NetEase’s new multiplayer superhero game Marvel Rivals is the Overwatch-inspired hero shooter we’re all excited for, but when is the Marvel Rivals release date?
Announced in April 2024, Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play hero shooter featuring an amazing cast of characters from across the Marvel universe. It’s like Overwatch but with a huge character roster of the most iconic heroes and villains ever made.
With multiple alphas and betas planned around the game, the true Marvel Rivals release date is a bit confusing, but we’re here to help. We've also got all the latest Marvel Rivals news so you don't miss a beat.
Marvel Rivals Release Date
Marvel Rivals has no official release date as of yet, though it is likely to launch in early 2025 as the first alpha test is open to players in May 2024, suggesting development is continuing at a steady pace.
With several alpha and beta tests planned for Marvel Rivals, an early 2025 release gives the developer plenty of time to polish the experience based on feedback.
Perhaps most importantly though, this means that there are chances to play Marvel Rivals prior to its true release date, but the superhero adventure will go offline between those tests.
Marvel Rivals’ alpha and beta tests will also be exclusively available on PC for the foreseeable future. While console ports are coming, they’ve not been officially confirmed for any playtests.
When is the Marvel Rivals Closed Alpha?
The Marvel Rivals Closed Alpha test runs from Friday, May 10, 2024, 5:00 PM (PDT) until Monday, May 20, 2024, 11:59 PM (PDT), and is only available on PC. Find out how to get a Marvel Rivals Alpha code to find out more.
Fans looking to play Marvel Rivals early may be able to get their hands on the game’s Closed Alpha playtest. Multiple alphas and betas will undoubtedly occur for the new multiplayer game, but we only know of one so far.
Sometime in the future, a Marvel Rivals open beta will also occur, but we have no release date for that at the time of writing.
Marvel Rivals Platforms
Marvel Rivals has currently only been confirmed for PC, releasing on both Steam and Epic Games. However, it is expected that it will be released on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, likely shortly after the release date on PC.
A staggered launch between platforms can give the developer more time to iron out issues and focus exclusively on the PC performance before adding consoles into the mix. However, given the widespread anticipation for Marvel Rivals, hopefully, the expected console release will happen sooner rather than later.
Marvel Rivals Gameplay
Marvel Rivals is a team-based PvP shooter featuring all your favorite Marvel superheroes. Building on the success of hero shooters like Overwatch, Rivals sees teams face off to complete various objectives to win the match. What sets it apart from the competition, aside from its unique character roster, is the destructible environment. This lets you create new opportunities on the fly.
As a live-service multiplayer title, you can expect to spend lots of time grinding matches, gearing up your heroes with new cosmetics, and completing battle passes - though more on this later.
Marvel Rivals Story
Marvel Rivals' story involves Doctor Doom teaming up with his 2099 counterpart, which causes the multiverse to collapse and merge in the 'Timestream Entanglement'.
This sets the stage for the multiplayer PvE action we see in-game, with multiple heroes from across the Marvel universe teaming up or going head to head - explained away by them being from different universes.
Given its focus on multiplayer PvP, Marvel Rivals has no single-player story mode. This merely forms the backdrop to the multiplayer gameplay.
Marvel Rivals Live-Service
Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play live-service title which follows the tried and true seasonal model players have come to expect from this system. Each new Marvel Rivals season will bring new characters, maps, modes, and more, though the developer has revealed little else. Nevertheless, expect to be enjoying Marvel Rivals for the long haul.
That's all there is to know about Marvel Rivals ahead of its release date. Now we play the waiting game, so check back here for all the latest news. In the meantime, find out how Marvel Rivals brings superheroes to Overwatch.
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