diff --git a/components/hub/ChatPanel.vue b/components/hub/ChatPanel.vue
index 42904ebaa..df334b42e 100644
--- a/components/hub/ChatPanel.vue
+++ b/components/hub/ChatPanel.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { ref, computed, watch } from "vue";
+import { ref, computed, watch, watchEffect } from "vue";
 import { useI18n } from "vue-i18n";
 import { useMediaQuery } from "@vueuse/core";
 import { SIDEBAR_MOBILE_QUERY } from "~/components/ui/sidebar/utils";
@@ -19,8 +19,11 @@ import ChatParticipants from "~/components/chat/ChatParticipants.vue";
 import TournamentChatEndedStamp from "~/components/chat/TournamentChatEndedStamp.vue";
 import NewConversation from "~/components/hub/NewConversation.vue";
 import NewChatRailButton from "~/components/hub/NewChatRailButton.vue";
+import MessageRequests from "~/components/hub/MessageRequests.vue";
+import MessageRequestsRailButton from "~/components/hub/MessageRequestsRailButton.vue";
 import HubEmptyState from "~/components/hub/HubEmptyState.vue";
 import FadeSwap from "~/components/ui/transitions/FadeSwap.vue";
+import { toast } from "~/components/ui/toast";
 import AnimatedStat from "~/components/AnimatedStat.vue";
 import { useChatTabs, type ChatTab } from "~/composables/useChatTabs";
 import { cancelChatTabRestore } from "~/composables/useChatTabPersistence";
@@ -28,7 +31,12 @@ import { useDirectConversationBar } from "~/composables/useDirectConversationBar
 import {
   directTabId,
   pendingComposerFocus,
+  useDirectMessages,
 } from "~/composables/useDirectMessages";
+import {
+  useMessageRequests,
+  type MessageRequest,
+} from "~/composables/useMessageRequests";
 import { orderChatTabs } from "~/utilities/chatTabOrder";
 import { hapticTap } from "~/utilities/haptics";
 import {
@@ -592,6 +600,77 @@ function onDock(tab: ChatTab) {
 // picked, Esc is pressed, or another conversation is opened from the rail.
 const composing = ref(false);
 
+// Message requests take over the thread area the same way, one at a time.
+const viewingRequests = ref(false);
+const {
+  requests,
+  requestCount,
+  isRequest,
+  isAwaitingReply,
+  acceptIfReplied,
+  decline,
+} = useMessageRequests();
+
+watch(composing, (isComposing) => {
+  if (isComposing) {
+    viewingRequests.value = false;
+  }
+});
+
+watch(viewingRequests, (viewing) => {
+  if (viewing) {
+    composing.value = false;
+  }
+});
+
+// Nothing left to show once the last request is answered or denied.
+watch(requestCount, (count) => {
+  if (count === 0) {
+    viewingRequests.value = false;
+  }
+});
+
+// Replying is what accepts a request, so it leaves the list as soon as this
+// player's message is in the room.
+watchEffect(() => {
+  for (const request of requests.value) {
+    acceptIfReplied(request.roomId);
+  }
+});
+
+function openRequest(request: MessageRequest) {
+  viewingRequests.value = false;
+  useDirectMessages().openConversation(request.peer);
+}
+
+const activeRequest = computed(() =>
+  activeTab.value?.type === "direct" && isRequest(activeTab.value.lobbyId)
+    ? activeTab.value
+    : null,
+);
+
+async function denyActiveRequest() {
+  const tab = activeRequest.value;
+
+  if (!tab) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  try {
+    await decline(tab.lobbyId);
+  } catch {
+    toast({
+      title: t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.deny_failed"),
+      variant: "destructive",
+    });
+  }
+}
+
+// The sender of a request writes once, then waits for a reply.
+function awaitingReply(tab: ChatTab) {
+  return tab.type === "direct" && isAwaitingReply(tab.lobbyId, tab.steamId);
+}
+
 const lobbies: Record<string, { focusComposer?: () => void } | null> = {};
 
 // A conversation just started -- from New message or a Message button --
@@ -624,6 +703,7 @@ function handleRoomClick(tab: ChatTab) {
   }
 
   composing.value = false;
+  viewingRequests.value = false;
 
   // In editing mode a tap is "I am done", not "open this".
   if (wiggling.value) {
@@ -798,6 +878,12 @@ function handlePopOut() {
               :active="composing"
               @click="composing = true"
             />
+            <MessageRequestsRailButton
+              v-if="tab.id === firstDirectTabId && requestCount > 0"
+              :active="viewingRequests"
+              :count="requestCount"
+              @click="viewingRequests = true"
+            />
             <!-- ContextMenu wraps the pair: its root renders no element, so
                  it cannot sit under TooltipTrigger's as-child. The two triggers
                  chain onto the one button instead. -->
@@ -936,6 +1022,12 @@ function handlePopOut() {
               :active="composing"
               @click="composing = true"
             />
+            <MessageRequestsRailButton
+              v-if="requestCount > 0"
+              :active="viewingRequests"
+              :count="requestCount"
+              @click="viewingRequests = true"
+            />
           </template>
         </TooltipProvider>
       </div>
@@ -943,6 +1035,12 @@ function handlePopOut() {
       <!-- No conversations yet: the way to start one is the whole rail. -->
       <div v-else class="flex flex-1 flex-col items-center">
         <NewChatRailButton :active="composing" @click="composing = true" />
+        <MessageRequestsRailButton
+          v-if="requestCount > 0"
+          :active="viewingRequests"
+          :count="requestCount"
+          @click="viewingRequests = true"
+        />
       </div>
     </div>
 
@@ -950,7 +1048,10 @@ function handlePopOut() {
          state instead of cutting; both branches fill the column, so a plain
          crossfade is the right tool. -->
     <FadeSwap class="flex-1 min-w-0">
-      <div v-if="composing" key="compose" class="h-full">
+      <div v-if="viewingRequests" key="requests" class="h-full">
+        <MessageRequests @close="viewingRequests = false" @open="openRequest" />
+      </div>
+      <div v-else-if="composing" key="compose" class="h-full">
         <NewConversation @close="composing = false" />
       </div>
       <div
@@ -1100,6 +1201,26 @@ function handlePopOut() {
           </div>
         </Transition>
 
+        <div
+          v-if="activeRequest"
+          class="flex shrink-0 items-center gap-3 border-b border-[hsl(var(--tac-amber)/0.3)] bg-[hsl(var(--tac-amber)/0.08)] px-3 py-2"
+        >
+          <p class="min-w-0 flex-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+            {{
+              $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.banner", {
+                name: activeRequest.label,
+              })
+            }}
+          </p>
+          <button
+            type="button"
+            class="inline-flex h-7 shrink-0 items-center rounded-md border border-border bg-card/50 px-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:border-destructive/60 hover:text-destructive"
+            @click="denyActiveRequest"
+          >
+            {{ $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.deny") }}
+          </button>
+        </div>
+
         <div class="flex-1 min-h-0 flex flex-col">
           <ChatLobby
             v-for="tab in tabs"
@@ -1114,6 +1235,14 @@ function handlePopOut() {
             :frameless="true"
             :is-global-context="true"
             :hide-participants-summary="true"
+            :can-send="!awaitingReply(tab)"
+            :readonly-hint="
+              awaitingReply(tab)
+                ? $t('layouts.chat_panel.requests.awaiting_reply', {
+                    name: tab.label,
+                  })
+                : undefined
+            "
             :disable-auto-focus-on-activate="isMobile"
             :is-active-tab="
               tab.id === activeChatId && isSidebarOpen && isTabActive
diff --git a/components/hub/MessageRequests.vue b/components/hub/MessageRequests.vue
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..46160e294
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/hub/MessageRequests.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import { ref } from "vue";
+import { useI18n } from "vue-i18n";
+import { X } from "lucide-vue-next";
+import { Avatar, AvatarImage, AvatarFallback } from "~/components/ui/avatar";
+import HubEmptyState from "~/components/hub/HubEmptyState.vue";
+import { toast } from "~/components/ui/toast";
+import {
+  useMessageRequests,
+  type MessageRequest,
+} from "~/composables/useMessageRequests";
+import { resolveAvatarUrl } from "~/utilities/avatarUrl";
+
+// First messages from players who are not friends, inside Chat itself like
+// New message. Opening one shows the conversation; replying there accepts it.
+// Denying hides it here without the sender being told.
+const emit = defineEmits<{
+  (e: "close"): void;
+  (e: "open", request: MessageRequest): void;
+}>();
+
+const { t } = useI18n();
+const { requests, decline } = useMessageRequests();
+const apiDomain = useRuntimeConfig().public.apiDomain as string;
+const declining = ref<string | null>(null);
+
+function avatar(request: MessageRequest) {
+  return resolveAvatarUrl(request.peer?.avatar_url, apiDomain);
+}
+
+function nameOf(request: MessageRequest) {
+  return request.peer?.name ?? request.peer?.steam_id ?? "";
+}
+
+async function deny(request: MessageRequest) {
+  declining.value = request.roomId;
+
+  try {
+    await decline(request.roomId);
+  } catch {
+    toast({
+      title: t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.deny_failed"),
+      variant: "destructive",
+    });
+  } finally {
+    declining.value = null;
+  }
+}
+</script>
+
+<template>
+  <div class="flex h-full flex-col">
+    <div
+      class="flex items-center justify-between gap-3 border-b border-border bg-card/30 px-3 py-3"
+    >
+      <div class="min-w-0">
+        <div class="truncate text-xs font-semibold text-foreground">
+          {{ $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.title") }}
+        </div>
+        <div class="truncate text-[10px] text-muted-foreground">
+          {{ $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.hint") }}
+        </div>
+      </div>
+      <button
+        type="button"
+        class="inline-flex h-7 w-7 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-md border border-border bg-card/50 text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground"
+        :aria-label="$t('layouts.chat_panel.requests.close')"
+        @click="emit('close')"
+      >
+        <X class="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
+      </button>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="flex min-h-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-y-auto px-2 pb-2 pt-2">
+      <div
+        v-for="request in requests"
+        :key="request.roomId"
+        class="flex w-full items-center gap-3 rounded-md px-2 py-1.5 transition-colors hover:bg-white/[0.04]"
+      >
+        <button
+          type="button"
+          class="flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-3 text-left focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-primary rounded-md"
+          @click="emit('open', request)"
+        >
+          <Avatar shape="square" class="h-8 w-8 shrink-0 text-[0.6rem]">
+            <AvatarImage
+              v-if="avatar(request)"
+              :src="avatar(request)!"
+              :alt="nameOf(request)"
+            />
+            <AvatarFallback>
+              {{ (nameOf(request) || "?").slice(0, 2).toUpperCase() }}
+            </AvatarFallback>
+          </Avatar>
+          <span class="min-w-0 flex-1">
+            <span class="block truncate text-sm text-foreground">
+              {{ nameOf(request) }}
+            </span>
+            <span class="block truncate text-[0.7rem] text-muted-foreground">
+              {{ $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.wants_to_message") }}
+            </span>
+          </span>
+        </button>
+        <button
+          type="button"
+          class="inline-flex h-7 shrink-0 items-center gap-1 rounded-md border border-border bg-card/50 px-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:border-destructive/60 hover:text-destructive disabled:opacity-50"
+          :disabled="declining === request.roomId"
+          @click="deny(request)"
+        >
+          <X class="h-3 w-3" />
+          {{ $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.deny") }}
+        </button>
+      </div>
+
+      <HubEmptyState
+        v-if="!requests.length"
+        :title="$t('layouts.chat_panel.requests.empty_title')"
+        :description="$t('layouts.chat_panel.requests.empty_description')"
+      />
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</template>
diff --git a/components/hub/MessageRequestsRailButton.vue b/components/hub/MessageRequestsRailButton.vue
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f2e872a70
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/hub/MessageRequestsRailButton.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import { Inbox } from "lucide-vue-next";
+
+// The chat rail's way into message requests. Shown only while some wait, with
+// how many -- in amber, not the red of an unread badge, since a request is not
+// something anyone is owed an answer to.
+defineProps<{ active?: boolean; count: number }>();
+defineEmits<{ (e: "click"): void }>();
+</script>
+
+<template>
+  <button
+    type="button"
+    class="relative flex h-11 w-11 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-md transition-colors focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-primary"
+    :class="
+      active
+        ? 'text-[hsl(var(--tac-amber))]'
+        : 'text-zinc-500 hover:bg-zinc-800/60 hover:text-[hsl(var(--tac-amber))]'
+    "
+    :aria-label="$t('layouts.chat_panel.requests.open', { count })"
+    :aria-pressed="active"
+    @click="$emit('click')"
+  >
+    <span
+      class="flex h-7 w-7 items-center justify-center rounded-md border transition-colors"
+      :class="
+        active
+          ? 'border-[hsl(var(--tac-amber)/0.6)] bg-[hsl(var(--tac-amber)/0.12)]'
+          : 'border-zinc-700'
+      "
+    >
+      <Inbox class="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
+    </span>
+    <span
+      class="absolute right-0.5 top-0.5 flex h-4 min-w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-[hsl(var(--tac-amber))] px-1 text-[0.6rem] font-bold tabular-nums leading-none text-black"
+    >
+      {{ count > 99 ? "99+" : count }}
+    </span>
+  </button>
+</template>
diff --git a/components/hub/NewConversation.vue b/components/hub/NewConversation.vue
index ec9affd78..888baa4bb 100644
--- a/components/hub/NewConversation.vue
+++ b/components/hub/NewConversation.vue
@@ -9,9 +9,8 @@ import { setActiveHub } from "~/composables/useHubState";
 import { resolveAvatarUrl } from "~/utilities/avatarUrl";
 
