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, have set an ambitious goal: adding a new hero approximately every 45 days. This translates to a staggering eight new heroes annually, significantly exceeding the output of competitors like Overwatch 2.

The game's first season is already showcasing this rapid release schedule. The Fantastic Four, introduced in stages, are the first post-launch additions. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman are currently playable, with The Thing and Human Torch slated for release later in Season 1. Season 1 also includes two new New York City maps.

Game Director Guangyun Chen confirmed the 45-day release cycle in an interview with Metro. Each three-month season will feature two new heroes, one in each half.

The feasibility of this aggressive release schedule is a major point of discussion 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 testing and balancing. Introducing a new hero with unique abilities into a game already featuring 37 heroes and roughly 100 abilities presents a significant challenge. The potential for running out of innovative ability ideas is also a valid concern. Unless NetEase has a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes, maintaining this pace seems daunting.

Despite these concerns, players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members as Season 1 progresses. Additional surprises, such as new maps or in-game events, are also possible in the season's second half. Fans are encouraged to follow Marvel Rivals' social media for updates.

Marvel Rivals Screenshot (Replace with actual image if available)