Marvel Rivals' Season 1 Launch Shatters Steam Player Records
Marvel Rivals has achieved a monumental milestone, surpassing 560,000 concurrent players on Steam with the launch of Season 1: Eternal Night Falls, setting a new all-time high. This surge in popularity is fueled by the introduction of exciting new content.
The new season introduces the Fantastic Four as playable heroes, pitting them against Dracula and his forces after he imprisons Doctor Strange and seizes control of New York City. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman are immediately available, with Human Torch and The Thing slated for a major mid-season update.
Adding to the excitement are new maps, including the Sanctum Sanctorum and Midtown. The Sanctum Sanctorum serves as the backdrop for the season's new Doom Match mode, while Midtown features prominently in convoy missions.
This influx of players isn't just limited to Steam. Since its December 6, 2024 launch, Marvel Rivals has attracted over 20 million players across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The Season 1 launch is expected to further boost these numbers.
NetEase Games is actively engaging players with generous free content. The Midnight Features event offers a free Thor skin, while Twitch Drops provide a free Hela skin for viewers. The Season 1 Darkhold battle pass also includes free skins for Peni Parker and Scarlet Witch, even without purchasing the premium version. This strategy of offering free cosmetics is clearly contributing to the game's success. A Steam gift card contest further incentivizes player engagement.
Marvel Rivals' continued success demonstrates the appeal of its hero shooter formula and NetEase Games' commitment to providing engaging updates and rewarding players.