Marvel Rivals, the fast-paced team shooter from NetEase Games, is set to shake up its meta with the arrival of its highly anticipated sixth season, "Night at the Museum," launching on January 16, 2026. The spotlight this time is on Deadpool, the wisecracking antihero, who joins the roster with a never-before-seen twist: he can switch between the game’s three primary archetypes—Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist—on the fly. This marks the first time a single hero in Marvel Rivals will be able to fluidly adapt to any of these roles mid-match, a move that’s already generating buzz across the community.
According to the official announcements and developer updates from NetEase, Deadpool’s debut isn’t just another hero release—it’s a substantial reimagining of how players can approach battles. In the words of the development team, "Deadpool will be a Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist," giving him an unrivaled versatility. Players can swap Deadpool’s role by returning to their team’s spawn, whether by retreating or after being defeated, allowing for dynamic strategy adjustments throughout a match (as confirmed by io9 and esports.gg).
Diving into the details, each of Deadpool’s forms brings a distinct playstyle. As a Vanguard, Deadpool drops unicorn plushies that generate protective shields, giving his team a front-line bulwark. In his Duelist mode, he wields dual swords and pistols, rewarding aggressive, high-momentum play with significant damage output. As a Strategist, Deadpool uses his weapons in creative ways to both damage enemies and heal allies, embodying a supportive role that can turn the tide in close encounters. The developers describe his kit as "simple on paper and kind of wild in practice," and early gameplay videos suggest he’ll be both unpredictable and incredibly fun to master.
One of the most intriguing features of Deadpool’s kit is his unique in-game progression system. Unlike other heroes, Deadpool can "level up" during a match, improving his abilities as he racks up stylish plays. His ultimate ability charges faster based on a "style-grade system," which encourages players to get creative and flashy in their approach. Depending on his current role, Deadpool’s ultimate can unleash a damaging aura (as a Duelist), a healing aura (as a Strategist), or a shielding aura (as a Vanguard), making him a true Swiss Army knife for any team composition.
But Deadpool’s arrival isn’t the only headline for Season 6. NetEase is rolling out a host of new content and gameplay changes to keep things fresh. On January 29, just a couple of weeks after the season’s launch, players will get to explore the brand-new convoy map, the Museum of Contemplation. This map promises intense battles over moving objectives and shifting pressure points, catering to fans who love constant, dynamic action. Times Square, the game’s iconic hub, is also getting a facelift: Photo Mode goes live on January 16, letting players capture and share their favorite moments with adjustable camera angles and filters. Then, on January 29, the Clobberin’ Club opens its doors, offering 1v1 duels and the chance to have matches broadcast on the big screen for all to see—a fun twist that brings a bit of esports flair to casual play.
Team-Ups, a signature feature in Marvel Rivals, are also seeing a shakeup. Two new combinations are being introduced: Parker Power-Up (featuring Peni Parker and Spider-Man) and Mr. Pool’s Interdimensional Toy Box (pairing Deadpool with Jeff). The Parker Power-Up gives Spider-Man access to a Web-Bomb from Peni, which can deal damage and apply Spider-Tracers or provide bonus health, depending on how it’s used. Meanwhile, Deadpool and Jeff’s Team-Up lets Jeff unleash one of Deadpool’s toys, creating an area-of-effect zone that heals allies and distracts enemies with visual and audio effects. As part of this update, some older Team-Ups are being retired, including Ever-Burning Bond (Human Torch and Spider-Man) and Rocket Network (Peni Parker’s previous connection), reflecting the developers’ ongoing efforts to keep the gameplay ecosystem balanced and engaging.
Season 6 also comes with a substantial balance pass. According to NetEase’s early patch notes, buffs are on the way for Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Blade, and Cloak & Dagger. Meanwhile, Angela, Daredevil, Gambit, and Invisible Woman are set to receive nerfs, and Namor is being adjusted to reduce his reliance on Team-Ups and boost his base power. The developers specifically mentioned that certain Strategists have been dominating the solo queue, so part of the goal this season is to "reduce some of that solo power while giving certain mobile heroes more room to fight backlines again." It’s a careful dance of tweaks aimed at keeping matches competitive and fun for everyone.
Progression and rewards are also getting an upgrade. The hero proficiency system is being expanded, with higher caps for each hero and multiple reward pages featuring new animated Dynamic Avatars and other cosmetics. NetEase is updating the rewards for the Marvel Rivals Championship as well, ensuring that even teams eliminated in the qualifiers can walk away with in-game currency and exclusive cosmetic items. For college students, the free costume trial selection rotates on January 16, but those interested will need to verify their status using an education email to qualify for the perks.
One notable change is the temporary removal of the Resource Rumble mode from Quick Match, effective immediately with the new season. NetEase has announced that the mode will return later, reworked for larger 18v18 battles, though no specific date has been given for its reintroduction.
As for Deadpool’s impact on the competitive landscape, there are some important rules to note. In both Quick Match and Competitive modes, only one Deadpool is allowed per side, preventing chaotic mirror matches that could otherwise overwhelm the game’s balance. This ensures that teams will need to think strategically about when and how to deploy the Merc with a Mouth’s unique abilities.
The excitement around Deadpool’s arrival is palpable. As esports.gg put it, "Deadpool as a new hero, the new map, and more" are all part of what’s shaping up to be a season packed with surprises and innovations. And with NetEase teasing the return of a Doctor Strange Team-Up in Season 6.5, scheduled for February, it’s clear the developers are committed to keeping Marvel Rivals at the forefront of the hero shooter genre.
With all these changes, Marvel Rivals Season 6 looks set to deliver a fresh and unpredictable experience for veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re a fan of Deadpool’s irreverent style, a strategist looking for new team compositions, or just eager to explore new maps and features, there’s plenty to look forward to when the season kicks off this Friday.
