Marvel Rivals Reveals How Often Fans Can Expect New Heroes

Marvel Rivals: An Ambitious Hero Release Schedule

Marvel Rivals, the hit third-person hero shooter launched in December 2024, boasts an impressive roster of 33 playable heroes. But the game's developers, NetEase, are aiming for even greater heights. Their ambitious plan? Adding a new hero approximately every 45 days.

This aggressive release schedule, totaling eight new heroes annually, significantly surpasses the output of competitors like Overwatch 2. The first season, already underway, showcases this ambition with the staggered release of the Fantastic Four. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman are currently available, with The Thing and Human Torch slated for the second half of the season. Season 1 also includes two new New York City maps.

Game Director Guangyun Chen confirmed the 45-day hero release cycle in an interview with Metro, highlighting a two-hero-per-season structure. However, this rapid pace has sparked debate among fans. While NetEase has access to a vast library of Marvel characters, including lesser-known heroes, concerns remain about the development time required for thorough playtesting and balancing. With 37 heroes and approximately 100 abilities to consider, ensuring each new addition integrates seamlessly presents a significant challenge. The sustainability of this release cadence without a substantial backlog of pre-developed heroes remains a question.

Despite these concerns, Marvel Rivals players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members soon. Further content, such as additional maps or in-game events, may also launch during the second half of Season 1. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Marvel Rivals' social media channels for updates.