Marvel Rivals is an upcoming free-to-play third-person team shooter, developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel Games. The game launch is just around the corner, and if you're a Marvel fan, you might find this project intriguing. In this article, we've gathered everything currently known about the game.

Gameplay and Features

"Marvel Rivals" offers 6v6 PvP matches, where players can form teams from a diverse roster of Marvel superheroes and villains. The game emphasizes "Hero Synergy," unique abilities unlocked through specific character combinations. This feature encourages strategic planning and player cooperation.

The game also includes destructible environments, adding tactical depth: players can alter the battlefield to their advantage. Maps are set in iconic Marvel locations like Asgard and futuristic Tokyo, providing diverse and exciting battle environments.

Characters

At launch, "Marvel Rivals" will feature 33 playable characters, all available for free. These include well-known heroes such as Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Hulk, as well as lesser-known characters like Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark.

Characters are divided into three roles:

• Forward (Tank)
• Duelist (DPS)
• Strategist (Support)

Each role has unique abilities and play styles. All heroes will remain free not only at launch but also moving forward, ensuring accessibility for all players.

Seasons and Post-launch Content

"Marvel Rivals" will utilize a seasonal content model. The first season will begin early January 2025. Each season will last about three months, adding new heroes, maps, team play abilities, and possibly new game modes. The initial Season 0, titled Doom’s Rise, will be a prelude to Season 1, with shorter duration and correspondingly reduced prices on the Battle Pass and content, releasing immediately after the game launch. The first season will launch in January 2025.

Monetization

While all characters are free, "Marvel Rivals" will offer cosmetics for purchase and a Battle Pass system. The developers promise regular updates, adding new heroes, maps, and game modes to keep the game engaging for long-term play.

Cross-platform and Progression

"Marvel Rivals" will support cross-platform play on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. However, in competitive ranked modes, players on PC and consoles will be separated due to platform differences. Cross-platform progression is not yet confirmed, but developers state they are considering community feedback.

Development

The game is built on Unreal Engine 5. A closed beta test was conducted from July 23 to August 5, 2024, for consoles and PC. Developers aim to provide a fast-paced, cooperative gaming experience inspired by games like "Overwatch," but with unique Marvel elements.

Release Date and Platforms

The release of "Marvel Rivals" is scheduled for December 6, 2024, as a free-to-play project. Players will be able to access the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Developers have committed to making all current and future characters available for free, avoiding traditional Battle Pass models.

Latest News

In November 2024, reports emerged about some NetEase developers being involved in money laundering, leading to the arrest of several employees. The ongoing investigation's impact on the game's development is currently unknown.

Despite the challenges, Marvel Rivals has received positive feedback. Early trailers showcased characters like Hawkeye, generating excitement among fans.