Summary
Marvel Rivalshas yet to announce its launch date, but has still revealed a rather sizable roster. As a 6v6 hero shooter, there will need to be twelve players on the field at all times, so it’s no wonderMarvel Rivalsis opting to give players plenty of options. However, the roster could go on to have far-reaching implications for future Marvel titles.
Marvel Rivalshas officially confirmed twenty-one characters that will be playable at launch. Likewise, credible leaks suggest there will be even more characters revealed, with many of the rumored inclusions likely to be added after the game launches. The size of the roster is one thing, a necessity for the genre of the game, butthe makeup ofMarvel Rivals' rostersuggests a few things about Marvel’s priorities.
Marvel Rivals Roster Shows Marvel’s Shifting Priorities
Marvel Heroes Return to the Spotlight
For a long time, Marvel lacked access to the film rights of some of its most popular heroes. This incentivized Marvel to not include these characters in prominent media outside of comics. Things escalated further when Disney took over, and brand synergy with the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a clear priority for the games released in the following years.
During the merger between Disney and Fox, Marvel regained the film rights to many of the characters it had previously lost. Popular characters that Marvel has been tapping into the potential of lately include the X-Men and The Fantastic Four, andMarvel Rivalsis the latest showing of these characters operating in full-swing. Off the heels of the success ofX-Men ‘97, Mutants are receiving a lot of promotion, andInsomniac’s X-Men gameis further proof of that.
Spider-Man’s inclusion inMarvel Rivalsshows that this extends even further. While embracing formerly estranged characters is a clear priority, Marvel is also showing it is more than willing to play ball with the IPs that are still in contention. This is a stark contrast from its strategy just a few years ago, and possibly a response to the backlash faced by titles likeMarvel vs. Capcom Infinite.
Marvel Rivals’ Features Fan Favorites and Newcomers Alike
Marvel Rivalsmakes a case that Marvel’s gaming division has shifted priorities quite a bit. Rather than representing characters who operate as the face of the MCU, it is delving more deeply into Marvel’s extensive library of interesting characters. This is a trend that is more prevalent than ever inMarvel Rivals, but is likely to continue with future Marvel games as well.
Of course,Marvel Rivalsisn’t leaving fan favorite heroes behind. Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, and Iron Man are all present on the game’s roster, along with many other faces one would expect to return. However, what says much more about the intention ofMarvel Rivalsis its willingness to delve into obscure characters.
In that regard,the standout ofMarvel Rivalsis Luna Snow, a character created as recently as 2019. This has had many casual fans turning their heads with interest, as she doesn’t yet share the high profile of heavy hitters like Spider-Man. However, characters like Doctor Strange and Rocket Raccoon weren’t always household names, and this illuminates something about the roster ofMarvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals has a Clear Purpose with its Roster
Marvel Rivals Highlights Up-and-Coming Favorites
Though brand synergy is no longer apparent as Marvel’s main concern with their games, it is by no means absent. Marvel has already begun using the X-Men in popular media outside of comics, and is likely to continue doing so. They are absent from the game’s official roster, but The Fantastic Four are prevalent inMarvel Rivalsroster leaks, and could arrive alongside their MCU film.
Marvel isn’t just celebrating the return of some fan favorite characters; it is a means of fanservice in order to pave the way for future appearances. Of the characters already revealed, the Soulsword-wielding Magik is perhaps the best example. Though she is a character who has been in the supporting cast of the X-Men since 1975, she hasn’t been a staple of the franchise until recently. Now though, it looks likeMarvel Rivalsis just the beginning for Magik.
Magik is a headliner in the main team ofX-Men: From the Ashes, which is beginning its run on July 18, 2025.Marvel Rivalsis the latest effort to represent Magik in more popular media, and it’s pretty clear other members of the roster are in the exact same position. While previous titles prioritized members of the MCU, it’s clear Marvel has changed its focus quite a lot.
Marvel Rivals Could be the Beginning of a New Era for Marvel Games
Marvel Rivalsis far from the last Marvel video game. Though not confirmed, a new title in other expansive series likeMarvel Ultimate AllianceorMarvel vs. Capcomcould be right around the corner. The patterns that are appearing inMarvel Rivalsare likely to recur in these future titles, and potentially even suggest who may receive a solo outing in the future.
Fans of the X-Men or Fantastic Four can likely expect their favorites to return in future Marvel games. In the same vein, fans of Spider-Man can feel secure in his gaming roles, despite Marvel not owning the film rights to the wall-crawler. Furthermore, newer characters like Luna Snow are likely to continue receiving a chance at the spotlight, with rising stars like Magik joining the fray to show off fans' renewed interest.
Rather than solely representing the characters that are already being represented in popular media like the MCU, Marvel is casting a wide net. After all,Marvel Rivalshas already shown its willingness to create a roster that blends fan-favorites with more obscure characters. IfMarvel Rivalsmanages to find success through this strategy, it could be good news for future Marvel games.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
