Marvel Rivals: A Promising Post-Launch Roadmap for New Heroes

Marvel Rivals is gearing up for an exciting launch on December 6, boasting a formidable lineup of 23 heroes and villains from across the Marvel universe. This roster features iconic characters from the X-Men, Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy, alongside lesser-known figures like Jeff the Land Shark. And this is just the beginning.

With the release of Captain America and the Winter Soldier on launch day, developer NetEase has announced that all heroes will be accessible from the start, and any heroes introduced post-launch will be free for all players. This is a significant advantage for fans of hero shooters. However, when it comes to selecting which characters should be added next, Marvel Rivals could take a cue from the successful model established by Marvel Snap.

How Marvel Rivals Can Emulate Marvel Snap's Success

Since its debut in October 2022, Marvel Snap has consistently rolled out new content, introducing a fresh season each month. These seasons come with new cards, card variants, and various tweaks, often themed around significant events in Marvel Comics. A notable strategy for Marvel Snap is to synchronize its seasonal content with major Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) releases.

A recent example of this synergy is the "Maximum Effort" season launched in July, which directly tied into the MCU’s Deadpool and Wolverine. This approach not only cross-promotes both Marvel Snap and the MCU project but also encourages players of the card game to check out the films and vice versa.

Marvel Rivals could adopt a similar strategy. While it may not need to theme an entire season around an MCU release, introducing a new hero or two from an upcoming film could be a fun and engaging idea. For instance, if the MCU’s Blade is released, debuting the Daywalker in Marvel Rivals simultaneously would harness the character’s newfound popularity.

A Promising Post-Launch Approach for Marvel Rivals

Although Marvel Rivals has yet to officially confirm its post-launch roadmap, there have been numerous leaks hinting at future character additions. Rumors suggest that the Fantastic Four—comprising The Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, and the Human Torch—will join the game following its launch. This presents a perfect opportunity for NetEase to align the release of the Fantastic Four with the upcoming MCU film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to premiere in July next year.

Furthermore, Marvel Rivals can continue to introduce characters in line with major MCU releases, such as incorporating Doctor Doom alongside Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for May 2026. The game could also introduce alternate variants of popular heroes to align with Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. In the intervals between these major MCU events, Marvel Rivals has the flexibility to add any Marvel heroes or villains from across the expansive comic universe, ensuring a steady stream of content that keeps players engaged.