Marvel Rivals Reveals How Often Fans Can Expect New Heroes

Marvel Rivals: An Ambitious Hero Release Schedule

Marvel Rivals, the hit third-person hero shooter launched in December 2024, boasts an impressive roster of 33 playable heroes. But NetEase's plans go far beyond the initial launch. The game aims to introduce a new hero approximately every 45 days, resulting in a staggering eight new heroes annually. This ambitious release schedule significantly surpasses competitors like Overwatch 2, which typically releases three new heroes per year.

Season 1, already underway, showcases this aggressive rollout. The Fantastic Four are the first post-launch additions, with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman already available. The Thing and Human Torch are slated for release during the latter half of Season 1. Two new New York City maps further enhance the gameplay experience.

Game Director Guangyun Chen confirmed the 45-day hero release cadence in an interview with Metro. Each three-month season will feature two new heroes, one in each half.

The Feasibility of the Plan

While NetEase has access to a vast library of Marvel characters, including lesser-known heroes like Jeff the Shark and Squirrel Girl, concerns remain about the rapid release schedule. Thorough testing and balancing are crucial with 37 existing heroes and approximately 100 abilities to consider. The potential for creative limitations regarding new abilities also presents a challenge. Unless NetEase has a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes, maintaining this pace could prove extremely difficult.

Looking Ahead

Marvel Rivals players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members as Season 1 progresses. Additional content, such as new maps or in-game events, may also be introduced in the second half of Season 1. Fans are encouraged to follow Marvel Rivals' social media channels for updates.