Marvel Rivals Reveals How Often Fans Can Expect New Heroes

Marvel Rivals: An Ambitious Hero Release Schedule

Marvel Rivals, NetEase's hit third-person hero shooter, launched in December 2024 with a roster of 33 playable heroes. The game's impressive start, attracting 20 million players in its first month, has fueled an ambitious plan: adding a new hero approximately every 45 days.

This aggressive release schedule, outlined by Game Director Guangyun Chen in an interview with Metro, translates to eight new heroes annually—significantly exceeding the output of competitors like Overwatch 2. Each three-month season will feature two new heroes, with the Fantastic Four serving as the initial post-launch additions. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman are already available, while The Thing and Human Torch are slated for the second half of Season 1. Season 1 also includes two new New York City maps.

The feasibility of this rapid release rate is a point of discussion among fans. While NetEase has access to a vast library of Marvel characters, including lesser-known heroes, concerns center on the development and rigorous testing required for each new hero. Balancing a new hero against 37 existing characters and approximately 100 abilities presents a significant challenge. The potential for a depletion of unique ability ideas also looms. Unless NetEase possesses a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes, maintaining this pace seems daunting.

Looking ahead, players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members as Season 1 progresses. Further content, including additional maps or in-game events, is also a possibility in the season's second half. Fans are encouraged to monitor Marvel Rivals' social media channels for updates.