How do I play a multiplayer custom match in XCOM: Enemy Unknown on Steam?

Playing a multiplayer custom match on Steam is slightly different depending on whether you wish to host the game, or simply join it.

To host a game:

1. From the Main Menu, select Multiplayer.

2. From the Multiplayer menu, select Custom Match.

3. Select Create Game.

4. The Custom Match Host window will appear. Set the Match Type to Public if you want anybody to be able to join the match, or Private if you want only a player that you invite to be able to join the match.

5. You can edit the Points, Turn Time and Map from this window. When you are happy with the match settings, select Create Game.

6. The Squad screen will appear. From here, you can customize your squad and their equipment. To invite one of your Steam friends to the game, select Invite Friends. If you have created a public game and would rather leave it open for any player to join, proceed to step 8.

7. A list of your Steam friends will appear. Click the Invite button next to the friend that you want to invite to the game. Click the X button in the upper-right corner of the list to close it and return to the Squad screen.

8. When you are happy with your squad, select Ready.

9. When the other player has joined the game and selected Ready, a dialog will appear informing you that the other player is ready. Select Start Game to begin.

To join a game:

1. From the Main Menu, select Multiplayer.

2. The Multiplayer menu will appear. Select Custom Match.

3. Select Search.

4. The Custom Match Search window will appear. Set the Match Type to Public.

5. Select Search.

6. The Game Browser window will appear. Highlight the game you wish to join and select Join Game.

7. The Squad screen will appear. From here, you can customize your squad and their equipment. When you are happy with your squad, select Ready.

8. The host will then start the game when ready.

NOTE: You can customize your preferred Points, Turn Time and Map from the Custom Match Search window, but since this will greatly reduce your chances of connecting to a game, we recommend you do not do this.