Exciting times are ahead for Marvel Rivals fans as NetEase unveils plans to inject fresh excitement into the game with more frequent hero releases. Starting from Season 3, players can look forward to a new hero each month, a significant shift from the previous model of two heroes per season. This announcement came from Marvel Rivals' Creative Director Guangguang and Lead Combat Designer Zhiyong during the Dev Vision Vol. 05 on April 4, signaling a bold new direction for the game's ongoing development.
New Heroes Every Month
In a bid to keep the game "as fresh as its launch," NetEase is not only introducing new heroes monthly but also shortening the duration of each season from three months to two. Guangguang shared, "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 strategy aims to keep the game dynamic and engaging, responding to the community's desire for continuous excitement, as highlighted by social media discussions.
While this aggressive release schedule presents challenges, particularly in balancing the heroes, Guangguang assures that the team is equipped to handle it. In an interview with PC Gamer on March 14, he emphasized the importance of data-driven balancing efforts, focusing on key metrics such as pick rates, win rates, and abilities across all game modes. This approach will help maintain game fairness and player satisfaction.
Season 2 Details and Future Plans
Season 2, dubbed the Hellfire Gala, introduces players to the Mutant haven of the Living Island Krakoa, hosted by the upcoming hero Emma Frost. Known as an X-Men villain with telepathic powers and the ability to transform objects into diamonds, Emma Frost will serve as a Vanguard in the game. The season's trailer teases new skins for characters like Luna Snow, Magneto, Cloak and Dagger, and Black Panther, all dressed in elegant formal wear, reflecting the lavish theme of the Hellfire Gala, inspired by Marvel’s elite social club, the Hellfire Club.
Following Emma Frost, Season 2.5 will introduce Ultron, a notorious Marvel villain. The Hellfire Gala trailer hints at a dramatic turn when Ultron robots crash the party, setting the stage for the Age of Ultron. Details about Ultron's integration into the game are yet to be revealed.
Thor’s Lord of Asgard and Hawkeye’s Ronin Skins Available Now!
Marvel Rivals announced on Twitter (X) on April 4 that new skins for Thor and Hawkeye are now available. Thor's Lord of Asgard skin draws inspiration from his revival by Odin in the comics, while Hawkeye's Ronin skin reflects his time as a vigilante samurai. The Thor Rune King bundle includes the Rune King costume, spray, nameplate, The Omniscient MVP, and Well of Mimir emote. Meanwhile, the Hawkeye Ronin bundle comes with the Ronin skin, spray, nameplate, Deadly Rain MVP, and Hone to Perfection emote.
These updates and future plans underscore NetEase's commitment to supporting Marvel Rivals for the next decade and beyond. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of Marvel Rivals!
