Marvel has officially announced Marvel Rivals, a new team-based player-versus-player shooter packed with the greatest Marvel characters. Developed by NetEase Games, the upcoming free-to-play PC title sees teams of up to six heroes and villains from the Marvel universe facing off in battles across various worlds from Tokyo of 2099 to Asgard.
Given the first gameplay trailer, Marvel Rivals is very similar to Blizzard’s Overwatch. However, certain noticeable differences will shake things up in interesting ways.
To begin with, Marvel Rivals is played in third-person rather than a first-person perspective like in Overwatch. What also sets it apart is (partially) destructible environments, which change the flow of the battle such that each map plays and feels different between matches. There are also unique team-ups and power abilities for characters on the same team with close ties in the comics.
Marvel Rivals can be wishlisted on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, there is no word on whether the game will arrive on consoles or when it will be released. The official description from Marvel reads the following:
“NetEase Games and Marvel Games are excited to announce their latest collaboration: Marvel Rivals, a cooperative, superhero team-based PVP shooter! Players can assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains while battling with unique superpowers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals is in development for PC by a NetEase team composed of global talent, who previously worked on hit franchises such as Call of Duty and Battlefield.”
Marvel Rivals Trailer and Plot
Paying homage to the comics, the story of the game revolves around Doctor Doom and his counterpart from 2099 forcing the Marvel multiverse to collide in the Timestream Entanglement in which heroes and villains team up to put a stop to their evil schemes.
Similar to other team-based hero shooters, the plot is merely an excuse to get the superpowered heroes together in a single place while trading punches. The trailer offers a lot to process. Bruce Banner transforms into the Hulk in the middle of battle, Doctor Strange conjures a Sling Ring to transport Spider-Man and other superheroes in the middle of a fight elsewhere on the map, and of course we have Black Panther summoning Bast.
Marvel Rivals Release Date
As of now, Marvel has yet to announce an official release date for Marvel Rivals. The game will be free-to-pay when launching on PC, and Marvel teased updates like new superheroes, seasonal drops, and more content upon release.
Marvel Rivals Confirmed Playable Characters
As for the roster, Marvel has confirmed that 18 characters will be playable from the beginning of the game.
- Rocket Racoon
- Groot
- Doctor Strange
- Black Panther
- Iron Man
- Spider-Man
- Star Lord
- Scarlet Witch
- Loki
- Namor
- Magneto
- Magik
- Storm
- Peni Parker
- Luna Snow
- Hulk
- Mantis
- The Punisher
How to Sign Up for the Marvel Rivals Alpha Playtest
If you wish to partake in Marvel’s take on Overwatch through the paces, you are in luck, as Marvel Rivals will be available to play in the closed alpha beginning in May, and registration is officially open.
Complete the registration form to sign up for the Marvel Rivals closed alpha, and answer the questions about which game genres you play the most, your favorite PvP shooters, and your familiarity with Marvel comics, shows, and movies.
Do not feel pressure to provide a specific response, there is no “right” answer, as development teams often look for players with a diverse range of experiences during the early playtests. Developer NetEase says the focus is on testing out game mechanics, flagging bugs, and gathering player feedback. Playtest invites will go out via email, so ensure you continuously check your inbox.