Marvel Rivals Set to Introduce New Heroes Monthly Starting Season 3

The developers behind Marvel Rivals have unveiled an exciting update to their content release strategy, promising to keep the game dynamic and engaging. NetEase, the game's developer, announced that starting from Season 3, Marvel Rivals will introduce new heroes every month instead of the previous schedule of two heroes per season. This significant shift was shared by Creative Director Guangguang and Lead Combat Designer Zhiyong during the Marvel Rivals’ Dev Vision Vol. 05 on April 4. Alongside this, they also plan to shorten the duration of each season from three months to two, aiming to keep the game "as fresh as its launch."

Guangguang elaborated on this decision, stating, "After extensive internal discussions and thorough evaluation, we’ve decided that starting from Season 3, the seasons will shift to a two-month format, with a new hero debuting each month." This change comes in response to community feedback and the desire to maintain the game's excitement since its launch in December. The team is also considering the addition of new game modes to further enhance the player experience, which could lead to up to 12 new heroes being added annually.

The challenge of balancing these new heroes is not lost on the developers. Guangguang highlighted the importance of data in their balancing efforts during an interview with PC Gamer on March 14, noting that metrics such as pick rates, win rates, and ability stats are crucial for maintaining game balance.

Season 2 Details and Future Plans

Season 2 of Marvel Rivals, titled Hellfire Gala, introduces players to a luxurious event on the Mutant haven of the Living Island Krakoa, hosted by the upcoming hero Emma Frost. Known for her telepathic abilities and her power to transform objects into diamonds, Emma Frost will join the game as a Vanguard. The Hellfire Gala is inspired by Marvel’s Hellfire Club, a gathering of the world's elite, and the season trailer showcases new skins for characters like Luna Snow, Magneto, Cloak and Dagger, and Black Panther, all dressed in elegant formal wear.

Following Emma Frost's debut, Season 2.5 will introduce Ultron, a formidable Marvel villain. The Hellfire Gala trailer hints at Ultron's arrival, showing a swarm of Ultron robots disrupting the party and signaling the beginning of the Age of Ultron. Details about Ultron's integration into the game are yet to be revealed.

New Skins for Thor and Hawkeye

In addition to the new heroes and season updates, Marvel Rivals announced the availability of new skins for Thor and Hawkeye on Twitter (X) on April 4. Thor's Lord of Asgard skin draws inspiration from his revival by Odin in the comics, and comes bundled with the Rune King costume, spray, nameplate, The Omniscient MVP, and Well of Mimir emote. Hawkeye's Ronin skin, reflecting his vigilante samurai persona from the comics, includes the Ronin skin, spray, nameplate, Deadly Rain MVP, and Hone to Perfection emote.

These updates underscore NetEase's commitment to supporting Marvel Rivals for the next decade and beyond. The game is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. To keep up with the latest news and updates about Marvel Rivals, be sure to check out our comprehensive articles.