To use Unstable Molecules in Marvel Rivals, open a hero’s Cosmetics, select a supported costume you own, and choose Customize. Pick the color, ultimate visual effect, or style option you want, then confirm its cost.
Chromas cost 600 Unstable Molecules, Ability VFX have a standard cost of 600, and additional Style Parts typically cost 300 each. The base costume is a separate unlock, so buying customization won’t give you the outfit itself. Check costume compatibility before committing your currency.
How do you spend Unstable Molecules?
Start with the exact costume you want to customize. Owning one outfit for Psylocke, for example, doesn’t unlock customization options belonging to another Psylocke outfit.
Open the costume’s customization options
- Select the hero whose costume you want to change.
- Open the hero’s Cosmetics area and select the costume you own.
- Choose Customize on a supported costume.
- Select the available color, Ability VFX, or Style Part you want.
- Review the Unstable Molecules price and confirm the purchase.
For a color purchase, you can also start in the in-game store. Look for the hexagonal color icon on the costume artwork, select the costume, and choose its alternate color on the right.
Open Vengeance customization
Convert Lattice if you need more Molecules
The color-purchase prompt lets you exchange Lattice for Unstable Molecules at 1:1. A 600-Molecule color therefore requires 600 Lattice if you’re covering its entire cost through conversion.
After unlocking a color, return to the hero’s Cosmetics to switch palettes. The alternate palette becomes another choice for that costume; you keep access to its original colors.
What can Unstable Molecules buy?
Costume Customization covers more than recolors. Supported Epic and Legendary costumes can offer different options, but rarity alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility. Check the individual costume’s Customize options.
| Customization | Unstable Molecules cost | What changes | Main restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chroma | 600 | A predetermined color palette on the existing costume model | Each palette belongs to a particular costume |
| Ability VFX | 600 standard cost | The visual presentation of an ultimate ability | Tied to a specific Legendary costume |
| Additional Style Part | Typically 300 each | Supported clothing, accessories, hairstyles, masks, or other appearance details | Options and free inclusions vary by costume |
Chromas change a costume’s colors
A Chroma applies a preset palette rather than giving you a free color picker. Its colors also carry into the costume’s associated selection intro, MVP animation, and emotes.
Choose a Chroma if you like the costume’s design but prefer its alternate palette. Each costume’s Chroma options require their own unlocks, so buying a color for one outfit doesn’t recolor every outfit on that hero.
Ability VFX change ultimate visuals
Ability VFX add visual changes such as alternate colors and particle effects to an ultimate ability. They are tied to specific Legendary costumes and cannot be transferred to another outfit or equipped independently.
These purchases are cosmetic only. Ability VFX do not change damage, hitboxes, or gameplay mechanics, so buy them for the effect rather than a competitive advantage.
Compare ultimate effect options
Style Parts change selected appearance details
Style Parts let you alter supported elements of a costume, potentially including its clothing, hairstyle, mask, or accessories. Compatible parts can be mixed and matched within that costume’s supported options.
The default style comes with the costume. Additional parts typically cost 300 Unstable Molecules each, but some alternate parts and removable options are included at no extra charge. Check those inclusions before budgeting for an extra style.
How do you get more Unstable Molecules?
Lattice conversion is the direct route when you want a particular customization. Lattice comes from purchases and some Battle Pass rewards, and it converts into Unstable Molecules at 1:1.
Eligible free reward activities can also award Molecules. Galacta’s Gift has previously included Unstable Molecules alongside Units and a Costume Coin, so check the active activity’s reward track before spending Lattice.
Keep your costume and customization budgets separate
Units can help you obtain a base costume, while Unstable Molecules pay for its supported customization. A large Units balance won’t substitute for Molecules on a Chroma purchase.
A Costume Coin can also help with an eligible base costume. Check the free Costume Coin guide before choosing an outfit, then verify that the exact costume supports the customization you want.
Customization support and event rewards can change with updates. Review the current Customize options and active reward track before committing currency or time.
Which costumes have alternate color palettes?
Color customization belongs to individual outfits, not an entire hero’s wardrobe. These examples show the required pairing between a base costume and its alternate palette.
| Hero | Required base costume | Alternate palette | Chroma cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Soldier | Blood Soldier | Winter’s Wrath | 600 |
| Psylocke | Vengeance | Phantom Purple | 600 |
| Magik | Punkchild | Rosy Resilience | 600 |
| Luna Snow | Mirae 2099 | Plasma Pulse | 600 |
For Phantom Purple, you need Psylocke’s Vengeance costume specifically. Another Psylocke outfit won’t satisfy that requirement. The same costume-specific rule applies to Luna Snow’s Plasma Pulse and the other pairings above.
Common mistakes
Buying a palette before accounting for the outfit
A 600-Molecule Chroma price covers the color customization. If you don’t own its base costume, you still need to obtain that outfit separately. Check both purchases before deciding whether the alternate look fits your budget.
Assuming every costume supports customization
Costume Customization applies to selected Epic and Legendary outfits. Check the exact costume rather than assuming every outfit for Magik, Luna Snow, or another hero has the same options.
Treating Molecules as combat upgrades
Unstable Molecules fund appearance changes. They do not buy stronger abilities, shorter cooldowns, or improved survivability. There’s no ranked-power reason to prioritize a 600-Molecule effect over a costume color you prefer.
Expecting an ultimate effect to work on another skin
Ability VFX remain attached to their specific Legendary costume. If you regularly switch outfits, account for that restriction before spending 600 Molecules on an effect you won’t see while wearing a different costume.
Pro tips
Prioritize the costume you actually use
If several heroes are competing for your cosmetic budget, create a hero ranking with the tier list maker to organize your priorities. This is best for players choosing between several mains: a customization attached to your regular outfit gets more use than one attached to a costume you rarely select.
Check included Style Parts first
Open the costume’s style options before assuming every change costs 300 Molecules. Some alternate parts are free, and removable options may already be available with the outfit.
Choose the change you care about
A Chroma is best for changing the costume’s palette across its associated cosmetic presentations. Ability VFX suit players who want a different ultimate effect, while Style Parts target specific appearance details. Compare those changes before choosing where to spend your Molecules.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get Unstable Molecules without buying Lattice?
Yes, eligible free reward activities can award them. Galacta’s Gift has done so previously. Check the active event’s reward track for Unstable Molecules before starting its objectives.
Can you use Units instead of Unstable Molecules?
Units can buy eligible base costumes, but supported customization uses Unstable Molecules. Lattice converts into Molecules at 1:1 when you need to cover the customization cost.
Does buying a Chroma remove the default color?
No. You can switch between unlocked palettes through the hero’s Cosmetics area. Purchasing an alternate color doesn’t remove the costume’s original look.
Can a Costume Coin pay for a Chroma?
No. A Costume Coin redeems an eligible base costume; the Chroma is a separate Unstable Molecules purchase. For help with other cosmetic unlocks, browse our Marvel Rivals guide collection.
