With the first patch for the Chapter 2 Release, we are introducing a new feature: Custom Matches! With custom matches, you'll be able to set up Dominion matches specifically with people you want to play with. This article reviews how the system works and frequently asked questions that may arise around the Custom Matches feature.
The Custom Dominion Game Mode
Custom Matches will consist of two separate parties of players: the Creator Party, and the Joining Party. The Creator Party is the party whose leader generated the Custom Match code, while the Joining Party is the party that uses that code to join that particular match.
To create or join a Custom Match, first make sure you have the Custom Dominion mode selected from the Game Mode screen:
Once you've selected the Custom Game Mode, you'll arrive at a menu that allows you to either Create or Join a Custom Match:
Creating a Custom Match
To Create a Custom Match, click the Create button from this screen. Once you do this, you'll be taken to a new menu where your Custom Match Code will be displayed in the top-right corner, and you may choose which map the lobby will be playing on.
Note: PC players may click the icon next to the Match Code to instantly copy the code to clipboard.
Hitting the Back button from this screen will allow the Creator Party Leader to move back to the Main Menu and interact with different tabs, manage his/her party, etc. To get back to this menu, the Leader can hit the Match Settings button that appears over the Game Mode Selector.
The Custom Match Code is shown both on the Match Settings Screen (in the top right) and in the Main Menu above the Play button. This should be shared with the leader of the party with whom you wish to play!
If the Creator Party Leader hits the Leave Match button from this screen, the Joining Party Leader will become the Creator Party and own the lobby (and thus be able to change the map, etc.) If there is currently not a Joining Party in the lobby, the lobby will be destroyed, and the Match Code will no longer work.
Joining a Custom Match
If you'd like to Join a Custom Match, simply type or paste your 9-digit Custom Match code and hit the Join button. Once you have joined, you and your party will be pulled into the same lobby as the party who created the Custom Match. The individual party members do not need to enter the code - only the Joining Party Leader.
After both parties are in the lobby, the standard process of selecting a Class and readying up will occur, and once both parties are ready, the Creator Party Leader can launch the game.
Note: to be able to Start a Custom Match, you must be a Party Leader with at least 2 other party members. Otherwise, the Play button will be greyed out until this condition is met.
Beginning a Custom Match
To begin the match, both the Creator Party Leader and Joining Party Leader must enter the queue within 3 minutes of each other. If only one party queues, they'll receive a timeout error.
Once both parties are queued, they should match into a game with each other almost instantly.
Additional Information
For its initial release, the use of Custom Matches does come with some caveats and things you should know!
- Custom Matches can only be started when there are 2 parties of at least 3 members each
- You could have a 3v5 if you wanted - but 3 players per side is the minimum!
- The region the game is played in will always match the Lobby Creator's set region, regardless of all of the other players' set region/ping
- Cross-play is always toggled ON for players in Custom Matches.
- Your original settings will be maintained for when you're not playing in a Custom Match.
This information is always displayed at the bottom of the Custom Match screens as a reminder!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my Custom Match last? Can I keep playing with the same group?
Your Custom Match will last as long as you still have 2 teams of 3 players playing in it! After each match, both teams are returned to the standard pre-game interface. From there, you can choose to keep queuing up as much as you like!
Lobbies have no expiration time, and will only be destroyed once everyone has left. At that point, the original Custom Match Code would expire and no longer be usable.
Can I gain Crowns, XP, or Quest Progress from playing Custom Matches?
No, there is no progress gained in any way from playing Custom Matches.
Can I rejoin a match if I get disconnected?
You won't be able to re-join a match in progress. However, you can remain in the party/lobby to participate in the next match.
I stream Spellbreak - is there a way to prevent uninvited players from using my Match Codes?
Yes! To stop this from happening, you can go to your Account Settings page and check the box for Hide Spellbreak and Match IDs. This will obscure your Match ID's from displaying on any screens they normally appear on, preventing your lobbies from being invaded by unwanted players!
Is there a Spectator Mode for Custom Matches?
For now, there is no Spectator Mode.
Can I play Custom Matches in Battle Royale?
Currently, Dominion is the only mode in which Custom Matches are currently available.
What happens if a join a Custom Match as a solo player?
If you are the first player to join a Custom match, you become the Joining Party Leader. At this point, no other solo players would be able to join the match, and it would appear as "full". The only way for further players to join would be for the Creator Leader or Joining Party Leader (you!) to invite players to their parties!