Marvel has revealed their new hero shooter developed by NetEase, Marvel Rivals. Here is everything you need to know about it.
Although the hero shooter genre has notable mentions like Overwatch 2 and Rainbow Six: Siege, there were leaks this week that Marvel was looking to throw their hat into the ring with an Overwatch-style game featuring characters from their universe. Fortunately, the leaks seem accurate, as Marvel Rivals, a hero shooter developed by NetEase, was revealed. Below, we detail everything we know about the game, including its gameplay, release date, platforms, and more.
Marvel Rivals Alpha Release Date
Although there is no confirmation on an official release date, a closed alpha test for Marvel Rivals is taking place in May 2024. Players who are interested in taking part in the test can sign up through the registration here. More details of the game’s release date are expected to become known after the alpha testing.
It is worth noting that because the game is still in alpha, a 2024 release date is unlikely. Therefore, Marvel Rivals may launch in 2025 after more testing is done on the game.
Marvel Rivals Gameplay and Trailer
Marvel Rivals is a third-person shooter with different heroes possessing different abilities and gameplay styles. Furthermore, the game features a 6v6 style of combat. Many of the gameplay details will resemble other hero shooters like Overwatch 2.
The game features players taking on the roles of both well-known and lesser-known Marvel heroes. They will work together in two teams of 6 to take the opposing team down in different modes. Each character possesses different abilities; Doctor Strange uses magic, while Iron Man uses his weaponized suit of armor to take down foes. The announcement trailer also showcases some heroes who can transform mid-match, like Bruce Banner turning into the Hulk. There is a possibility that this could be his ultimate ability, but there is no confirmation of that gameplay detail yet.
Marvel Rivals transports players into a multiversal world where heroes from all corners of different universes have come to battle it out. Currently, it seems the primary mode in the game will have teams fight it out in Team Deathmatch style matches to see who comes out on top. Below, you can check out the official announcement trailer:
Marvel Rivals Platforms
Marvel Rivals will be released for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, the game will likely also be coming to current-generation consoles later. There is no confirmation on the console release, so we will have to wait and see as more of the game is revealed throughout the year.
How Much Will Marvel Rivals Cost?
Marvel Rivals will be launching as a free-to-play title. Therefore, players will not have to pay anything for it. As it is a free-to-play game, there will most likely be microtransactions, such as on different cosmetics, a battle pass, and even future heroes that are added to the game.
How Many Characters Are In Marvel Rivals?
When Marvel Rivals launches, players players can play over 18 different heroes. They feature both popular and lesser-known heroes that players can get accommodated with. Additionally, as it is structured around Multiverse lore, we can expect different versions of characters to be coming to the game as well. Below is the list of current heroes in Marvel Rivals:
- Black Panther
- Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Doctor Strange
- Groot
- Iron Man
- Loki
- Luna Snow
- Magik
- Magneto
- Mantis
- Namor
- Peni Parker
- Punisher
- Rocket Racoon
- Scarlet Witch
- Spider-Man
- Star-Lord
- Storm
That’s everything you need to know about Marvel Rivals. It looks to be shaping up as a contender among other hero shooters. It will be exciting to see where the game stacks up and if it will be a much-needed refresher for the genre.