NetEase has revealed Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play 6v6 multiplayer hero shooter set in the Marvel Universe. The game features over a dozen characters from Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians, with unique team-up skills for synergies. An alpha playtest is scheduled for this May, allowing players to try it early.
Marvel Games has quickly followed up its recent announcement of 1943: Rise of Hydra with details on another title, Marvel Rivals. Developed by NetEase, this free-to-play PC game draws comparisons to Overwatch and Valorant, but incorporates Marvel's vast roster of heroes and villains.
Players will control characters in 6v6 matches across destructible environments inspired by Marvel locales, from Asgard to Tokyo in the Marvel 2099 setting. At launch, 16 heroes will be available, including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Namor, Storm, and Magneto. The game's combat emphasizes Team-Up Skills, enabling synergies like Hulk channeling gamma energy to boost Iron Man's armor for massive damage, or Groot and Rocket Raccoon combining for a barrage of bullets.
These mechanics allow for tactical combos drawn from the Marvel Multiverse, setting it apart in the hero shooter genre. Post-launch support includes seasonal updates with new characters, maps, and strategies to keep gameplay fresh.
While no firm release date exists, NetEase is opening an alpha playtest this May. Interested players can sign up via the official site to participate in early testing of the title.
