Marvel Rivals Unveils Release Schedule for 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 NetEase, the developer, isn't stopping there. Their ambitious plan calls for adding a new hero approximately every 45 days, resulting in a staggering eight new heroes annually. This significantly surpasses the output of competitors like Overwatch 2.

The game's first season is already showcasing this rapid release schedule. The Fantastic Four are being introduced in stages, with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman already available, and 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 this aggressive release strategy in an interview with Metro, explaining that each three-month season will feature two new heroes.

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This rapid pace has sparked debate among fans. While the vast Marvel universe offers a seemingly endless pool of characters – from iconic figures to more obscure choices like Jeff the Shark and Squirrel Girl – concerns remain about the feasibility of thorough playtesting and balancing for each new hero within such a short timeframe. With 37 heroes and approximately 100 abilities already in the game, the development team faces a significant challenge. The question is whether NetEase has a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes to sustain this ambitious schedule.

For now, players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members as Season 1 progresses. Further additions, such as new maps or in-game events, are also anticipated in the season's second half. Fans should stay tuned to Marvel Rivals' social media channels for updates.