 // Starting a conversation, inside Chat itself: the thread area becomes a
-// "To:" field over your friends, online first. Direct messages are between
-// accepted friends only (the server enforces the same), so this lists friends
-// rather than searching every player and refusing most of them.
+// "To:" field over your friends, online first. Anyone else is messaged from
+// their profile or name, where a first message goes out as a request.
 const emit = defineEmits<{ (e: "close"): void }>();
 
 const matchmakingStore = useMatchmakingStore();
diff --git a/components/matchmaking-lobby/FriendListItem.vue b/components/matchmaking-lobby/FriendListItem.vue
index f046e2638..291b1fd94 100644
--- a/components/matchmaking-lobby/FriendListItem.vue
+++ b/components/matchmaking-lobby/FriendListItem.vue
@@ -20,10 +20,13 @@ import {
   Swords,
   LogIn,
   MessageSquare,
+  MessageSquareOff,
   Ban,
 } from "lucide-vue-next";
 import BlockPlayerDialog from "~/components/player/BlockPlayerDialog.vue";
 import { useFriendActions } from "~/composables/useFriendActions";
+import { directRoomId } from "~/composables/useDirectMessages";
+import { useMessageRequests } from "~/composables/useMessageRequests";
 import { usePlayerBlocks } from "~/composables/usePlayerBlocks";
 import { useFriendStatus } from "~/composables/useFriendStatus";
 import { useDraftGamesStore } from "~/stores/DraftGamesStore";
@@ -55,9 +58,8 @@ const {
   inviteToDraft: sendDraftInvite,
 } = useFriendActions();
 
-// Rendered inside the accepted-friend branch, so the friend-only rule the
-// server enforces is already satisfied by where the button lives.
 const { openConversation } = useDirectMessages();
+const { isAwaitingReply } = useMessageRequests();
 
 const { available: blocksAvailable } = usePlayerBlocks();
 
@@ -77,6 +79,35 @@ const currentLobby = computed(() =>
 
 const isFriend = computed(() => rel.value === "friend");
 
+function message() {
+  openConversation({
+    steam_id: String(props.player.steam_id),
+    name: props.player.name,
+    avatar_url: props.player.avatar_url,
+  });
+}
+
+// Anyone who is not a friend can still be written to: the first message goes
+// as a request they reply to accept. Friends keep their own button below.
+const canRequest = computed(
+  () => rel.value === "none" || rel.value === "outgoing",
+);
+const requestsOff = computed(
+  () => props.player?.allow_message_requests === false,
+);
+const awaitingReply = computed(() => {
+  const me = useAuthStore().me?.steam_id;
+
+  return (
+    !!me &&
+    canRequest.value &&
+    isAwaitingReply(
+      directRoomId(me, props.player.steam_id),
+      String(props.player.steam_id),
+    )
+  );
+});
+
 const isOnline = computed(() =>
   useMatchmakingStore().onlinePlayerSteamIds.includes(
     String(props.player.steam_id),
@@ -238,8 +269,17 @@ const amberHover =
               :truncate-name="true"
               :context-menu="false"
             >
-              <template v-if="fresh" #subline>
-                <span class="block truncate text-[0.65rem] text-foreground">
+              <template v-if="fresh || awaitingReply" #subline>
+                <span
+                  v-if="awaitingReply"
+                  class="block truncate text-[0.65rem] text-[hsl(var(--tac-amber))]"
+                >
+                  {{ $t("chat.direct.request.waiting") }}
+                </span>
+                <span
+                  v-else
+                  class="block truncate text-[0.65rem] text-foreground"
+                >
                   {{ $t("matchmaking.friends.just_online") }}
                 </span>
               </template>
@@ -283,6 +323,58 @@ const amberHover =
                 </div>
               </Transition>
 
+              <!-- Message a non-friend: their first message is a request. -->
+              <Tooltip v-if="canRequest">
+                <TooltipTrigger as-child>
+                  <span>
+                    <Button
+                      variant="ghost"
+                      :class="[actionBtn, amberHover]"
+                      :disabled="requestsOff"
+                      :aria-label="
+                        requestsOff
+                          ? $t('chat.direct.request.friends_only', {
+                              name: player.name,
+                            })
+                          : $t('chat.direct.request.title')
+                      "
+                      @click.stop="message"
+                    >
+                      <MessageSquareOff v-if="requestsOff" class="h-4 w-4" />
+                      <MessageSquare v-else class="h-4 w-4" />
+                    </Button>
+                  </span>
+                </TooltipTrigger>
+                <TooltipContent class="max-w-[15rem]">
+                  <template v-if="requestsOff">
+                    {{
+                      $t("chat.direct.request.friends_only", {
+                        name: player.name,
+                      })
+                    }}
+                  </template>
+                  <template v-else-if="awaitingReply">
+                    {{
+                      $t("layouts.chat_panel.requests.awaiting_reply", {
+                        name: player.name,
+                      })
+                    }}
+                  </template>
+                  <template v-else>
+                    <span class="block font-semibold">
+                      {{ $t("chat.direct.request.title") }}
+                    </span>
+                    <span class="block opacity-80">
+                      {{
+                        $t("chat.direct.request.description", {
+                          name: player.name,
+                        })
+                      }}
+                    </span>
+                  </template>
+                </TooltipContent>
+              </Tooltip>
+
               <!-- Relationship-specific actions. Measured-width swap: the
                    cluster's width is held while the old buttons fade and
                    eased to the new set's width -- accepting a request no
diff --git a/composables/useDirectMessages.ts b/composables/useDirectMessages.ts
index 82e75f9c6..5e30df9f5 100644
--- a/composables/useDirectMessages.ts
+++ b/composables/useDirectMessages.ts
@@ -55,9 +55,13 @@ export function useDirectMessages() {
   const authStore = useAuthStore();
   const { setRightSidebarOpen } = useRightSidebar();
 
-  // Accepted friends only -- a pending request in either direction is not a
-  // friendship, and the server enforces the same rule.
-  function canMessage(steamId: string | number | undefined | null): boolean {
+  // Friends always. Anyone else gets a message request, unless they are known to
+  // take messages from friends only -- the server enforces the same rule, and a
+  // caller that cannot tell leaves the server to say so.
+  function canMessage(
+    steamId: string | number | undefined | null,
+    allowsMessageRequests?: boolean | null,
+  ): boolean {
     if (!steamId || !authStore.me?.steam_id) {
       return false;
     }
@@ -66,7 +70,9 @@ export function useDirectMessages() {
       return false;
     }
 
-    return relationship(steamId) === "friend";
+    return (
+      relationship(steamId) === "friend" || allowsMessageRequests !== false
+    );
   }
 
   function openConversation(
diff --git a/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.ts b/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.ts
index 239098648..dbf34a9cb 100644
--- a/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.ts
+++ b/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.ts
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ export function useIncomingDirectMessages() {
   const { openTab, closeTab, incrementUnread, setUnread, noteActivity, tabs } =
     useChatTabs();
   const { topPosition } = useDirectConversationBar();
+  const { addRequest, setRequests, setAwaitingReply, reset } =
+    useMessageRequests();
 
   function ensureTab(
     roomId: string,
@@ -84,13 +86,34 @@ export function useIncomingDirectMessages() {
           isOpen: boolean;
           position: number;
           peer: DirectMessagePeer;
+          // Waiting on this player: a stranger's first message.
+          request?: boolean;
+          // This player's own request, not yet replied to.
+          awaitingReply?: boolean;
         }>;
       }>(
         `https://${useRuntimeConfig().public.apiDomain}/chat/direct/conversations`,
         { credentials: "include" },
       );
 
