Marvel Rivals, the hero-based, free-to-play shooter developed by NetEase Games and Marvel Games, is set to launch its first official season titled "Eternal Night Falls" on January 10. This highly-anticipated update will introduce iconic characters from the Fantastic Four to the game, including Invisible Woman, Mister Fantastic, Human Torch, and The Thing, each equipped with unique abilities to combat the supernatural threats engulfing New York City.
Since its launch on December 6, 2022, Marvel Rivals has garnered immense popularity, quickly amassing over 10 million players during its launch weekend alone and reaching 20 million players shortly thereafter, illustrating the game's broad appeal among superhero fans and gamers alike.
Season 1 is described as plunging New York City under the sinister influence of vampiric forces unleashed by Dracula and Doctor Doom, following the Timestream Entanglement incident which left Doctor Strange trapped within the Entangled Astral Plane. According to Marvel Games, "Darkness engulfs New York as the Timestream Entanglement leaves Doctor Strange trapped..." This scenario sets the stage for the Fantastic Four to unite with fellow Marvel heroes and confront the impending chaos.
The season's first half will feature two members of the Fantastic Four, Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic, who will take on the roles of Strategist and Duelist, respectively. Invisible Woman possesses the power to generate impenetrable force fields and can make herself invisible, allowing her to perform reconnaissance missions within the dangerous, darkened cityscape. Mister Fantastic, known for his stretching abilities and brilliant intellect, will be tasked with creating the Timestream Reintegration Device, aiming to restore order. The Human Torch and The Thing are expected to join the fray later, contributing their own special powers and gameplay mechanics.
Marvel Rivals will also introduce three new maps set across the Empire of Eternal Night, with Sanctum Sanctorum and Midtown arriving during the first half of the season, followed by Central Park. Players will navigate these areas as they battle against waves of enemies, all the time contending with threats posed by Dracula's legion, who exploit the chaos stemming from Doctor Strange's predicament.
Another exciting aspect of Season 1 is the new game mode named "Doom Match," where 8 to 12 players will compete on the cramped layout of Sanctum Sanctorum, aligned with various factions. Factions will battle it out, aiming to claim victory by earning points through defeating opponents, with the top 50% of players determined to be the winners once the match concludes. This mode is expected to deliver intense, competitive gameplay, pushing players to strategize carefully.
To celebrate Season 1, players can also participate in the upcoming seasonal event dubbed "Midnight Features." By completing objectives tied to this event, gamers can earn limited-time rewards including exclusive cosmetic items, sprays, and nameplates. Players who engage with Twitch Drops starting January 11 can also procure unique rewards such as the Hela: Will of Galacta spray and corresponding costume, bringing personalization to their gameplay experience.
If all this wasn't enough, the new Battle Pass for Season 1 will boast over double the content and features compared to Season 0. It will include fresh sprays, emotes, skins, and daily challenges, catering to the community's desire for more immersive content and experiences as they tackle the latest threats lurking within the Marvel universe.
Following the launch of Season 1, Marvel Rivals is set to undergo important balance changes, with certain heroes receiving nerfs and buffs to level the competitive field. Agents like Hela and Hawkeye will see adjustments to reduce their dominance, encouraging players to explore diverse team compositions.
Marvel Rivals has swiftly built up not only its player base but also its competitive scene, attracting attention from gamers typically drawn to other big titles like Overwatch and Valorant. With community engagement soaring—evidenced by the game's Discord server boasting over 2.4 million members—it seems clear the excitement surrounding this new content update will only amplify. Players eagerly await to explore all the novel possibilities Marvel Rivals will offer as they suit up alongside the Fantastic Four against the forces of darkness cohesive with Marvel's rich history.