What is Marvel Rivals? Gameplay explained for new free superhero PvP game

Developed by NetEase, Marvel Rivals features loads of your favourite characters such as Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Storm, Hulk and plenty more.

The six-versus-six free-to-play superhero shooter played a key part in the PlayStation State of Play in May.

The hype has continued to build since, with would-be players clamouring to try out Marvel Rivals closed beta. Fortunately for you, we have how to get into the Marvel Rivals beta explained, as well as how to get Twitch drop beta codes.

But with all that said, there's plenty to get through, so we better not waffle on too long. Read on and find out all you need to know about Marvel Rivals!

What is Marvel Rivals?

Marvel Rivals is a multiplayer game that will have a six-versus-six format, meaning that two teams of six players will be duking it out in each match.

This will be a free-to-play game that features heroes and villains from the Marvel universe. You'll have to cooperate with your teammates if you want to overcome your opponents, which should make for some fun match-ups.

We're feeling slight Apex Legends, Overwatch or League of Legends vibes with this one, with the added fun that all of the playable characters are famous faces from the wide roster of Marvel Comics characters.

"Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!"

How many characters are in Marvel Rivals?

Marvel Rivals has confirmed a 21-character roster so far, made up of various superheroes and villains from across the Marvel universe.

You can check out more on our Marvel Rivals character page, but if you are just wanting a quick glance, the 21 are:

• Black Panther
• Doctor Strange
• Groot
• The Punisher
• Hela
• Iron Man
• Loki
• Rocket Raccoon
• Mantis
• Peni Parker
• Magneto
• Magik
• Spider-Man
• Venom
• Scarlet Witch
• Star-Lord
• Storm
• Luna Snow
• Hulk
• Namor
• Adam Warlock

NetEase held a closed alpha test in April, with 39 total characters being discovered as part of a datamine (via Miller Ross) within the game.

The additional 19 characters supposedly found within the datamine are:

• Black Widow
• Blade
• Captain America
• Cloak & Dagger
• Hawkeye
• Human Torch
• Iron Fist
• Invisible Woman
• Jeff the Landshark
• Moon Knight
• Mr Fantastic
• Psylocke
• Squirrel Girl
• The Thing
• Thor
• Ultron
• Venom
• Winter Soldier
• Wolverine

NetEase has yet to officially confirm these characters, so treat their inclusion as a rumour for the time being.

What do we know about Marvel Rivals gameplay?

Beyond the basic description that it's a 6v6 multiplayer game, one thing we know about Marvel Rivals gameplay is that it will have 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," reads the press release.

Another key aspect will be the synergy between your heroes. Two examples were provided ahead of time: "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 armour for massive damage, and so much more!"

Essentially, two teams of six characters will be fighting in each match, but different combinations of powers and varied approaches to each environment should help to keep things fresh.

On 9th May 2024, leaked gameplay footage was reportedly uploaded online (via X, formerly Twitter) showcasing many of the characters' abilities in action.

NetEase has also confirmed that this will be a live-service game, with the company hoping to deliver multiple seasons by the sounds of it.

"Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps!," said NetEase as part of the announcement.

When is the Marvel Rivals release date?

An official release date for Marvel Rivals has yet to be confirmed by NetEase, at the time of writing.

What we do know is that the developer is hosting a closed beta test that players have been scrambling to get codes for.

If you want to know how long the Marvel Rivals closed beta is, how to get access to the closed beta or how to get beta codes from Twitch drops, we've got you covered.

Once we know more about an official release date or any other betas - closed or otherwise - we will update you as soon as we can.

Is there a Marvel Rivals trailer?

Yes, Marvel Rivals received an announcement trailer in March 2024 confirming its existence, some of its playable characters and the world where battles will take place.

The colourful trailer that takes clear inspiration from the comics' art style can be watched below:

If you want to register your interest in Marvel Rivals and sign up for updates from the developers, you can do just that on the game's official website.

Marvel Rivals will launch on PC across Microsoft Windows and MacOS.

Read more on Marvel:

• Marvel Games boss talks multiverse, MCU and more: "We're cutting loose"
• Anthony Mackie on Twisted Metal: "The Marvel thing is completely different"
• The Stan Lee wisdom that inspired Marvel's Future Revolution mobile game
• Avengers game Hawkeye actor Giacomo Gianniotti on dogs, dystopia and "difficult" Hulk fight

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.