+      setRequests(
+        conversations
+          .filter(
+            (conversation) =>
+              conversation.request &&
+              !socket.hidesAuthor(conversation.peer?.steam_id),
+          )
+          .map(({ roomId, peer, unread }) => ({ roomId, peer, unread })),
+      );
+
       for (const conversation of conversations) {
+        // Requests wait in their own list, off the rail and out of the badges.
+        if (conversation.request) {
+          continue;
+        }
+
+        setAwaitingReply(conversation.roomId, !!conversation.awaitingReply);
+
         if (!conversation.isOpen && conversation.unread <= 0) {
           continue;
         }
@@ -115,6 +138,8 @@ export function useIncomingDirectMessages() {
       roomId: string;
       from: DirectMessagePeer;
       message?: LobbyMessage;
+      // A stranger's first message: it goes to requests, quietly.
+      request?: boolean;
     }) => {
       const steamId = authStore.me?.steam_id;
 
@@ -131,17 +156,27 @@ export function useIncomingDirectMessages() {
         return;
       }
 
+      const from = {
+        steam_id: peerId,
+        name: data.from?.name,
+        avatar_url: data.from?.avatar_url,
+      };
+
+      if (data.request) {
+        addRequest({ roomId: data.roomId, peer: from, unread: 1 });
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // They wrote back, so whatever this player sent them is answered.
+      setAwaitingReply(data.roomId, false);
+
       // The room's own `lobby:chat` carries the same id when its tab is open.
       useTabFlash().signalChat("direct", data.message);
 
       // Deliberately does not inject the message: opening the tab makes
       // useChatTabSetup join the room, and the join's history snapshot delivers
       // it (deduped by chatMessageKey either way).
-      ensureTab(data.roomId, {
-        steam_id: peerId,
-        name: data.from?.name,
-        avatar_url: data.from?.avatar_url,
-      });
+      ensureTab(data.roomId, from);
 
       // Counted here for an existing tab too: a burst that lands before a new
       // tab's join reaches no lobby:chat, and the join's snapshot is never
@@ -164,6 +199,8 @@ export function useIncomingDirectMessages() {
         return;
       }
 
