Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play hero shooter created by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel Games. It launched on December 6, 2024, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Reaching 20 Million Players in just 10 days[1]. Players have the opportunity to play as 33 iconic Marvel characters at launch and beyond, with additional characters planned for future updates.
This game, developed by NetEase Games in China, features team-based gameplay where players can assemble a diverse team of superheroes and supervillains. Players will battle using unique superpowers on various destructible maps inspired by the Marvel Multiverse.
Story[]
The merciless clash between tyrannical dictator Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from the year 2099 has forced countless universes to collide in the Timestream Entanglement, creating new worlds and crises unknown.
Now, Super Heroes and Villains from across the multiverse must fight together and against one another as disparate groups each seek to best both Dooms before one achieves domination of these realities. Familiar faces become newfound foes while former enemies become the greatest of allies in Marvel Rivals.[2]
About[]
Marvel and NetEase have pledged significant updates for Marvel Rivals following its launch, including seasonal releases with new characters, maps, and additional content.
This title marks the latest superhero versus villain experience under the Disney brand, building on the success of the mobile game Marvel: Contest of Champions from nearly a decade ago.
Jay Ong, the head of Marvel Games, has expressed excitement about Marvel Rivals, calling it one of their most ambitious projects. He praised the partnership with NetEase Games, highlighting their commitment to creating an exceptional superhero team-based PVP shooter. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5. Marvel Games senior producer Danny Koo characterized Marvel Rivals visually as a blend of Eastern and Western art styles
Thaddeus Sasser, director at NetEase Games, likened superhero teams to families, stressing their collaborative efforts in fighting evil. He detailed how *Marvel Rivals* enables players to use team-up abilities to boost their attacks or defenses. For example, Rocket Raccoon can ride on Groot's shoulders into battle, or Doctor Strange's portal power can help the Punisher’s turret unleash fire on enemies. Sasser invited players to explore the game and discover various combinations to lead their teams to victory.
Features[]
Key features that distinguish Marvel Rivals from other hero-based shooters such as Overwatch or Paladins are its Team-Up Abilities and Environmental Destruction.
The game will also offer a season pass called Galacta's Quest, where players can earn a variety of cosmetic rewards by completing quests and gaining XP. Players will accompany Galacta on her adventure, as she narrates the various stories within Marvel Rivals.
Characters[]
The official announcement trailer for Marvel Rivals showcased 18 heroes and villains, including characters from the Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The PS5 trailer introduced Adam Warlock and Venom, as well as a Scarlet Spider cosmetic for Spider-Man.[3]
At the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 panel for Marvel Rivals, it was announced that Jeff the Land Shark and Thor would be joining the closed beta test starting July 27, 2024.
Both Captain America and the Winter Soldier were revealed to be playable characters at the Gamescom Opening Night Live event on August 20, 2024.
Psylocke was revealed as part of the New Hero Trivia Challenge event that took place on the official Marvel Rivals Discord server between September 22nd and September 30th, 2024.
Characters in the game are categorized into three classes: Duelists, Strategists, and Vanguards. There may also be additional distinctions, such as Flying Heroes or Spider-Totems, though it's unclear if these are merely developer labels or will be featured in the game itself.
Below is a list of both playable and non-playable characters:
Maps[]
Marvel Rivals currently features six confirmed playable maps, set in six distinct locations: Tokyo 2099[4], Yggsgard[5], Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, Klyntar, Hydra Charteris Base, and finally the New York City
Tokyo 2099[]
Tokyo 2099 serves as a dynamic map where players engage in thrilling battles. This cyberpunk-inspired location features a high-tech environment where heroes and villains can make their mark. Players are tasked with protecting a young Spider-Hero or maintaining the Great Web while navigating the futuristic cityscape. The map provides opportunities for environmental destruction, allowing players to use their powers to alter the battlefield significantly. For example, they can tear down walls, collapse buildings, or create shortcuts, adding a strategic layer to the combat. This setting is part of the game’s broader effort to bring iconic Marvel locations to life in exciting and interactive ways.[6]
A new world has emerged from the Timestream Entanglement! After a nature walk, enjoy some ramen and sushi in Tokyo of 2099—it's amazing that these foods still taste as they did in the past! Unfortunately, the city no longer hosts Kaiju or giant robots. Instead, mega-corporations like Alchemax now dominate Shin-Shibuya, forcing even superheroes to operate in the shadows. However, a massive rift in the Web of Life and Destiny threatens to unravel the Multiverse. With great power comes great responsibility, and it's up to the Web-Warriors to protect Tokyo 2099. Hopefully, they find allies to help, as their neighborhood has expanded significantly![4]
Yggsgard[]
Players can explore Yggsgard, a transformed version of Asgard reshaped by the World Tree. In this map, players will vie for control of key locations like Jarnbjorn and Odin’s Royal Palace and Throne Room.[6]
Beneath the vast canopy of the World Tree, Yggdrasill, lies the golden realm of Asgard, now intertwined with its roots and flora. The once-prosperous kingdom faces a threat from Loki, the god of mischief, whose schemes endanger the peace of this realm and all of the Ten Realms.[5]
Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda[]
Klyntar[]
Hydra Charteris Base[]
New York City[]
- Empire of Eternal Night: Midtown
- Empire of Eternal Night: Sanctum Sanctorum
- Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park
Patches[]
See Patches
Featured Media[]
Images[]
Videos[]
External Links[]
- Official Website
- Steam Website
- Official Twitter Account
- Official Instagram Account
- Official Facebook Account
- Official YouTube Channel
- Official TikTok Account
- Official Discord Server
- Official Twitch Account
- Marvel Rivals Tracker
- Marvel Rivals Leaderboard
References[]
- ↑ Marvel Rivals Setting Standards: 10 Days, 20 Million Players. Next Tier Blog Site.
- ↑ "Official Story Introduction". Marvel Rivals Official Website.
- ↑ "Marvel Rivals' Console Announcement Official Trailer". Marvel Entertainment's Official YouTube Channel.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "TOKYO 2099 - ‘TRADITIONAL & FUTURISTIC SHIN-SHIBUYA’ | Map Reveal". Marvel Rivals' Official YouTube Channel.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "YGGSGARD - ‘WORLD TREE & KINGDOM OF GODS’ | Map Reveal". Marvel Rivals' Official YouTube Channel.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Marvel Rivals is coming to PS5 Blog Post". Playstation Blog Site.