Summary
Riding the wave of popularity for team-based shooters likeOverwatch 2andValorant, Marvel Games and NetEase Games are answering the call withMarvel Rivals. Officially announced on March 27, this 6v6 third-person shooter will pit iconic Marvel characters against one another, offering a fresh take on the genre with new maps, abilities, and compositions. With access to a vast roster of beloved heroes and villains,Marvel Rivalshas the potential to become the next big hero-shooter.
While a release date remains under wraps,rumors suggestMarvel Rivalsmight arrive in early 2025. Fortunately, the Alpha Test will arrive on PC in May, with sign-ups available via the game’s official website. For those who would prefer to wait untilMarvel Rivals' official launch, it seems the wait will be a bit longer.
Marvel Rivals Will Be A Free-To-Play Team-Based Shooter
Marvel Rivals Already Boasts Over A Dozen Playable Characters
The narrative drivingMarvel Rivalshinges on a phenomenon known as the Timestream Entanglement, which has inexplicably drawn together a diverse cast of superheroes and villains from across the Marvel multiverse. With theintellectual genius Doctor Doom, and his futuristic 2099 counterpart, at the forefront of the battle, players must work together, and against one another, to best both versions of the supervillain.
According to NetEase Games,Marvel Rivals, in addition to being free-to-play, will have a continually expanding universe and “robust post-launch updates.” Though specifics have yet to be shared, it seems likely that this means the developers are planning to add new maps and characters throughout the shooter’s lifespan. At the moment, the roster currently has 18 confirmed characters, including:
This roster is subject to change uponMarvel Rival’s official release. Only 12 of these characters will be available during the Closed Alpha Test.
Marvel Rivals Will Have Three Different Classes
While the specific names of the three classes in the game have yet to be divulged, it appears that characters like Loki, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon will be support characters based on the healing icon positioned on their name tags. Interestingly, the release trailer showed Loki copying other characters' abilities, hinting that the support role might be more complex than just healing. This aligns with trends in games likeOverwatch 2andValorant, wheresupport characters can both deal damage and heal teammates.
Alternatively, heroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Black Panther are being set up as damage characters, with around 250 to 300 hp each. In most games, a DPS character’s main purpose is to deal high amounts of damage to enemies. InMarvel Rivals, this is also expected to include securing eliminations while defending, or capturing, objectives.
Similar to tanks inOverwatch 2,Marvel Rivalsseems to have a class focused on defense, better known as tank characters with a large amount of health. At this time, this category includes Hulk, when not in Bruce Banner form, Peni Parker, Groot, and at least two others. With their impressive health pools, tanks will likely act as the front line for their team, creating space and absorbing enemy damage to protect their more vulnerable teammates.
Marvel Rivals Will Feature Destructible Environments And Team-Up Skills
While comparisons are being drawn between NetEase’s announcement trailer and Blizzard’sOverwatch 2,Marvel Rivalssets itself apart in two key ways. First, the environments, like the majestic halls of Asgard and the neon-drenched Tokyo of 2099, are destructible. This mechanic, likely inspired by games likeThe FinalsandBattlefield, allows players to strategically alter the battlefield for cover or to eliminate enemies.
Secondly, whileMarvel Rivalswill feature familiar modes like King of the Hill and Escort, its introduction of Team-Up Skills is bound to change how these matches play out. Whilecombining ultimate abilities inOverwatch 2is a common strategy, Team-Up Skills appear to be much more impactful.
For instance, Rocket Raccoon can ride on Groot’s back, reminiscent of Yuumi fromLeague of Legends, while Hulk can power up Iron Man’s armored suit with his Gamma energy. Considering that there are going to be several other characters from teams like the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, or the X-Men, the possibilities for Team-Up Skills seem endless.
With a diverse roster of iconic characters, exciting team-based gameplay with unique Team-Up Skills, and the strategic depth offered by destructible environments,Marvel Rivalshas all the makings to be a major contender. Overall, with its upcoming Alpha Test and a potentialconsole release forMarvel Rivals, Marvel’s approach to the genre should be well worth keeping an eye on. Hopefully, the Alpha Test will significantly shape the game’s future by incorporating player feedback and ensuring a polished post-launch experience.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