+      reset();
+
       for (const tab of [...tabs.value]) {
         if (tab.type === "direct") {
           closeTab(tab.id);
diff --git a/composables/useMessageRequests.ts b/composables/useMessageRequests.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..126ac793c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/composables/useMessageRequests.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+import { computed, ref } from "vue";
+import socket from "~/web-sockets/Socket";
+import {
+  directTabId,
+  type DirectMessagePeer,
+} from "~/composables/useDirectMessages";
+
+// A first message from someone who is not a friend. It waits here rather than
+// on the rail: no tab, no badge, no flash, so a flood of them cannot take over
+// the chat. Replying accepts it; declining hides it, and the sender is never
+// told. The server owns the state -- this mirrors it.
+export interface MessageRequest {
+  roomId: string;
+  peer: DirectMessagePeer;
+  unread: number;
+}
+
+const requestsRef = ref<MessageRequest[]>([]);
+// Conversations the server says are waiting on the other side to reply to this
+// player's request, and ones it says are not. A conversation started in this
+// session is in neither, and is worked out from its messages instead.
+const awaitingRef = ref<Set<string>>(new Set());
+const settledRef = ref<Set<string>>(new Set());
+
+function apiBase() {
+  return `https://${useRuntimeConfig().public.apiDomain}/chat/direct/conversations`;
+}
+
+export function useMessageRequests() {
+  const authStore = useAuthStore();
+  const { relationship } = useFriendActions();
+
+  const requests = computed(() => requestsRef.value);
+  const requestCount = computed(() => requestsRef.value.length);
+
+  function isRequest(roomId: string | undefined) {
+    return (
+      !!roomId && requestsRef.value.some((request) => request.roomId === roomId)
+    );
+  }
+
+  function addRequest(request: MessageRequest) {
+    const existing = requestsRef.value.find(
+      ({ roomId }) => roomId === request.roomId,
+    );
+
+    if (existing) {
+      existing.unread = Math.max(existing.unread, request.unread);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    requestsRef.value = [request, ...requestsRef.value];
+  }
+
+  function removeRequest(roomId: string) {
+    requestsRef.value = requestsRef.value.filter(
+      (request) => request.roomId !== roomId,
+    );
+  }
+
+  function setRequests(list: MessageRequest[]) {
+    requestsRef.value = list;
+  }
+
+  // What the server last said about this player's side of a conversation.
+  function setAwaitingReply(roomId: string, awaiting: boolean) {
+    const awaitingRooms = new Set(awaitingRef.value);
+    const settledRooms = new Set(settledRef.value);
+
+    if (awaiting) {
+      awaitingRooms.add(roomId);
+      settledRooms.delete(roomId);
+    } else {
+      awaitingRooms.delete(roomId);
+      settledRooms.add(roomId);
+    }
+
+    awaitingRef.value = awaitingRooms;
+    settledRef.value = settledRooms;
+  }
+
+  // Whether this player has sent their one message and is waiting on a reply.
+  // Anything from the other side ends the wait, whatever the server said last.
+  function isAwaitingReply(
+    roomId: string | undefined,
+    peerSteamId: string | undefined,
+  ): boolean {
+    const me = authStore.me?.steam_id;
+
+    if (!roomId || !peerSteamId || !me) {
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    const messages = socket.lobbyMessages("direct", roomId);
+    const fromPeer = messages.some(
+      (message) => String(message.from?.steam_id) === String(peerSteamId),
+    );
+
+    if (fromPeer) {
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    if (awaitingRef.value.has(roomId)) {
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    if (
+      settledRef.value.has(roomId) ||
+      relationship(peerSteamId) === "friend"
+    ) {
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    return messages.some(
+      (message) => String(message.from?.steam_id) === String(me),
+    );
+  }
+
+  // Replying is what accepts a request, so once this player has written in it,
+  // it is an ordinary conversation.
+  function acceptIfReplied(roomId: string) {
+    const me = authStore.me?.steam_id;
+
+    if (
+      me &&
+      isRequest(roomId) &&
+      socket
+        .lobbyMessages("direct", roomId)
+        .some((message) => String(message.from?.steam_id) === String(me))
+    ) {
+      removeRequest(roomId);
+      setAwaitingReply(roomId, false);
+    }
+  }
+
+  async function decline(roomId: string) {
+    await $fetch(`${apiBase()}/${encodeURIComponent(roomId)}/decline`, {
+      method: "POST",
+      credentials: "include",
+    });
+
+    removeRequest(roomId);
+    useChatTabs().closeTab(directTabId(roomId));
+  }
+
+  function reset() {
+    requestsRef.value = [];
+    awaitingRef.value = new Set();
+    settledRef.value = new Set();
+  }
+
+  return {
+    requests,
+    requestCount,
+    isRequest,
+    addRequest,
+    removeRequest,
+    setRequests,
+    setAwaitingReply,
+    isAwaitingReply,
+    acceptIfReplied,
+    decline,
+    reset,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/graphql/messageRequests.ts b/graphql/messageRequests.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7a1cfe39c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/graphql/messageRequests.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+import gql from "graphql-tag";
+
+// Raw documents until `yarn codegen` runs against an api with
+// players.allow_message_requests; rewrite them as Zeus selectors then. Kept out
+// of meFields, which every sign-in depends on.
+export const MY_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_QUERY = gql`
+  query MyMessageRequestsSetting($steamId: bigint!) {
+    players_by_pk(steam_id: $steamId) {
+      steam_id
+      allow_message_requests
+    }
+  }
+`;
+
+export const SET_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_MUTATION = gql`
+  mutation SetMessageRequestsSetting($steamId: bigint!, $allow: Boolean!) {
+    update_players_by_pk(
+      pk_columns: { steam_id: $steamId }
+      _set: { allow_message_requests: $allow }
+    ) {
+      steam_id
+      allow_message_requests
+    }
+  }
+`;
+
+// Who among these players takes message requests from non-friends, for the
+// Message buttons in the online list. Its own document so an api without the
+// column only loses this, not the list.
+export const PLAYERS_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_QUERY = gql`
+  query PlayersMessageRequests($steamIds: [bigint!]!) {
+    players(where: { steam_id: { _in: $steamIds } }) {
+      steam_id
+      allow_message_requests
+    }
+  }
+`;
diff --git a/i18n/locales/ar_SA.json b/i18n/locales/ar_SA.json
index 77e4eff60..fed453431 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/ar_SA.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/ar_SA.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "لا يمكن للاعبين المحظورين مراسلتك أو دعوتك أو إرسال طلبات صداقة إليك. إلغاء حظر أي لاعب لا يعيد صداقتكما.",
         "empty_title": "لا يوجد لاعبون محظورون",
         "empty_description": "سيظهر هنا اللاعبون الذين تحظرهم من ملفهم الشخصي أو من قائمة اللاعب.",
-        "blocked_on": "حُظر"
+        "blocked_on": "حُظر",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "طلبات الرسائل",
+          "description": "اسمح للاعبين الذين ليسوا من أصدقائك بإرسال رسالة واحدة إليك. تنتظر في طلباتك حتى ترد.",
+          "updated": "تم حفظ إعداد طلبات الرسائل",
+          "update_failed": "تعذّر حفظ إعداد طلبات الرسائل"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "انتهت · تُغلق خلال {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} ي",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} س",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "انتهت هذه البطولة. تبقى دردشتها مفتوحة لمدة 7 أيام."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "انتهت هذه البطولة. تبقى دردشتها مفتوحة لمدة 7 أيام.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "طلبات الرسائل ({count})",
+        "title": "طلبات الرسائل",
+        "hint": "من لاعبين ليسوا من أصدقائك",
+        "close": "إغلاق طلبات الرسائل",
+        "wants_to_message": "يريد مراسلتك",
+        "deny": "رفض",
+        "deny_failed": "تعذّر رفض هذا الطلب",
+        "empty_title": "لا توجد طلبات رسائل",
+        "empty_description": "تنتظر هنا الرسائل الأولى من لاعبين ليسوا من أصدقائك.",
+        "banner": "{name} ليس من أصدقائك. رُدّ لقبول طلب الرسالة، أو ارفضه.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "بانتظار رد {name} على طلب رسالتك."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "المباريات الأخيرة",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "رسالة",
-      "empty": "لا رسائل بعد. ألقِ التحية."
-    }
+      "empty": "لا رسائل بعد. ألقِ التحية.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "إرسال طلب رسالة",
+        "description": "{name} ليس من أصدقائك، لذا يمكنك إرسال رسالة واحدة. يجب أن يرد لقبولها.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} يستقبل الرسائل من الأصدقاء فقط.",
+        "waiting": "بانتظار الرد"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "لم يتم الرد على طلب رسالتك بعد. يمكنك الكتابة مجددًا بعد أن يرد."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "الاستخدام",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/da_DK.json b/i18n/locales/da_DK.json
index e9b37267d..16d00ac75 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/da_DK.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/da_DK.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Blokerede spillere kan ikke sende dig beskeder, invitationer eller venneanmodninger. At fjerne en blokering gendanner ikke jeres venskab.",
         "empty_title": "Ingen blokerede spillere",
         "empty_description": "Spillere, du blokerer fra deres profil eller spillermenuen, vises her.",
-        "blocked_on": "Blokeret"
+        "blocked_on": "Blokeret",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Beskedanmodninger",
+          "description": "Lad spillere, der ikke er dine venner, sende dig én besked. Den venter i dine anmodninger, indtil du svarer.",
+          "updated": "Indstilling for beskedanmodninger gemt",
+          "update_failed": "Kunne ikke gemme indstillingen for beskedanmodninger"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Afsluttet · lukker om {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} d",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} t",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Denne turnering er afsluttet. Dens chat er åben i 7 dage."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Denne turnering er afsluttet. Dens chat er åben i 7 dage.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Beskedanmodninger ({count})",
+        "title": "Beskedanmodninger",
+        "hint": "Fra spillere, der ikke er dine venner",
+        "close": "Luk beskedanmodninger",
+        "wants_to_message": "Vil gerne skrive til dig",
+        "deny": "Afvis",
+        "deny_failed": "Kunne ikke afvise anmodningen",
+        "empty_title": "Ingen beskedanmodninger",
+        "empty_description": "Første beskeder fra spillere, der ikke er dine venner, venter her.",
+        "banner": "{name} er ikke din ven. Svar for at acceptere beskedanmodningen, eller afvis den.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Venter på, at {name} svarer på din beskedanmodning."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Seneste kampe",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Besked",
-      "empty": "Ingen beskeder endnu. Sig hej."
-    }
+      "empty": "Ingen beskeder endnu. Sig hej.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Send en beskedanmodning",
+        "description": "{name} er ikke din ven, så du kan sende én besked. De skal svare for at acceptere den.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} modtager kun beskeder fra venner.",
+        "waiting": "Venter på svar"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Din beskedanmodning er ikke besvaret endnu. Du kan skrive igen, når de svarer."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Forbrug",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/de_DE.json b/i18n/locales/de_DE.json
index d93710b3a..0369bb4d6 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/de_DE.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/de_DE.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Blockierte Spieler können dir keine Nachrichten, Einladungen oder Freundschaftsanfragen senden. Das Aufheben einer Blockierung stellt eure Freundschaft nicht wieder her.",
         "empty_title": "Keine blockierten Spieler",
         "empty_description": "Spieler, die du über ihr Profil oder das Spielermenü blockierst, erscheinen hier.",
-        "blocked_on": "Blockiert"
+        "blocked_on": "Blockiert",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Nachrichtenanfragen",
+          "description": "Erlaube Spielern, die nicht mit dir befreundet sind, dir eine Nachricht zu senden. Sie wartet in deinen Anfragen, bis du antwortest.",
+          "updated": "Einstellung für Nachrichtenanfragen gespeichert",
+          "update_failed": "Einstellung für Nachrichtenanfragen konnte nicht gespeichert werden"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Beendet · schließt in {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} T.",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} Std.",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Dieses Turnier ist beendet. Der Chat bleibt 7 Tage lang geöffnet."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Dieses Turnier ist beendet. Der Chat bleibt 7 Tage lang geöffnet.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Nachrichtenanfragen ({count})",
+        "title": "Nachrichtenanfragen",
+        "hint": "Von Spielern, die nicht mit dir befreundet sind",
+        "close": "Nachrichtenanfragen schließen",
+        "wants_to_message": "Möchte dir schreiben",
+        "deny": "Ablehnen",
+        "deny_failed": "Anfrage konnte nicht abgelehnt werden",
+        "empty_title": "Keine Nachrichtenanfragen",
+        "empty_description": "Erste Nachrichten von Spielern, die nicht mit dir befreundet sind, warten hier.",
+        "banner": "{name} ist nicht mit dir befreundet. Antworte, um die Nachrichtenanfrage anzunehmen, oder lehne sie ab.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Warte darauf, dass {name} auf deine Nachrichtenanfrage antwortet."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Letzte Spiele",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Nachricht",
-      "empty": "Noch keine Nachrichten. Sag Hallo."
-    }
+      "empty": "Noch keine Nachrichten. Sag Hallo.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Nachrichtenanfrage senden",
+        "description": "{name} ist nicht mit dir befreundet, daher kannst du eine Nachricht senden. Sie muss beantwortet werden, um angenommen zu werden.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} empfängt nur Nachrichten von Freunden.",
+        "waiting": "Warte auf Antwort"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Deine Nachrichtenanfrage wurde noch nicht beantwortet. Du kannst wieder schreiben, sobald geantwortet wurde."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Auslastung",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/en.json b/i18n/locales/en.json
index 96de271cc..9dbd01c2c 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/en.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/en.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Blocked players can't message you, invite you, or send you friend requests. Unblocking someone doesn't restore your friendship.",
         "empty_title": "No blocked players",
         "empty_description": "Players you block from their profile or the player menu will show up here.",
-        "blocked_on": "Blocked"
+        "blocked_on": "Blocked",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Message requests",
+          "description": "Let players who aren't your friends send you one message. It waits in your requests until you reply.",
+          "updated": "Message request setting saved",
+          "update_failed": "Couldn't save your message request setting"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6580,7 +6586,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Ended · closes in {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count}d",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count}h",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "This tournament has ended. Its chat stays open for 7 days."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "This tournament has ended. Its chat stays open for 7 days.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Message requests ({count})",
+        "title": "Message requests",
+        "hint": "From players who aren't your friends",
+        "close": "Close message requests",
+        "wants_to_message": "Wants to message you",
+        "deny": "Deny",
+        "deny_failed": "Couldn't deny that request",
+        "empty_title": "No message requests",
+        "empty_description": "First messages from players who aren't your friends wait here.",
+        "banner": "{name} isn't your friend. Reply to accept their message request, or deny it.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Waiting for {name} to reply to your message request."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Recent Games",
@@ -9863,8 +9882,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Message",
-      "empty": "No messages yet. Say hello."
-    }
+      "empty": "No messages yet. Say hello.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Send a message request",
+        "description": "{name} isn't your friend, so you can send one message. They need to reply to accept it.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} only takes messages from friends.",
+        "waiting": "Waiting for a reply"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Your message request hasn't been answered yet. You can write again once they reply."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Usage",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/es_ES.json b/i18n/locales/es_ES.json
index 8c1ebc05b..761343807 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/es_ES.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/es_ES.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Los jugadores bloqueados no pueden enviarte mensajes, invitaciones ni solicitudes de amistad. Desbloquear a alguien no restaura vuestra amistad.",
         "empty_title": "No hay jugadores bloqueados",
         "empty_description": "Los jugadores que bloquees desde su perfil o el menú del jugador aparecerán aquí.",
-        "blocked_on": "Bloqueado"
+        "blocked_on": "Bloqueado",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Solicitudes de mensaje",
+          "description": "Permite que jugadores que no son tus amigos te envíen un mensaje. Espera en tus solicitudes hasta que respondas.",
+          "updated": "Ajuste de solicitudes de mensaje guardado",
+          "update_failed": "No se pudo guardar el ajuste de solicitudes de mensaje"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Finalizado · se cierra en {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} d",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} h",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Este torneo ha finalizado. Su chat sigue abierto durante 7 días."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Este torneo ha finalizado. Su chat sigue abierto durante 7 días.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Solicitudes de mensaje ({count})",
+        "title": "Solicitudes de mensaje",
+        "hint": "De jugadores que no son tus amigos",
+        "close": "Cerrar solicitudes de mensaje",
+        "wants_to_message": "Quiere escribirte",
+        "deny": "Rechazar",
+        "deny_failed": "No se pudo rechazar la solicitud",
+        "empty_title": "No hay solicitudes de mensaje",
+        "empty_description": "Aquí esperan los primeros mensajes de jugadores que no son tus amigos.",
+        "banner": "{name} no es tu amigo. Responde para aceptar su solicitud de mensaje o recházala.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Esperando a que {name} responda a tu solicitud de mensaje."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Partidas recientes",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Mensaje",
-      "empty": "Aún no hay mensajes. Saluda."
-    }
+      "empty": "Aún no hay mensajes. Saluda.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Enviar solicitud de mensaje",
+        "description": "{name} no es tu amigo, así que puedes enviar un mensaje. Tiene que responder para aceptarlo.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} solo acepta mensajes de amigos.",
+        "waiting": "Esperando respuesta"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Aún no han respondido a tu solicitud de mensaje. Podrás volver a escribir cuando respondan."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Uso",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/fr_FR.json b/i18n/locales/fr_FR.json
index d4db0b5f1..2e7735678 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/fr_FR.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/fr_FR.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Les joueurs bloqués ne peuvent pas vous envoyer de messages, d'invitations ni de demandes d'ami. Débloquer quelqu'un ne rétablit pas votre amitié.",
         "empty_title": "Aucun joueur bloqué",
         "empty_description": "Les joueurs que vous bloquez depuis leur profil ou le menu joueur apparaîtront ici.",
-        "blocked_on": "Bloqué"
+        "blocked_on": "Bloqué",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Demandes de message",
+          "description": "Autorisez les joueurs qui ne sont pas vos amis à vous envoyer un message. Il attend dans vos demandes jusqu'à ce que vous répondiez.",
+          "updated": "Paramètre des demandes de message enregistré",
+          "update_failed": "Impossible d'enregistrer le paramètre des demandes de message"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Terminé · ferme dans {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} j",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} h",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Ce tournoi est terminé. Son chat reste ouvert pendant 7 jours."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Ce tournoi est terminé. Son chat reste ouvert pendant 7 jours.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Demandes de message ({count})",
+        "title": "Demandes de message",
+        "hint": "De joueurs qui ne sont pas vos amis",
+        "close": "Fermer les demandes de message",
+        "wants_to_message": "Souhaite vous écrire",
+        "deny": "Refuser",
+        "deny_failed": "Impossible de refuser cette demande",
+        "empty_title": "Aucune demande de message",
+        "empty_description": "Les premiers messages de joueurs qui ne sont pas vos amis attendent ici.",
+        "banner": "{name} n'est pas votre ami. Répondez pour accepter sa demande de message, ou refusez-la.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "En attente de la réponse de {name} à votre demande de message."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Parties récentes",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Message",
-      "empty": "Aucun message pour l'instant. Dites bonjour."
-    }
+      "empty": "Aucun message pour l'instant. Dites bonjour.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Envoyer une demande de message",
+        "description": "{name} n'est pas votre ami, vous pouvez donc envoyer un message. Il doit répondre pour l'accepter.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} n'accepte que les messages de ses amis.",
+        "waiting": "En attente de réponse"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Votre demande de message n'a pas encore reçu de réponse. Vous pourrez réécrire après sa réponse."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Utilisation",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/it_IT.json b/i18n/locales/it_IT.json
index 504527a95..ce76eba28 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/it_IT.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/it_IT.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "I giocatori bloccati non possono inviarti messaggi, inviti o richieste di amicizia. Sbloccare qualcuno non ripristina la vostra amicizia.",
         "empty_title": "Nessun giocatore bloccato",
         "empty_description": "I giocatori che blocchi dal loro profilo o dal menu del giocatore appariranno qui.",
-        "blocked_on": "Bloccato"
+        "blocked_on": "Bloccato",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Richieste di messaggio",
+          "description": "Consenti ai giocatori che non sono tuoi amici di inviarti un messaggio. Resta nelle tue richieste finché non rispondi.",
+          "updated": "Impostazione delle richieste di messaggio salvata",
+          "update_failed": "Impossibile salvare l'impostazione delle richieste di messaggio"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Concluso · chiude tra {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} g",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} h",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Questo torneo è concluso. La sua chat resta aperta per 7 giorni."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Questo torneo è concluso. La sua chat resta aperta per 7 giorni.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Richieste di messaggio ({count})",
+        "title": "Richieste di messaggio",
+        "hint": "Da giocatori che non sono tuoi amici",
+        "close": "Chiudi richieste di messaggio",
+        "wants_to_message": "Vuole scriverti",
+        "deny": "Rifiuta",
+        "deny_failed": "Impossibile rifiutare la richiesta",
+        "empty_title": "Nessuna richiesta di messaggio",
+        "empty_description": "I primi messaggi di giocatori che non sono tuoi amici aspettano qui.",
+        "banner": "{name} non è tuo amico. Rispondi per accettare la richiesta di messaggio, oppure rifiutala.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "In attesa che {name} risponda alla tua richiesta di messaggio."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Partite recenti",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Messaggio",
-      "empty": "Ancora nessun messaggio. Fatti sentire."
-    }
+      "empty": "Ancora nessun messaggio. Fatti sentire.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Invia una richiesta di messaggio",
+        "description": "{name} non è tuo amico, quindi puoi inviare un messaggio. Deve rispondere per accettarlo.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} accetta messaggi solo dagli amici.",
