Marvel Rivals Reveals How Often Fans Can Expect New Heroes

Summary

• Marvel Rivals plans to introduce a new hero approximately every 45 days, aiming for eight new heroes annually.
• The game launched with 33 playable heroes.
• Many fans are skeptical about the feasibility of this ambitious schedule due to the extensive playtesting required for new heroes.

NetEase's Marvel Rivals, the highly anticipated third-person hero shooter, has been making waves since its launch in December 2024. With an impressive lineup of 33 playable heroes, including beloved Marvel icons such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and The Hulk, the game has already attracted an astounding 20 million players within its first month.

Season 1 of Marvel Rivals is in full swing, introducing new heroes and expanding the game's universe. The Fantastic Four are the first post-launch characters to be added, with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman already available in-game. Fans can look forward to the arrival of The Thing and Human Torch in the second half of Season 1. Additionally, the season has brought two new maps set in New York City, enriching the gaming experience with fresh battlegrounds.

In an interview with Metro, Marvel Rivals' Game Director Guangyun Chen outlined the team's ambitious plan to release new heroes. Chen explained that each three-month season would be divided into two halves, with a new hero introduced during each half. This strategy aims to deliver a new hero every 45 days, resulting in eight new heroes per year—a pace that significantly outstrips Overwatch 2's annual release of three new heroes.

Marvel Rivals Wants to Release a New Hero Every 45 Days

This ambitious schedule has sparked both excitement and skepticism among fans. Marvel Rivals has a vast array of Marvel Comics characters to choose from, and the inclusion of unique heroes like Jeff the Shark and Squirrel Girl demonstrates NetEase's willingness to explore less conventional options. However, the concern centers on the tight development timeline. Each new hero must undergo rigorous testing and balancing to ensure compatibility with the existing roster of 37 heroes and approximately 100 abilities. There's also the risk of running out of innovative ideas for new abilities. Unless Marvel Rivals has a substantial reserve of unreleased heroes ready to be introduced, maintaining a new hero every 45 days could prove challenging.

As Season 1 progresses, fans eagerly await the addition of the remaining Fantastic Four members. There's also anticipation for potential new maps and in-game events in the second half of the season. Players are encouraged to stay updated through Marvel Rivals' social media channels for the latest news and developments.