By Sagar V. Mankar Marvel Rivals has just unveiled exciting details about its upcoming release, clearing up some previous confusion about the game’s initial roster. Contrary to earlier speculation, the game will launch with all 33 characters available from day one, rather than gradually releasing them throughout the first season.
This new information was confirmed by the Marvel Rivals team, which recently updated its announcement to reflect these changes.
Season 0 Brings a Full Roster of 33 Characters
Marvel Rivals is gearing up for a big launch with what it’s calling “Season 0,” which will include a total of 33 characters right out of the gate. This introductory season is officially titled “Doom’s Rise” and will last for about a month after the game’s release on December 6. The season will introduce several new characters, expanding the roster significantly, with six heroes yet to be revealed.
In a recent video, Marvel Rivals’ creative director, Guangyun “Guangguang” Chen, shared insights into what players can expect. According to Guangguang, Marvel Rivals’ social media will spotlight a new character each day leading up to the game’s launch. This daily reveal strategy aims to keep fans engaged and build hype for the full lineup.
To help players get started, Season 0 comes packed with features:
- Nine diverse maps, including eight for Quick Match and Competitive modes
- A dedicated Conquest map
- A comprehensive Practice Range for mastering hero abilities
- A shorter, more affordable battle pass filled with cosmetic items
The story of Season 0 revolves around Dr. Doom’s time experiments and their chaotic consequences, creating a unique narrative separate from existing comic book storylines.
New Characters Joining the Roster
During the game’s Closed Beta Test, several iconic characters were confirmed, including Captain America, Winter Soldier, Psylocke, and Moon Knight. These heroes, alongside popular figures like Hulk and Adam Warlock, will be part of the 33-strong roster at launch. With the current promotional efforts focused on characters already known to fans, the final six mystery characters are expected to be unveiled soon.
Marvel Rivals team also demonstrates its commitment to global accessibility with:
- Full voice-over support in English, Chinese, and Japanese
- Complete text translations in 16 different languages
- Enhanced server locations for better worldwide connectivity
What’s Next After Season 0? Details on Season 1 and Beyond
Guangguang Chen also shared some early plans for the game’s content beyond its launch. Season 1 is set to kick off in early January 2025, just weeks after the game’s initial release.
While specifics on the new characters joining in Season 1 are still under wraps, players can expect even more heroes to expand their lineup. Guangguang did not disclose how many additional characters will be added in this next season, but the promise of regular updates suggests a steady stream of content.
Monetization Strategy: Battle Pass and Cosmetic Items
When it comes to monetization, Marvel Rivals is sticking to a familiar model. Each season will feature a battle pass filled with various cosmetic rewards. Players can also purchase additional cosmetics directly from the in-game store.
Importantly, Guangguang has assured fans that there will be no pay-to-win mechanics, meaning that gameplay advantages won’t be locked behind a paywall.
Release Platforms and Launch Date
Marvel Rivals is set to be released on December 6, 2024, and will be available on major gaming platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With the promise of a full roster from the start and an exciting lineup of content planned for future seasons, the game is shaping up to be a must-play for Marvel fans and gamers alike.