+        "waiting": "In attesa di risposta"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "La tua richiesta di messaggio non ha ancora ricevuto risposta. Potrai scrivere di nuovo quando risponderanno."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Utilizzo",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/ja_JP.json b/i18n/locales/ja_JP.json
index 6e747089c..4a5c84f92 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/ja_JP.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/ja_JP.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "ブロックしたプレイヤーは、あなたにメッセージ、招待、フレンド申請を送れません。ブロックを解除してもフレンド関係は元に戻りません。",
         "empty_title": "ブロックしたプレイヤーはいません",
         "empty_description": "プロフィールやプレイヤーメニューからブロックしたプレイヤーがここに表示されます。",
-        "blocked_on": "ブロック"
+        "blocked_on": "ブロック",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "メッセージリクエスト",
+          "description": "フレンドではないプレイヤーが1通だけメッセージを送れるようにします。あなたが返信するまでリクエストに保留されます。",
+          "updated": "メッセージリクエストの設定を保存しました",
+          "update_failed": "メッセージリクエストの設定を保存できませんでした"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "終了 · あと{time}で閉鎖",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count}日",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count}時間",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "このトーナメントは終了しました。チャットは7日間開いたままです。"
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "このトーナメントは終了しました。チャットは7日間開いたままです。",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "メッセージリクエスト ({count})",
+        "title": "メッセージリクエスト",
+        "hint": "フレンドではないプレイヤーから",
+        "close": "メッセージリクエストを閉じる",
+        "wants_to_message": "メッセージを送りたいようです",
+        "deny": "拒否",
+        "deny_failed": "リクエストを拒否できませんでした",
+        "empty_title": "メッセージリクエストはありません",
+        "empty_description": "フレンドではないプレイヤーからの最初のメッセージはここに届きます。",
+        "banner": "{name} はフレンドではありません。返信するとメッセージリクエストを承認します。拒否することもできます。",
+        "awaiting_reply": "{name} があなたのメッセージリクエストに返信するのを待っています。"
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "最近の試合",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "メッセージ",
-      "empty": "まだメッセージはありません。あいさつしてみましょう。"
-    }
+      "empty": "まだメッセージはありません。あいさつしてみましょう。",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "メッセージリクエストを送る",
+        "description": "{name} はフレンドではないため、1通だけメッセージを送れます。相手が返信すると承認されます。",
+        "friends_only": "{name} はフレンドからのメッセージのみ受け付けています。",
+        "waiting": "返信待ち"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "メッセージリクエストにまだ返信がありません。相手が返信すると再びメッセージを送れます。"
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "使用量",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/ko_KR.json b/i18n/locales/ko_KR.json
index 6116cf496..e21e1bfeb 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/ko_KR.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/ko_KR.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "차단한 플레이어는 메시지, 초대, 친구 요청을 보낼 수 없습니다. 차단을 해제해도 친구 관계는 복구되지 않습니다.",
         "empty_title": "차단한 플레이어가 없습니다",
         "empty_description": "프로필이나 플레이어 메뉴에서 차단한 플레이어가 여기에 표시됩니다.",
-        "blocked_on": "차단"
+        "blocked_on": "차단",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "메시지 요청",
+          "description": "친구가 아닌 플레이어가 메시지를 한 통 보낼 수 있도록 허용합니다. 답장할 때까지 요청함에 보관됩니다.",
+          "updated": "메시지 요청 설정이 저장되었습니다",
+          "update_failed": "메시지 요청 설정을 저장하지 못했습니다"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "종료됨 · {time} 후 닫힘",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count}일",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count}시간",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "이 토너먼트는 종료되었습니다. 채팅은 7일 동안 열려 있습니다."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "이 토너먼트는 종료되었습니다. 채팅은 7일 동안 열려 있습니다.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "메시지 요청 ({count})",
+        "title": "메시지 요청",
+        "hint": "친구가 아닌 플레이어로부터",
+        "close": "메시지 요청 닫기",
+        "wants_to_message": "메시지를 보내고 싶어 합니다",
+        "deny": "거절",
+        "deny_failed": "요청을 거절하지 못했습니다",
+        "empty_title": "메시지 요청이 없습니다",
+        "empty_description": "친구가 아닌 플레이어의 첫 메시지는 여기에서 기다립니다.",
+        "banner": "{name}님은 친구가 아닙니다. 답장하면 메시지 요청이 수락되며, 거절할 수도 있습니다.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "{name}님이 메시지 요청에 답장하기를 기다리는 중입니다."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "최근 게임",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "메시지",
-      "empty": "아직 메시지가 없습니다. 인사를 건네보세요."
-    }
+      "empty": "아직 메시지가 없습니다. 인사를 건네보세요.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "메시지 요청 보내기",
+        "description": "{name}님은 친구가 아니므로 메시지를 한 통 보낼 수 있습니다. 상대가 답장해야 수락됩니다.",
+        "friends_only": "{name}님은 친구의 메시지만 받습니다.",
+        "waiting": "답장 대기 중"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "메시지 요청에 아직 답장이 없습니다. 상대가 답장하면 다시 보낼 수 있습니다."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "사용량",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/pl_PL.json b/i18n/locales/pl_PL.json
index 1db91f921..8ef2b8abe 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/pl_PL.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/pl_PL.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Zablokowani gracze nie mogą wysyłać ci wiadomości, zaproszeń ani próśb o dodanie do znajomych. Odblokowanie kogoś nie przywraca waszej znajomości.",
         "empty_title": "Brak zablokowanych graczy",
         "empty_description": "Gracze zablokowani z poziomu ich profilu lub menu gracza pojawią się tutaj.",
-        "blocked_on": "Zablokowano"
+        "blocked_on": "Zablokowano",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Prośby o wiadomość",
+          "description": "Pozwól graczom, którzy nie są twoimi znajomymi, wysłać ci jedną wiadomość. Czeka w twoich prośbach, dopóki nie odpowiesz.",
+          "updated": "Zapisano ustawienie próśb o wiadomość",
+          "update_failed": "Nie udało się zapisać ustawienia próśb o wiadomość"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Zakończony · zamknięcie za {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} d.",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} godz.",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Ten turniej się zakończył. Jego czat pozostaje otwarty przez 7 dni."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Ten turniej się zakończył. Jego czat pozostaje otwarty przez 7 dni.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Prośby o wiadomość ({count})",
+        "title": "Prośby o wiadomość",
+        "hint": "Od graczy, którzy nie są twoimi znajomymi",
+        "close": "Zamknij prośby o wiadomość",
+        "wants_to_message": "Chce do ciebie napisać",
+        "deny": "Odrzuć",
+        "deny_failed": "Nie udało się odrzucić prośby",
+        "empty_title": "Brak próśb o wiadomość",
+        "empty_description": "Tutaj czekają pierwsze wiadomości od graczy, którzy nie są twoimi znajomymi.",
+        "banner": "{name} nie jest twoim znajomym. Odpowiedz, aby przyjąć prośbę o wiadomość, lub ją odrzuć.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Czekasz, aż {name} odpowie na twoją prośbę o wiadomość."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Ostatnie gry",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Wiadomość",
-      "empty": "Brak wiadomości. Przywitaj się."
-    }
+      "empty": "Brak wiadomości. Przywitaj się.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Wyślij prośbę o wiadomość",
+        "description": "{name} nie jest twoim znajomym, więc możesz wysłać jedną wiadomość. Musi odpowiedzieć, aby ją przyjąć.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} przyjmuje wiadomości tylko od znajomych.",
+        "waiting": "Czekasz na odpowiedź"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Twoja prośba o wiadomość nie doczekała się jeszcze odpowiedzi. Napiszesz ponownie, gdy ktoś odpowie."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Wykorzystanie",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/pt_BR.json b/i18n/locales/pt_BR.json
index a6a7705d1..fa206a83b 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/pt_BR.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/pt_BR.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Jogadores bloqueados não podem enviar mensagens, convites ou pedidos de amizade para você. Desbloquear alguém não restaura a amizade.",
         "empty_title": "Nenhum jogador bloqueado",
         "empty_description": "Os jogadores que você bloquear pelo perfil ou pelo menu do jogador aparecerão aqui.",
-        "blocked_on": "Bloqueado"
+        "blocked_on": "Bloqueado",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Solicitações de mensagem",
+          "description": "Permita que jogadores que não são seus amigos enviem uma mensagem para você. Ela aguarda nas suas solicitações até você responder.",
+          "updated": "Configuração de solicitações de mensagem salva",
+          "update_failed": "Não foi possível salvar a configuração de solicitações de mensagem"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Encerrado · fecha em {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} d",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} h",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Este torneio foi encerrado. O chat dele fica aberto por 7 dias."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Este torneio foi encerrado. O chat dele fica aberto por 7 dias.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Solicitações de mensagem ({count})",
+        "title": "Solicitações de mensagem",
+        "hint": "De jogadores que não são seus amigos",
+        "close": "Fechar solicitações de mensagem",
+        "wants_to_message": "Quer enviar uma mensagem para você",
+        "deny": "Recusar",
+        "deny_failed": "Não foi possível recusar a solicitação",
+        "empty_title": "Nenhuma solicitação de mensagem",
+        "empty_description": "As primeiras mensagens de jogadores que não são seus amigos esperam aqui.",
+        "banner": "{name} não é seu amigo. Responda para aceitar a solicitação de mensagem ou recuse-a.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Aguardando {name} responder à sua solicitação de mensagem."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Partidas Recentes",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Mensagem",
-      "empty": "Nenhuma mensagem ainda. Diga Olá."
-    }
+      "empty": "Nenhuma mensagem ainda. Diga Olá.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Enviar solicitação de mensagem",
+        "description": "{name} não é seu amigo, então você pode enviar uma mensagem. É preciso responder para aceitá-la.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} só aceita mensagens de amigos.",
+        "waiting": "Aguardando resposta"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Sua solicitação de mensagem ainda não foi respondida. Você poderá escrever de novo quando responderem."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Uso",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/ru_RU.json b/i18n/locales/ru_RU.json
index a2af4f448..303f589a0 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/ru_RU.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/ru_RU.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Заблокированные игроки не могут отправлять вам сообщения, приглашения и заявки в друзья. Разблокировка не восстанавливает дружбу.",
         "empty_title": "Нет заблокированных игроков",
         "empty_description": "Здесь появятся игроки, которых вы заблокируете в их профиле или в меню игрока.",
-        "blocked_on": "Заблокирован"
+        "blocked_on": "Заблокирован",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Запросы на переписку",
+          "description": "Разрешить игрокам, которые не у вас в друзьях, отправить вам одно сообщение. Оно ждёт в запросах, пока вы не ответите.",
+          "updated": "Настройка запросов на переписку сохранена",
+          "update_failed": "Не удалось сохранить настройку запросов на переписку"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Завершён · закроется через {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} дн.",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} ч",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Этот турнир завершён. Его чат остаётся открытым 7 дней."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Этот турнир завершён. Его чат остаётся открытым 7 дней.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Запросы на переписку ({count})",
+        "title": "Запросы на переписку",
+        "hint": "От игроков, которые не у вас в друзьях",
+        "close": "Закрыть запросы на переписку",
+        "wants_to_message": "Хочет написать вам",
+        "deny": "Отклонить",
+        "deny_failed": "Не удалось отклонить запрос",
+        "empty_title": "Запросов на переписку нет",
+        "empty_description": "Здесь ждут первые сообщения от игроков, которые не у вас в друзьях.",
+        "banner": "{name} не у вас в друзьях. Ответьте, чтобы принять запрос на переписку, или отклоните его.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Ждём, пока {name} ответит на ваш запрос на переписку."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Недавние игры",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Сообщение",
-      "empty": "Сообщений пока нет. Поздоровайтесь."
-    }
+      "empty": "Сообщений пока нет. Поздоровайтесь.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Отправить запрос на переписку",
+        "description": "{name} не у вас в друзьях, поэтому можно отправить одно сообщение. Чтобы принять его, нужно ответить.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} принимает сообщения только от друзей.",
+        "waiting": "Ждём ответа"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "На ваш запрос на переписку ещё не ответили. Написать снова можно будет после ответа."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Использование",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/sv_SE.json b/i18n/locales/sv_SE.json
index f8b39f007..ae38dec60 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/sv_SE.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/sv_SE.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Blockerade spelare kan inte skicka meddelanden, inbjudningar eller vänförfrågningar till dig. Att avblockera någon återställer inte er vänskap.",
         "empty_title": "Inga blockerade spelare",
         "empty_description": "Spelare som du blockerar från deras profil eller spelarmenyn visas här.",
-        "blocked_on": "Blockerad"
+        "blocked_on": "Blockerad",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Meddelandeförfrågningar",
+          "description": "Låt spelare som inte är dina vänner skicka ett meddelande till dig. Det väntar bland dina förfrågningar tills du svarar.",
+          "updated": "Inställningen för meddelandeförfrågningar sparades",
+          "update_failed": "Kunde inte spara inställningen för meddelandeförfrågningar"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Avslutad · stänger om {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} d",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} tim",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Den här turneringen är avslutad. Dess chatt är öppen i 7 dagar."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Den här turneringen är avslutad. Dess chatt är öppen i 7 dagar.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Meddelandeförfrågningar ({count})",
+        "title": "Meddelandeförfrågningar",
+        "hint": "Från spelare som inte är dina vänner",
+        "close": "Stäng meddelandeförfrågningar",
+        "wants_to_message": "Vill skriva till dig",
+        "deny": "Avvisa",
+        "deny_failed": "Kunde inte avvisa förfrågan",
+        "empty_title": "Inga meddelandeförfrågningar",
+        "empty_description": "Första meddelanden från spelare som inte är dina vänner väntar här.",
+        "banner": "{name} är inte din vän. Svara för att godkänna meddelandeförfrågan, eller avvisa den.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Väntar på att {name} ska svara på din meddelandeförfrågan."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Senaste matcher",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Meddelande",
-      "empty": "Inga meddelanden än. Säg hej."
-    }
+      "empty": "Inga meddelanden än. Säg hej.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Skicka en meddelandeförfrågan",
+        "description": "{name} är inte din vän, så du kan skicka ett meddelande. De måste svara för att godkänna det.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} tar bara emot meddelanden från vänner.",
+        "waiting": "Väntar på svar"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Din meddelandeförfrågan har inte besvarats än. Du kan skriva igen när de svarar."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Användning",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/tr_TR.json b/i18n/locales/tr_TR.json
index fb9dbfdb4..569776ecf 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/tr_TR.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/tr_TR.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Engellenen oyuncular sana mesaj, davet veya arkadaşlık isteği gönderemez. Birinin engelini kaldırmak arkadaşlığınızı geri getirmez.",
         "empty_title": "Engellenen oyuncu yok",
         "empty_description": "Profilinden veya oyuncu menüsünden engellediğin oyuncular burada görünür.",
-        "blocked_on": "Engellendi"
+        "blocked_on": "Engellendi",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Mesaj istekleri",
+          "description": "Arkadaşın olmayan oyuncuların sana bir mesaj göndermesine izin ver. Sen yanıtlayana kadar isteklerinde bekler.",
+          "updated": "Mesaj isteği ayarı kaydedildi",
+          "update_failed": "Mesaj isteği ayarı kaydedilemedi"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Bitti · {time} içinde kapanıyor",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} g",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} sa",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Bu turnuva sona erdi. Sohbeti 7 gün boyunca açık kalır."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Bu turnuva sona erdi. Sohbeti 7 gün boyunca açık kalır.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Mesaj istekleri ({count})",
+        "title": "Mesaj istekleri",
+        "hint": "Arkadaşın olmayan oyunculardan",
+        "close": "Mesaj isteklerini kapat",
+        "wants_to_message": "Sana mesaj göndermek istiyor",
+        "deny": "Reddet",
+        "deny_failed": "İstek reddedilemedi",
+        "empty_title": "Mesaj isteği yok",
+        "empty_description": "Arkadaşın olmayan oyuncuların ilk mesajları burada bekler.",
+        "banner": "{name} arkadaşın değil. Mesaj isteğini kabul etmek için yanıtla ya da reddet.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "{name} kullanıcısının mesaj isteğine yanıt vermesi bekleniyor."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Son maçlar",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Mesaj",
-      "empty": "Henüz mesaj yok. Merhaba de."
-    }
+      "empty": "Henüz mesaj yok. Merhaba de.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Mesaj isteği gönder",
+        "description": "{name} arkadaşın değil, bu yüzden bir mesaj gönderebilirsin. Kabul etmek için yanıt vermesi gerekir.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} yalnızca arkadaşlarından mesaj alıyor.",
+        "waiting": "Yanıt bekleniyor"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "Mesaj isteğin henüz yanıtlanmadı. Yanıt verdiklerinde tekrar yazabilirsin."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Kullanım",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/uk_UA.json b/i18n/locales/uk_UA.json
index ab7373836..cf9bf492a 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/uk_UA.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/uk_UA.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "Заблоковані гравці не можуть надсилати вам повідомлення, запрошення та заявки в друзі. Розблокування не відновлює дружбу.",
         "empty_title": "Немає заблокованих гравців",
         "empty_description": "Тут з'являться гравці, яких ви заблокуєте в їхньому профілі або в меню гравця.",
-        "blocked_on": "Заблоковано"
+        "blocked_on": "Заблоковано",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "Запити на листування",
+          "description": "Дозволити гравцям, які не у вас у друзях, надіслати вам одне повідомлення. Воно чекає в запитах, доки ви не відповісте.",
+          "updated": "Налаштування запитів на листування збережено",
+          "update_failed": "Не вдалося зберегти налаштування запитів на листування"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "Завершено · закриється через {time}",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count} дн.",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count} год",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Цей турнір завершено. Його чат залишається відкритим 7 днів."
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "Цей турнір завершено. Його чат залишається відкритим 7 днів.",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "Запити на листування ({count})",
+        "title": "Запити на листування",
+        "hint": "Від гравців, які не у вас у друзях",
+        "close": "Закрити запити на листування",
+        "wants_to_message": "Хоче вам написати",
+        "deny": "Відхилити",
+        "deny_failed": "Не вдалося відхилити запит",
+        "empty_title": "Запитів на листування немає",
+        "empty_description": "Тут чекають перші повідомлення від гравців, які не у вас у друзях.",
+        "banner": "{name} не у вас у друзях. Відповідайте, щоб прийняти запит на листування, або відхиліть його.",
+        "awaiting_reply": "Чекаємо, поки {name} відповість на ваш запит на листування."
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "Останні ігри",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "Повідомлення",
-      "empty": "Повідомлень поки немає. Привітайтеся."
-    }
+      "empty": "Повідомлень поки немає. Привітайтеся.",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "Надіслати запит на листування",
+        "description": "{name} не у вас у друзях, тож можна надіслати одне повідомлення. Щоб прийняти його, потрібно відповісти.",
+        "friends_only": "{name} приймає повідомлення лише від друзів.",
+        "waiting": "Чекаємо на відповідь"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "На ваш запит на листування ще не відповіли. Написати знову можна буде після відповіді."
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "Використання",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/zh_Hans.json b/i18n/locales/zh_Hans.json
index 418d9b851..12e7abfd8 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/zh_Hans.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/zh_Hans.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "被屏蔽的玩家无法向你发送消息、邀请或好友请求。取消屏蔽不会恢复你们的好友关系。",
         "empty_title": "没有已屏蔽的玩家",
         "empty_description": "你在玩家资料页或玩家菜单中屏蔽的玩家会显示在这里。",
-        "blocked_on": "已屏蔽"
+        "blocked_on": "已屏蔽",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "消息请求",
+          "description": "允许非好友玩家给你发送一条消息。在你回复之前，它会留在你的请求中。",
+          "updated": "消息请求设置已保存",
+          "update_failed": "无法保存消息请求设置"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "已结束 · {time}后关闭",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count}天",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count}小时",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "本赛事已结束。其聊天将保持开放 7 天。"
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "本赛事已结束。其聊天将保持开放 7 天。",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "消息请求（{count}）",
+        "title": "消息请求",
+        "hint": "来自非好友玩家",
+        "close": "关闭消息请求",
+        "wants_to_message": "想给你发消息",
+        "deny": "拒绝",
+        "deny_failed": "无法拒绝该请求",
+        "empty_title": "没有消息请求",
+        "empty_description": "非好友玩家发来的第一条消息会在这里等待。",
+        "banner": "{name} 不是你的好友。回复即可接受其消息请求，也可以拒绝。",
+        "awaiting_reply": "正在等待 {name} 回复你的消息请求。"
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "近期比赛",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "消息",
-      "empty": "还没有消息，先打个招呼吧。"
-    }
+      "empty": "还没有消息，先打个招呼吧。",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "发送消息请求",
+        "description": "{name} 不是你的好友，所以你只能发送一条消息。对方回复后才算接受。",
+        "friends_only": "{name} 只接收好友的消息。",
+        "waiting": "等待回复"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "你的消息请求尚未得到回复。对方回复后你才能再次发送。"
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "使用量",
diff --git a/i18n/locales/zh_Hant.json b/i18n/locales/zh_Hant.json
index 009781b08..522189f70 100644
--- a/i18n/locales/zh_Hant.json
+++ b/i18n/locales/zh_Hant.json
@@ -3265,7 +3265,13 @@
         "description": "被封鎖的玩家無法傳送訊息、邀請或好友邀請給你。解除封鎖不會恢復你們的好友關係。",
         "empty_title": "沒有已封鎖的玩家",
         "empty_description": "你從玩家個人檔案或玩家選單封鎖的玩家會顯示在這裡。",
-        "blocked_on": "已封鎖"
+        "blocked_on": "已封鎖",
+        "message_requests": {
+          "title": "訊息請求",
+          "description": "允許非好友玩家傳送一則訊息給你。在你回覆之前，它會留在你的請求中。",
+          "updated": "訊息請求設定已儲存",
+          "update_failed": "無法儲存訊息請求設定"
+        }
       }
     },
     "watch": {
@@ -6578,7 +6584,20 @@
       "tournament_ended": "已結束 · {time}後關閉",
       "tournament_ended_days": "{count}天",
       "tournament_ended_hours": "{count}小時",
-      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "本賽事已結束。其聊天將保持開放 7 天。"
+      "tournament_ended_tooltip": "本賽事已結束。其聊天將保持開放 7 天。",
+      "requests": {
+        "open": "訊息請求（{count}）",
+        "title": "訊息請求",
+        "hint": "來自非好友玩家",
+        "close": "關閉訊息請求",
+        "wants_to_message": "想傳訊息給你",
+        "deny": "拒絕",
+        "deny_failed": "無法拒絕此請求",
+        "empty_title": "沒有訊息請求",
+        "empty_description": "非好友玩家傳來的第一則訊息會在這裡等待。",
+        "banner": "{name} 不是你的好友。回覆即可接受其訊息請求，也可以拒絕。",
+        "awaiting_reply": "正在等待 {name} 回覆你的訊息請求。"
+      }
     },
     "recent_games": {
       "title": "近期比賽",
@@ -9861,8 +9880,15 @@
     },
     "direct": {
       "message": "訊息",
-      "empty": "還沒有訊息，先打個招呼吧。"
-    }
+      "empty": "還沒有訊息，先打個招呼吧。",
+      "request": {
+        "title": "傳送訊息請求",
+        "description": "{name} 不是你的好友，所以你只能傳送一則訊息。對方回覆後才算接受。",
+        "friends_only": "{name} 只接收好友的訊息。",
+        "waiting": "等待回覆"
+      }
+    },
+    "awaiting_reply": "你的訊息請求尚未獲得回覆。對方回覆後你才能再次傳送。"
   },
   "charts": {
     "usage": "使用量",
diff --git a/pages/players/[id].vue b/pages/players/[id].vue
index 7d17a0642..bfa2e6128 100644
--- a/pages/players/[id].vue
+++ b/pages/players/[id].vue
@@ -3681,6 +3681,7 @@ const playerHeroTeamChipDotClasses =
 <script lang="ts">
 import { Ban, Medal, Pencil, ShieldAlert } from "lucide-vue-next";
 import { typedGql } from "~/generated/zeus/typedDocumentNode";
+import graphqlTag from "graphql-tag";
 import { e_team_roles_enum } from "~/generated/zeus";
 import { playerFields } from "~/graphql/playerFields";
 import { matchOptionsFields } from "~/graphql/matchOptionsFields";
@@ -3692,6 +3693,25 @@ import { canEditPlayerRole } from "~/utilities/playerRoleEdit";
 
