Creating a private VRChess instance in VRChat requires you to launch the world with specific settings that restrict access to people you invite
VRChat worlds can be launched as public, friends-only, or invite-only instances. An invite-only instance means only people you directly invite can join — nobody can find it through world search or stumble into it. To create one for VRChess, you start the world normally, then change the instance type before anyone else joins.
The process takes about 30 seconds and happens entirely within VRChat itself. You do not need to own the VRChess world or have special permissions — any user can create a private instance of any public world they have access to.
Key Takeaways
- Launch VRChess from the Worlds menu, and before other players join, open the instance menu to change the type from public to invite-only.
- Once you set an instance to invite-only, you receive a unique invite link that you can share with specific people through Discord, email, or any other method.
- Only the person who created the instance can change its privacy settings or kick players out, but anyone in the instance can see who is invited.
- Invite-only instances stay active as long as at least one person remains in them; the instance closes when everyone leaves.
How to launch VRChess and open the instance menu
Open VRChat and navigate to the Worlds section. Search for "VRChess" or find it in your recent worlds if you have played it before. Select the world and press the Launch button to enter it.
Once you are in the world, look for the menu button — this is typically accessed by pointing at your wrist or pressing the menu button on your controller, depending on your headset. From the main menu, select "Instance" or "World Settings" (the exact label varies by VRChat version). This opens a panel showing the current instance type and player count.
Changing the instance from public to invite-only
In the instance menu, you will see the current privacy setting displayed. It likely shows "Public" or "Friends+" if you just launched. Look for a button or dropdown that lets you change the instance type. Select "Invite+" or "Invite Only" from the options presented.
VRChat will confirm the change and generate a unique invite link for that instance. This link is now the only way for new players to join — they cannot find the instance through world search, and they cannot join unless you send them the link directly. The change takes effect immediately.
Sharing your invite link with other players
Once the instance is set to invite-only, VRChat displays the invite link in the instance menu. You can copy this link and share it however you prefer — through Discord, email, a shared document, or any other communication method. The person receiving the link can paste it into their VRChat browser or click it directly if they are already in VRChat.
The link remains valid as long as the instance exists. If you want to prevent someone from joining later, you can remove them from the instance by opening the player list and selecting the kick option next to their name — only the instance creator can do this.
How long an invite-only instance stays active
An invite-only instance persists as long as at least one player remains in it. If everyone leaves, the instance closes and the invite link becomes invalid. If you want to play again later with the same group, you would need to create a new invite-only instance and share a new link.
This is different from persistent worlds that stay active on a server — VRChat instances are temporary and player-driven. If you are planning a regular VRChess game with friends, you might create a new instance each time rather than trying to keep one active between sessions.
Troubleshooting common issues with invite-only instances
If someone tries to join using your invite link and gets an error, the instance may have closed because everyone left. Create a new instance and send a fresh link. If the link works but the person cannot see you in the world, check that you are both in the same instance — sometimes VRChat loads people into different instances even with the same link if the world is experiencing lag.
If you cannot find the instance menu option, make sure you are using a recent version of VRChat. Older versions had different menu layouts. Restart VRChat if the menu does not appear, or try launching the world again. If the privacy setting is grayed out or locked, you may be in a world that restricts instance creation — this is rare but happens on some custom worlds.
Differences between invite-only, friends-only, and public instances
A public instance appears in world search and anyone can join freely. A friends-only instance allows only your VRChat friends to join, but they still need to find the instance through the world page. An invite-only instance is completely hidden — only people with the direct link can join, regardless of whether they are your friends.
For a private game of VRChess with a specific group, invite-only is the most restrictive and private option. Use friends-only if you want your friends to be able to find and join you without needing a link. Use public if you are open to playing with anyone who shows up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change an instance back to public after making it invite-only?
Yes. Open the instance menu again and select the public option. The instance becomes searchable immediately, and the old invite link stops working. Anyone in the world at that moment can stay, but new players can now find it through normal search.
What happens if I share the invite link with someone and then change the instance to public?
The link still works, but the instance is no longer private. Other players can also find and join the same instance through world search. If you want to keep it private, do not change the privacy setting after sharing the link.
Can someone I invited kick me out of my own instance?
No. Only the person who created the instance can kick players. Everyone else can only leave voluntarily. This means you always have control over who stays in your private game.
Do I need to be friends with someone to send them an invite link?
No. The invite link works for anyone, whether they are your VRChat friends or not. You can share it with people you just met or have never played with before.
What if the invite link expires or stops working?
Links expire when the instance closes, which happens when everyone leaves the world. Create a new invite-only instance and share a new link. There is no way to reactivate an old link once the instance is gone.