Marvel Rivals is set for a super-hero landing on December 6, bringing with it a roster of 26 playable heroes and villains. Among the characters joining the hero-shooter are Captain America, Winter Soldier, and Psylocke. Interestingly, Marvel Rivals' Official Psylocke Reveal Trailer, which aired in September, ended with an enticing teaser for Moon Knight, who may also be playable at launch.
With no further playtests scheduled before launch, the fanbase is buzzing with excitement about trying out new characters. The closed alpha and beta tests left a strong impression, and while many were eager to secure a code, slots were limited. As such, December is set to be a big month for Marvel Rivals, which will be free-to-play. Despite this, it might not be ideal for NetEase Games to delay introducing one fan-favorite hero for too long: Deadpool.
Marvel Rivals May Already Have the Perfect Post-Launch Roadmap for New Heroes
Marvel Rivals' current roster is only the start, and there's already a blueprint out there for Marvel Rivals to use when choosing its next heroes.
Marvel Rivals Might Be Unnecessarily Holding Back on One Hero
Deadpool Ranks Among Marvel's Most Popular Characters
Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, seems like a natural fit for the Marvel Rivals line-up. The wise-cracking mercenary first appeared in The New Mutants #98 in 1990, and after a few roles in X-Force, he earned his own limited series in 1993. As his popularity grew, Deadpool became the star of hundreds of comic books and headlined three major Fox/MCU films.
Even before his live-action debut in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine and his 2016 titular film, Deadpool was already one of the best-selling comic book characters.
As further testament to his name, Deadpool has appeared in numerous video games over the past few decades, including but not limited to:
- Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
- Deadpool
- Lego Marvel Super Heroes
- Marvel's Avengers
- Fortnite
- Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Marvel Snap
Deadpool Would Be a Perfect Addition to Marvel Rivals
Considering the record-breaking success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the excitement surrounding Deadpool's character shows no signs of fading anytime soon. Unfortunately, he has yet to be confirmed for Marvel Rivals. Notably, fans discovered an Easter egg for Deadpool in the form of a small sticker in Shin-Shibuya. However, there are also nods to other heroes, such as Black Widow, Gwenpool, and Spider-Ham scattered across various maps. Whether these references will eventually lead to full playable characters is still uncertain.
Deadpool's iconic loadout would transition extremely well in a 6v6 shooter environment. After all, his dual pistols, katana, and regenerative abilities seem perfect for Duelist players. Sadly, the Marvel Rivals datamine leak from earlier this year didn’t include Deadpool on the list, though characters like Blade, Wolverine, and Iron Fist were mentioned.
Given that Psylocke was on Marvel Rivals' leaked list as far back as May 7, its credibility seems quite strong. Of course, Wade Wilson could still be in development for a future update. It’s possible that Deadpool will be a surprise addition further down the line, especially since there's been a high demand for him to be a playable hero.
When speculating about what Deadpool's kit could look like, a health recovery ability seems fitting. Similar to Marvel Contest of Champions, he could have the ability to recharge or recover health when it drops to a critical level. Additionally, a taunt mechanic would suit the sharp-tongued anti-hero, but it would need to be carefully balanced to distract or CC enemies, like Mantis' Spore Slumber, without becoming overpowered.
Ultimately, it appears to be a question of when, not if, Deadpool will join the roster of Marvel Rivals. With numerous playable heroes already set for launch and many more in the pipeline, NetEase doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Hopefully, the Merc with a Mouth will make his grand entrance sooner rather than later.
Marvel Rivals
- Released
- December 6, 2024
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 Roster
Choose 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 Dynamics
With 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 Synergy
Coordinate 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 Destruction
Tear 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 Updates
The 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!
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