 export default {
   apollo: {
+    // Its own raw document, apart from the player subscription: the column is
+    // newer than ~/generated/zeus until codegen, and an api that has not
+    // migrated yet would otherwise fail the whole profile rather than this.
+    allowsMessageRequests: {
+      query: graphqlTag`
+        query PlayerMessageRequests($playerId: bigint!) {
+          players_by_pk(steam_id: $playerId) {
+            steam_id
+            allow_message_requests
+          }
+        }
+      `,
+      variables: function (): Record<string, unknown> {
+        return { playerId: (this as any).playerId };
+      },
+      update: (data: any): boolean | null =>
+        data.players_by_pk?.allow_message_requests ?? null,
+      error: () => {},
+    },
     $subscribe: {
       players_by_pk: {
         query: typedGql("subscription")({
@@ -3845,6 +3865,8 @@ export default {
   data() {
     return {
       player: undefined,
+      // null until known; only an explicit false hides the Message button.
+      allowsMessageRequests: null as boolean | null,
       playerAwards: undefined,
       awardComposerOpen: false,
       sanctionsSheetOpen: false,
@@ -4039,14 +4061,16 @@ export default {
         this.canMessage
       );
     },
-    // Deliberately not a plain my_friends lookup, which matches a still-pending
-    // request too. The server only opens a conversation between accepted
-    // friends, so anything looser renders a button that fails.
+    // Friends, or anyone who takes message requests. Not a plain my_friends
+    // lookup, which matches a still-pending friend request too.
     canMessage() {
       return (
         !!this.player &&
         !this.isBlocked &&
-        useDirectMessages().canMessage(this.player.steam_id)
+        useDirectMessages().canMessage(
+          this.player.steam_id,
+          this.allowsMessageRequests,
+        )
       );
     },
     isAdmin() {
diff --git a/pages/settings/blocked-players.vue b/pages/settings/blocked-players.vue
index 30942caed..41b3bfc96 100644
--- a/pages/settings/blocked-players.vue
+++ b/pages/settings/blocked-players.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,13 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
+import { onMounted, ref } from "vue";
 import { useI18n } from "vue-i18n";
+import { Switch } from "~/components/ui/switch";
+import { FormSection } from "~/components/ui/form";
+import getGraphqlClient from "~/graphql/getGraphqlClient";
+import {
+  MY_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_QUERY,
+  SET_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_MUTATION,
+} from "~/graphql/messageRequests";
 import PlayerDisplay from "~/components/PlayerDisplay.vue";
 import TimeAgo from "~/components/TimeAgo.vue";
 import PageTransition from "~/components/ui/transitions/PageTransition.vue";
@@ -15,6 +23,65 @@ useHead({ title: () => t("pages.settings.blocked_players.title") });
 
