Summary

• Marvel Rivals plans to add a new hero approximately every 45 days, resulting in eight new heroes annually.
• The game launched with a roster of 33 playable heroes.
• The ambitious release schedule raises concerns among fans regarding the thoroughness of playtesting for new heroes.

Marvel Rivals, NetEase's new third-person hero shooter, has stormed the online gaming scene since its December 2024 launch. Boasting 33 playable heroes, including iconic Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and the Hulk, the game attracted an impressive 20 million players in its first month. Season 1 is currently underway, showcasing a rapid rollout of new playable characters. The Fantastic Four represent the first wave of post-launch additions, with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman already available. The Thing and Human Torch are anticipated to arrive later in Season 1, alongside new maps set in New York City.

In a recent interview with Metro, Game Director Guangyun Chen revealed the team's ambitious plan: a new hero approximately every 45 days. This translates to eight new heroes per year, significantly exceeding the yearly output of competitors like Overwatch 2. Each three-month season will be divided into two halves, each introducing a new hero.

Marvel Rivals Wants to Release a New Hero Every 45 Days

This aggressive release schedule is undeniably ambitious. While NetEase has access to a vast library of Marvel characters—even including less mainstream choices like Jeff the Shark and Squirrel Girl—concerns arise regarding the development time. Thorough testing and balancing each new hero against 37 existing heroes and approximately 100 abilities is a significant undertaking. The potential for a shortage of innovative abilities also looms. Unless NetEase has a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes, maintaining this pace appears challenging to many players.

For now, Marvel Rivals players eagerly await the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members as Season 1 progresses. Further content, such as additional maps or in-game events, may also be released in the second half of the season. Fans are advised to follow Marvel Rivals' social media channels for updates.