Setting up a custom match in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang lets you bypass random matchmaking and settle scores directly with your friends. Whether you want a straightforward one-versus-one duel or a full ten-player tournament, building a private lobby gives you total control over the rules, teams, and environment.
Playing against acquaintances requires navigating a few specific menus and lobby settings that the standard queue doesn't use. This guide walks you through setting up private rooms, configuring match rules, avoiding common setup mistakes, and running smooth games.
Finding and Opening the Custom Lobby
The path to a private match isn't immediately obvious if you spend all your time in the ranked queue. To open the correct menu, launch the game on your device and look at the main dashboard.
- Tap on the Custom mode icon from the main selection screen where classic, ranked, and brawl modes appear.
- Review the available sub-categories, which typically include Classic, Draft Pick, and Brawl formats for custom rooms.
- Select your preferred sub-mode. Draft Pick is best if you want hero bans and strategic counter-picking, while Classic or Brawl offers faster, more casual rounds.
- Tap Create to spin up your own empty room where you hold host permissions.
As the host, you manage who enters, which side they sit on, and when the match actually launches. You can also add computer-controlled bots to fill empty slots if you don't have a full ten-player roster.
Inviting Friends and Balancing Teams
Once your room is open, you need to pull your group into the lobby slots.
- Tap the Invite buttons located on the empty player slots on either the blue team or the red team.
- Select friends from your in-game list who are currently online and not locked inside an active match.
- Drag players between slots if you need to balance teams by skill level or ensure specific matchups for a one-versus-one duel.
If you're hosting a true one-versus-one showdown, place yourself in the top slot of Team 1 and your opponent in the top slot of Team 2. Make sure to lock or close the remaining slots so random players or extra invited friends don't accidentally disrupt your setup.
Configuring Advanced Custom Settings
Custom lobbies offer settings that normal matchmaking queues keep locked away. Taking advantage of these options can completely change how your group experiences the match.
- Spectator Slots: You can allow up to a few spectators into the room. This works well if you're casting a casual tournament among friends or recording footage for an edit. Spectators see the entire map without fog of war restrictions for either team.
- AI Bots: If you only have three human players available, you can populate the remaining spots with artificial intelligence opponents or teammates. You can even set the AI difficulty to match your group's skill level.
- Map Selection: Depending on current game updates, certain modes let you switch between standard lane maps and specialized brawling arenas.
Common Custom Lobby Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned players sometimes stumble when setting up private rooms for the first time. Keep these pitfalls in mind to save time:
- Forgetting to lock slots: If you leave open slots public, random players on your friends list might jump in before your actual participants arrive. Always lock unnecessary slots.
- Ignoring draft rules: Choosing a fast custom mode when your friends actually wanted hero bans causes confusion. Agree on Draft Pick beforehand so everyone gets a chance to ban troublesome heroes like Aamon or Fanny.
- Expecting rank progression: Custom matches do not count toward your seasonal rank, hero mastery points, or battle point earnings. Treat these games purely for practice, testing items, or bragging rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do custom matches cost anything to set up?
No. Creating and hosting custom lobbies is entirely free and doesn't consume tickets, diamonds, or battle points.
Can I use trial heroes in a custom match?
Yes. Custom lobbies often allow you to test out heroes you own via trial cards, letting you practice new mechanics safely before taking them into classic or ranked queues.
How many total players can join a single custom room?
A standard custom room supports up to ten players split evenly into two teams of five, plus additional slots for designated spectators.
Why won't the match start when everyone is in the room?
The host must wait until all participants confirm their readiness. If a player is missing a required hero update or hasn't tapped the ready button, the countdown cannot begin.