 const { blocks, loaded, unblock } = usePlayerBlocks();
 
+// Who besides friends may start a conversation. Null until it loads, or when
+// the api has not migrated yet -- the switch stays disabled rather than
+// claiming a setting it cannot read.
+const allowMessageRequests = ref<boolean | null>(null);
+const savingMessageRequests = ref(false);
+
+onMounted(async () => {
+  const steamId = useAuthStore().me?.steam_id;
+
+  if (!steamId) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const { data } = await getGraphqlClient().query({
+      query: MY_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_QUERY,
+      variables: { steamId },
+      fetchPolicy: "network-only",
+      context: { optional: true },
+    });
+
+    allowMessageRequests.value =
+      data?.players_by_pk?.allow_message_requests ?? null;
+  } catch {
+    allowMessageRequests.value = null;
+  }
+});
+
+async function setMessageRequests(allow: boolean) {
+  const steamId = useAuthStore().me?.steam_id;
+
+  if (!steamId) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const previous = allowMessageRequests.value;
+  allowMessageRequests.value = allow;
+  savingMessageRequests.value = true;
+
+  try {
+    await getGraphqlClient().mutate({
+      mutation: SET_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_SETTING_MUTATION,
+      variables: { steamId, allow },
+    });
+
+    toast({
+      title: t("pages.settings.blocked_players.message_requests.updated"),
+    });
+  } catch {
+    allowMessageRequests.value = previous;
+    toast({
+      title: t("pages.settings.blocked_players.message_requests.update_failed"),
+      variant: "destructive",
+    });
+  } finally {
+    savingMessageRequests.value = false;
+  }
+}
+
 async function unblockPlayer(row: PlayerBlock) {
   try {
     await unblock(row.blocked_steam_id);
@@ -33,6 +100,23 @@ async function unblockPlayer(row: PlayerBlock) {
 <template>
   <PageTransition :delay="0">
     <div class="space-y-5">
+      <FormSection
+        :title="$t('pages.settings.blocked_players.message_requests.title')"
+      >
+        <div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-4">
+          <p class="flex-1 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+            {{
+              $t("pages.settings.blocked_players.message_requests.description")
+            }}
+          </p>
+          <Switch
+            :model-value="allowMessageRequests !== false"
+            :disabled="allowMessageRequests === null || savingMessageRequests"
+            @update:model-value="setMessageRequests"
+          />
+        </div>
+      </FormSection>
+
       <p class="max-w-prose text-sm text-muted-foreground">
         {{ $t("pages.settings.blocked_players.description") }}
       </p>
diff --git a/stores/MatchmakingStore.ts b/stores/MatchmakingStore.ts
index 1ad07c791..c44e2e9c8 100644
--- a/stores/MatchmakingStore.ts
+++ b/stores/MatchmakingStore.ts
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import {
   order_by,
 } from "~/generated/zeus";
 import getGraphqlClient from "~/graphql/getGraphqlClient";
+import { PLAYERS_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_QUERY } from "~/graphql/messageRequests";
 import { generateQuery, generateSubscription } from "~/graphql/graphqlGen";
 import { playerFields } from "~/graphql/playerFields";
 import debounce from "~/utilities/debounce";
@@ -127,6 +128,36 @@ export const useMatchmakingStore = defineStore("matchmaking", () => {
     }
 
