Custom Games
Forge your own rules and rewrite destiny in this ultimate sandbox arena.
Custom Games serve as the ultimate sandbox for the Marvel Rivals community, offering a space where players can step away from competitive matchmaking to experiment with unique rule sets and personal challenges. Unlike standard ranked or quick play modes, this feature empowers users to define every aspect of the battlefield, from character restrictions and map selection to specific win conditions and power levels. This mode acts as a creative laboratory for fans, allowing them to test new strategies, practice specific hero combinations, or recreate iconic moments from Marvel history with friends. It is less about climbing leaderboards and more about celebrating the sheer variety of heroes available in this multiverse, fostering a sense of camaraderie through shared experimentation.
- Availability
- Post-launch feature for all players
- Primary Function
- User-defined rule sets and private matches
- Participant Limit
- Varies by host settings (typically up to full team size)
- Map Selection
- Full roster of available battlegrounds
- Character Restrictions
- Fully customizable by the host
Lore & Background
In the chaotic multiverse of Marvel Rivals, heroes and villains often clash under circumstances dictated by the timestream entanglement caused by Doctor Doom and his heroic 2099 counterpart. However, Custom Games represent a rare anomaly where the fabric of reality is bent not by cosmic entities, but by the collective will of those gathered within it. It is as if Galacta herself has opened a pocket dimension specifically designed for training, where the laws of physics and heroism can be tweaked to suit any scenario imaginable. This digital arena reflects the boundless nature of comic book storytelling, where the only limit is imagination. Whether it is a scenario where only mutants are allowed to fight or a chaotic free-for-all on a floating island, these matches echo the 'What If?' stories that have captivated readers for decades. It is a place where a rookie can spar with an Asgardian god without fear of permanent consequence, learning the ropes in a safe environment. The existence of such a mode underscores the flexibility of the Marvel universe itself; no two battles are ever exactly alike. Just as the Avengers have faced threats ranging from alien invasions to magical curses, players in Custom Games can simulate any conflict they desire, turning every match into a unique chapter in their own personal saga.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the pocket dimension hummed with static energy, distinct from the usual chaotic roar of battle. Spider-Man adjusted his web-shooters, looking around at the empty arena that stretched out before him. 'So, this is it?' he quipped to Iron Man, who was hovering nearby, repulsors charged but inactive. 'Just us? No Thanos, no Galactus?' Stark's helmet retracted slightly, revealing a smirk. 'Tonight, we don't need the big bads, Spidey. Tonight, we just play with the rules.' With a wave of his hand, the host of this reality shifted the parameters, freezing time for everyone else and allowing them to test a new formation in a world where gravity was optional.
Reader's Guide
Custom Games allow any player to act as the host, creating a private lobby where any of the game's modes and rulesets can be used. The source confirms that Custom Games allow 'any of the aforementioned modes and rulesets to be used,' meaning hosts can select from modes like Convoy, Domination, Convergence, Resource Rumble, Conquest, Doom Match, 18 vs. 18 Annihilation, 18 vs. 18 Bounty Annihilation, Quick Match, Practice Vs. AI, Competitive, or Tournament rulesets. Hosts have granular control over the roster, enabling them to restrict matches to specific roles (e.g., Vanguard, Duelist, Strategist) or particular factions. This feature is ideal for practice sessions where a team wants to focus on synergy without the pressure of ranked points. Additionally, map selection is open, allowing players to revisit favorite battlegrounds repeatedly. Special events within this mode often introduce temporary modifiers, such as increased health pools or altered movement speeds, adding a layer of chaos that mirrors the unpredictable nature of comic book crossovers. Communication is key, as coordinating these unique scenarios requires clear planning among all participants.
Did You Know?
- Custom Games allow any of the game's modes and rulesets to be used, including the 18 vs. 18 Annihilation mode with 36 players.
- The game's creative director Guangyun Chen has said that every character's gameplay mechanic is crafted to reflect who they really are in the comics.
- As of August 2026, 53 playable characters have been added to the game, all available in Custom Games.
- The game features destructible environments overseen by Galacta, which can be altered in Custom Games.
- Custom Games can use the Competitive mode's hero ban system, where players can elect three heroes per team to be banned.