> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rivalryze.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rivalryze.com/contests/joining-a-contest.md).

# Joining a Contest

Finding a Contest and getting in usually takes under a minute.

## 1. Browse open Contests

From your dashboard, go to **Contests**. You'll see every Contest currently open for joiners — both Battles and Bounties.

Filter by:

* **Type** — Battle (leaderboard) or Bounty (objective).
* **Objective Mode** — the specific competition format (Achievement Points, Platinum Hunter, etc.).
* **Platform** — only show Contests your connected platforms can compete in.
* **Game** — Contests tied to specific games.
* **Entry fee range** — match your gem budget.
* **End date** — quick Contests vs long-running ones.

## 2. Pick one and review the details

Click into any Contest to see:

* The exact objective and target (or scoring rules, for Battles).
* The Contest type (Battle or Bounty) and the reward distribution.
* Current participants and leaderboard / completion list.
* The entry fee and current prize pool.
* The host's profile.
* When it starts and ends.
* Whether the access policy lets you in.

## 3. Pay the entry fee and join

If the Contest is set to **public** (or you meet the access requirements), you'll see a **Join** button. Click it, confirm the entry fee, and you're in.

Your entry fee is deducted from your wallet immediately and added to the prize pool.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the entry fee exceeds your wallet balance, you'll be prompted to earn more gems (win Contests, complete reward programs) or top up your wallet.
{% endhint %}

## Joining restricted Contests

Contests can have access policies. Here's how each works for you:

| Access policy          | What you do                                                                                                     |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Public**             | Just click Join.                                                                                                |
| **Allowlist**          | Click **Request invite**. The host has to approve you. You'll get a notification either way.                    |
| **Password protected** | Enter the password the host gave you.                                                                           |
| **Guild members only** | You need to be a member of the Discord server the Contest is tied to (and have Discord connected to RivalRyze). |
| **Role-based**         | You need a specific Discord role in the host's server.                                                          |

See [Access Policies](/contests/access-policies.md) for full details.

## When does the Contest actually start?

This depends on how the host configured it:

* **Starts when minimums are met** — needs N players to join before kicking off.
* **Starts when full** — auto-starts the moment max participants is reached.
* **Starts at a scheduled time** — the host picked a specific start date.

You'll get a notification when the Contest starts. See [Auto-Start Rules](/contests/auto-start-rules.md) for the full breakdown.

## What if I want to leave?

You can leave a Contest before it starts and get your entry fee back. Once a Contest has started, you're in until it ends — you can stop playing, but you won't get a refund.

Open the Contest page and click **Leave Contest**.

## What if the Contest gets cancelled?

If a Contest never reaches its minimum participants, the host cancels it, or it expires without starting, your entry fee is **refunded in full** to your wallet automatically.

## Notifications you'll get

* **Contest started** — sync your gaming platform so your stats are current.
* **Stats updated** — when your progress changes the leaderboard (Battles) or hits the objective (Bounties).
* **Contest ended** — final results.
* **You won** — prize transfer to your wallet.

## Related

* [What is a Contest](/contests/what-is-a-contest.md)
* [Battles](/contests/battles.md) and [Bounties](/contests/bounties.md) — the two types
* [Hosting Your Own Contest](/contests/hosting-a-contest.md)
* [Access Policies](/contests/access-policies.md)
* [Entry Fees, Prize Pools & Donations](/contests/entry-fees-and-prizes.md)