     rebuildPlayersOnline();
+
+    void loadMessageRequestSettings(missing);
+  };
+
+  // Whether each newly seen player takes message requests, folded into their
+  // profile so the online list can grey out Message for those who do not.
+  // Optional: unknown just leaves the button enabled and the server decides.
+  const loadMessageRequestSettings = async (steamIds: Array<string>) => {
+    try {
+      const { data } = await getGraphqlClient().query({
+        query: PLAYERS_MESSAGE_REQUESTS_QUERY,
+        variables: { steamIds },
+        context: { optional: true },
+      });
+
+      for (const row of data?.players ?? []) {
+        const profile = profiles.get(String(row.steam_id));
+
+        if (profile) {
+          profiles.set(String(row.steam_id), {
+            ...profile,
+            allow_message_requests: row.allow_message_requests,
+          });
+        }
+      }
+
+      rebuildPlayersOnline();
+    } catch {
+      // An api from before message requests: nothing to fold in.
+    }
   };
 
   // Presence churns in bursts -- a match ending drops ten players at once, and
diff --git a/tests/components/ChatPanel.spec.ts b/tests/components/ChatPanel.spec.ts
index d4fdd2c0c..fd9f47c5c 100644
--- a/tests/components/ChatPanel.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/components/ChatPanel.spec.ts
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ vi.mock("~/web-sockets/Socket", async (importOriginal) => ({
     joinLobby: () => ({ messages: [], on() {}, leave() {} }),
     hidesAuthor: () => false,
     markLobbyRead() {},
+    lobbyMessages: () => [],
   },
 }));
 
diff --git a/tests/components/FriendListItem.spec.ts b/tests/components/FriendListItem.spec.ts
index 1eadd096c..7b9477af9 100644
--- a/tests/components/FriendListItem.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/components/FriendListItem.spec.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { TooltipProvider } from "~/components/ui/tooltip";
 import { useAuthStore } from "~/stores/AuthStore";
 import { useDraftGamesStore } from "~/stores/DraftGamesStore";
 import { useMatchmakingStore } from "~/stores/MatchmakingStore";
+import { useChatTabs } from "~/composables/useChatTabs";
 
 vi.mock("~/graphql/getGraphqlClient", () => ({
   default: () => ({
@@ -133,3 +134,68 @@ describe("FriendListItem drafts", () => {
     expect(inviteButton(wrapper, "swords")).toBeUndefined();
   });
 });
+
+describe("FriendListItem message requests", () => {
+  const STRANGER = "76561198000000003";
+
+  const stranger = (extra: Record<string, unknown> = {}) =>
+    ({
+      ...friendIn(null),
+      steam_id: STRANGER,
+      name: "Kairo",
+      ...extra,
+    }) as ReturnType<typeof friendIn>;
+
+  const messageButtons = (wrapper: Wrapper) =>
+    wrapper
+      .findAll("button")
+      .filter(
+        (button) =>
+          button.find(".lucide-message-square").exists() ||
+          button.find(".lucide-message-square-off").exists(),
+      );
+
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    useAuthStore().me = { steam_id: ME, current_lobby_id: null } as any;
+    const matchmaking = useMatchmakingStore();
+    matchmaking.friends = [
+      { steam_id: FRIEND, status: "Accepted", invited_by_steam_id: ME },
+    ] as any;
+    matchmaking.lobbies = [];
+    matchmaking.onlinePlayerSteamIds = [FRIEND, STRANGER];
+    useDraftGamesStore().myDraftGame = undefined;
+    useChatTabs().clearAll();
+  });
+
+  it("lets a non-friend be messaged, as a request", async () => {
+    const wrapper = await mount(stranger());
+
+    const [button] = messageButtons(wrapper);
+    expect(button.attributes("disabled")).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(button.attributes("aria-label")).toBe("Send a message request");
+
+    await button.trigger("click");
+    await flushPromises();
+
+    expect(useChatTabs().tabs.value.map((tab) => tab.steamId)).toContain(
+      STRANGER,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it("disables Message for a player who only takes messages from friends", async () => {
+    const wrapper = await mount(stranger({ allow_message_requests: false }));
+
+    const [button] = messageButtons(wrapper);
+    expect(button.attributes("disabled")).toBeDefined();
+    expect(button.find(".lucide-message-square-off").exists()).toBe(true);
+    expect(button.attributes("aria-label")).toBe(
+      "Kairo only takes messages from friends.",
+    );
+  });
+
+  it("keeps a friend to their one Message button", async () => {
+    const wrapper = await mount(friendIn(null));
+
+    expect(messageButtons(wrapper)).toHaveLength(1);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/components/player/PlayerEditForm.spec.ts b/tests/components/player/PlayerEditForm.spec.ts
index 933f5d319..faa6fb4a9 100644
--- a/tests/components/player/PlayerEditForm.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/components/player/PlayerEditForm.spec.ts
@@ -169,12 +169,15 @@ describe("PlayerEditForm", () => {
 
   it("opens the current roster image in the editor when the lineup slot is clicked", async () => {
     signIn(e_player_roles_enum.user);
+    // A fresh Response per call: apollo can reach this spy first, and a shared
+    // one would hand the image fetch a body it already read.
     const fetchMock = vi
       .spyOn(globalThis, "fetch")
-      .mockResolvedValue(
-        new Response(new Blob(["x"]), {
-          headers: { "Content-Type": "image/webp" },
-        }),
+      .mockImplementation(
+        async () =>
+          new Response(new Blob(["x"]), {
+            headers: { "Content-Type": "image/webp" },
+          }),
       );
     const form = await mountForm({
       canEditAvatar: true,
diff --git a/tests/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.spec.ts b/tests/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.spec.ts
index 8e6760b62..cacb1e09c 100644
--- a/tests/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages.spec.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import { useChatTabs } from "~/composables/useChatTabs";
 import { useChatTabSetup } from "~/composables/useChatTabSetup";
 import { useIncomingDirectMessages } from "~/composables/useIncomingDirectMessages";
 import { directTabId } from "~/composables/useDirectMessages";
+import { useMessageRequests } from "~/composables/useMessageRequests";
 import { useRightSidebar } from "~/composables/useRightSidebar";
 import { setActiveHub } from "~/composables/useHubState";
 
@@ -140,6 +141,7 @@ beforeEach(() => {
   socketMock.lobbies.clear();
   socketMock.hidden.clear();
   useChatTabs().clearAll();
+  useMessageRequests().reset();
   useAuthStore().me = { steam_id: ME } as any;
   stubApi();
 });
@@ -265,4 +267,82 @@ describe("useIncomingDirectMessages", () => {
 
     expect(unread()).toBe(5);
   });
+
+  describe("message requests", () => {
+    it("puts a stranger's first message in requests, with no tab, badge or flash", async () => {
+      await mountChat();
+
+      socketMock.emit("direct:incoming", {
+        roomId: ROOM,
+        from: { steam_id: FRIEND, name: "Dana" },
+        message: line("m1"),
+        request: true,
+      });
+
+      const { requests, requestCount } = useMessageRequests();
+      expect(requestCount.value).toBe(1);
+      expect(requests.value[0]).toMatchObject({
+        roomId: ROOM,
+        peer: { steam_id: FRIEND, name: "Dana" },
+      });
+      expect(useChatTabs().tabs.value.map((tab) => tab.id)).not.toContain(TAB);
+      expect(useChatTabs().totalUnread.value).toBe(0);
+    });
+
+    it("keeps a blocked player's request out", async () => {
+      await mountChat();
+      socketMock.hidden.add(FRIEND);
+
+      socketMock.emit("direct:incoming", {
+        roomId: ROOM,
+        from: { steam_id: FRIEND, name: "Dana" },
+        message: line("m1"),
+        request: true,
+      });
+
+      expect(useMessageRequests().requestCount.value).toBe(0);
+    });
+
+    it("hydrates requests apart from the rail", async () => {
+      stubApi([
+        {
+          roomId: ROOM,
+          unread: 1,
+          isOpen: false,
+          position: 0,
+          request: true,
+          awaitingReply: false,
+          peer: { steam_id: FRIEND, name: "Dana" },
+        },
+      ]);
+      await mountChat();
+
+      expect(useMessageRequests().requestCount.value).toBe(1);
+      expect(useChatTabs().tabs.value.map((tab) => tab.id)).not.toContain(TAB);
+      expect(useChatTabs().totalUnread.value).toBe(0);
+    });
+
+    it("holds the composer while this player's own request waits", async () => {
+      stubApi([
+        {
+          roomId: ROOM,
+          unread: 0,
+          isOpen: true,
+          position: 0,
+          request: false,
+          awaitingReply: true,
+          peer: { steam_id: FRIEND, name: "Dana" },
+        },
+      ]);
+      await mountChat();
+
+      const { isAwaitingReply } = useMessageRequests();
+      expect(isAwaitingReply(ROOM, FRIEND)).toBe(true);
+
+      // Their reply ends the wait.
+      incoming("m1");
+
+      expect(isAwaitingReply(ROOM, FRIEND)).toBe(false);
+    });
+  });
 });
diff --git a/utilities/chatErrors.ts b/utilities/chatErrors.ts
index eb3a5a22d..61445eba1 100644
--- a/utilities/chatErrors.ts
+++ b/utilities/chatErrors.ts
@@ -101,6 +101,8 @@ export function chatErrorDescription(
       });
     case "gagged":
       return t("chat.gagged");
+    case "awaiting_reply":
+      return t("chat.awaiting_reply");
     // Also sent when a send queued while offline reaches the server before the
     // lobby rejoin does, so it must not tell the user they are barred.
     case "not_allowed":