby name or password.

1. Find the Custom Game browser

From the main menu, choose Play and open the list of modes. Look for Custom Game in that list. Depending on the version of the menu, you may need to open the additional modes screen before the browser appears. You will see rooms that other players have created. Select Create to become the host of a new lobby.

Check whether you are opening an ordinary custom room or a tournament room. For a match with friends, the ordinary custom room is the useful starting point. If you are playing in an organized event, follow the event's instructions for which room type to use. Its map and access rules may be different from the settings you would pick for a practice session.

2. Choose the mode and map

1. Open your new room and inspect its default map and mode.
2. Use the map selection control to choose the game type you want.
3. Pick an available map that supports that mode and confirm the selection.
4. Return to the lobby and check the selected map name.
5. Open Room Settings to configure who can join.

For a practice match, select a map that lets you repeat the situation your group wants to practice. If the map you want is missing, check which mode tab you opened. A map used for one objective type may not appear in the list for another. Check the selection again if you switch the game type after choosing a map.

3. Set access for players and spectators

Open Room Settings and choose the join access that fits the session. For a closed game, use the invitation-only option where available. If your group needs another way to control entry, the Lock Room option lets you set a password. Share that password directly with the people who need it. Double-check the setting before telling someone to search for the room.

Review spectator access separately. If someone is there to watch rather than play, check that the room allows spectators and that they join in the appropriate slot. If the match is private and you do not want spectators, use the room setting that disables them. For an organized match, use the access rules specified by the organizer.

4. Invite your friends and check the teams

Use the invite control in the room to invite players from your friends list. Wait for everyone to arrive and check that they are in the intended team slots. If a friend joined but cannot play, check whether they ended up in the spectator list or on the wrong team. You can sort this out before the match starts.

If you are testing alone or with a small group, check whether the room supports adding bots for your chosen mode. Use them to confirm the map and rules, then remove any bots occupying spots you need for human players. If a lobby is already full, review the roster before sending another invitation.

5. Run a short test and fix problems before the match

Start when the intended players are present. Confirm that the correct map loads and both teams can select their heroes and play the objective. If the setup is for a longer session, use the first run to find problems with team assignment or access. Return to the lobby to adjust those settings before starting the next match.

If someone cannot join, check the room access, password, and available slots before making a new lobby. If the wrong map loads, return to the selection screen and confirm both the mode and map. Once the setup works, tell your friends which settings to use next time so another person can host the same kind of match.

If the session is a scrimmage, confirm the room rules in chat before either team starts. Players can then flag a wrong map or spectator setting while it is still easy for the host to change.