How do I play a multiplayer race using Steam?
How you play a multiplayer race using Steam differs depending on whether you want to play a rotation of different races (Online Playlist) or a specific kind of event (Custom Cup).
Online Playlist
The easiest way to race online is to join an online playlist. This allows you to play a series of races with a rotation of tracks and vehicle types, moving straight from one race to the next.
To join an online playlist:
From the Main Menu, select Online.
Select Multiplayer.
Select Online Playlist.
Select a playlist type. This determines which types of races and vehicles will be included in the playlist.
The game will search for available races. If it finds one, you will join it automatically. Otherwise, you will be placed in a new race that other players can join.
The race lobby will appear. To select a vehicle for the race, choose Select Vehicle.
To invite friends from your Steam friends list to the game, select Invite Friends. Otherwise, proceed to step 9.
The Choose Friends to Invite dialog will appear. Click the Invite button next to the name(s) of the friend(s) you wish to invite, then select Return to Game.
The timer at the top of the screen tells you whether a race is currently in progress, or when a new one is about to begin. If there are at least two players in the lobby and there are no races currently in progress, a new race will begin once the timer counts down to zero.
Custom Cup
If you want to play a specific kind of event, you can search for a custom cup that meets your criteria, or you can set one up to your own preferences.
How you play a custom cup differs depending on whether you want to host your own, or simply join one:
To host:
From the Main Menu, select Online.
Select Multiplayer.
Select Custom Cup.
Select Create Game.
A message will appear asking you whether you wish to allow players to use downloadable content. Select your preferred option. If you select Yes, players who do not own DLC being used in the game will not be able to join.
The Cup Settings screen will appear. Adjust the race settings, then select Done.
The race lobby will appear. To select a vehicle for the race, choose Select Vehicle.
To invite friends from your Steam friends list to the game, select Invite Friends. Otherwise, proceed to step 10.
The Choose Friends to Invite dialog will appear. Click the Invite button next to the name(s) of the friend(s) you wish to invite, then select Return to Game.
Once at least one other player has joined the race, you will be able to start it. Once you are happy with the race settings, select Start to take to the track.
To join:
From the Main Menu, select Online.
Select Multiplayer.
Select Custom Cup.
To search for races, select Custom Match. If you don't mind which type of race you play, you can join any available race by selecting Quick Match (if you do so, proceed to step 7).
The Session Search Options screen will appear. Use the options on this screen to define the type of race you'd like to play, then select Search to find an available race that meets your criteria.
The Session Search Results screen will appear with a list of races that match your criteria. Select a race from the list to join it.
The race lobby will appear. To select a vehicle for the race, choose Select Vehicle.
To invite friends from your Steam friends list to the game, select Invite Friends. Otherwise, proceed to step 10.
The Choose Friends to Invite dialog will appear. Click the Invite button next to the name(s) of the friend(s) you wish to invite, then select Return to Game.
The timer at the top of the screen tells you whether a race is currently in progress, or when a new one is about to begin. If there are at least two players in the lobby and there are no races currently in progress, a new race will begin once the timer counts down to zero.
