What is Marvel Rivals? Gameplay explained for new free PC game
Which heroes and villains do you want on your team?
Every week there seems to be another new Marvel video game in the works, with Marvel Rivals the latest to be announced from Chinese developer NetEase.
Featuring the likes of Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Storm, Hulk and plenty more familiar faces, the six-versus-six free-to-play superhero shooter has definitely caught people's attention upon its unveiling. Can it live up to the hype, though?
Now that the game is in the swing of its first closed alpha, more details are starting to surface. Most interestingly, the full roster list for launch appears to have leaked, along with a bunch of gameplay for each character.
So, with plenty to discuss, here's everything you need to know about Marvel Rivals – including what platforms it's coming to and when it may release.
What is Marvel Rivals?
Marvel Rivals is a multiplayer game for PC that will have a six-versus-six format, meaning that two teams of six players will be duking it out in each match.
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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.
How many characters are in Marvel Rivals?
Marvel Rivals has confirmed a 19-character roster so far, made up of various superheroes and villains from across the Marvel universe. This includes:
- Black Panther
- Doctor Strange
- Groot
- Hela
- Hulk
- Iron Man
- Loki
- Luna Snow
- Magik
- Magneto
- Mantis
- Namor
- Peni Parker
- Rocket Racoon
- Scarlet Witch
- Spider-Man
- Star-Lord
- Storm
- The Punisher
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 20 characters supposedly found within the datamine are:
- Adam Warlock
- 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.
"Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!"
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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 alpha that will run from 10th May to 20th May 2024, so more details should hopefully be revealed shortly afterwards.
"With the Alpha Test in May, players will have access to more than a dozen playable Super Heroes and Super Villains, including iconic characters such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Magneto and Magik."
When we have a firm date for that alpha test, and any betas that follow, not to mention the eventual full release, we'll be sure to update this page every step of the way.
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.
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