NetEase Games is making significant changes to the post-launch roadmap for Marvel Rivals, aiming to shorten its seasons and introduce at least one new hero each month. This strategic shift is designed to maintain and boost live service momentum among players.
In the latest Marvel Rivals Season 2 Dev Vision Vol. 5 video, NetEase teased these updates to the content release schedule. Season 2, set to launch on April 11, will feature the new Vanguard, Emma Frost, at its start. Mid-season, players can look forward to Ultron, whose class details will be shared closer to his release. Both characters are expected to bring fresh dynamics to the game with their unique abilities. However, the real transformation in how playable heroes influence matches will commence in Season 3.
Starting with Season 3, which does not yet have a confirmed release date, NetEase will reduce season lengths from three months to two. This adjustment will allow for quicker major content updates while maintaining the commitment to introduce a new hero every half-season. Following Emma Frost's launch next week, players will wait a month and a half for Ultron, but subsequent hero releases will be accelerated.
Guangyun Chen, the creative director of Marvel Rivals, emphasized in the Dev Vision video that the team has been reflecting on how to keep the game engaging since the launch of Season 1. Social media feedback has added pressure to sustain the game's initial excitement. Chen stated, "Since the launch of Season 1, we’ve been deeply contemplating how Marvel Rivals can continuously deliver fun and engaging experiences for you all... To a certain extent, we agree."
Chen also highlighted NetEase's vision for Marvel Rivals to fulfill players' fantasies about Marvel Super Heroes, which involves introducing new modes and expanding the character roster. After extensive internal discussions and evaluations, NetEase plans to adjust its systems to accommodate the increased content flow. More details on these changes will be shared before Season 3's launch.
Chen added, "With our goal of keeping the audience’s excitement alive just like our opening months, the real adventure with Marvel Rivals is just beginning."
Recently, NetEase unveiled details about Marvel Rivals Season 2, shifting from a vampire takeover theme to a new storyline centered around the Hellfire Gala. This update will bring new outfits, maps, and characters, with further information to be disclosed in the coming weeks.
Marvel Rivals made a significant impact upon its launch on December 6, attracting 10 million players within three days across PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. On Steam alone, the game saw 480,990 concurrent players at launch, with Season 1 in January peaking at 644,269 concurrent players, ranking it as the 15th most-played game ever on the platform.
Despite a decline in concurrent players since its peak, Marvel Rivals remains a top game on Steam. The introduction of Season 2 and the planned changes for Season 3 are expected to reinvigorate player interest.
For more insights on Marvel Rivals, check out the patch notes for update version 20250327 and explore why Disney decided to abandon the concept of a Marvel Gaming Universe.
