Summary

  • Marvel Rivals closed beta hits the ground running with over 50,000 players on day one, mixing Overwatch frenzy with iconic Marvel characters.
  • The beta offers exclusive rewards like special character skins and in-game events, drawing even more players to the superhero shooter action.
  • With engaging content, massive player count, and invite code rewards, Marvel Rivals beta sets the stage for a promising full release.

Marvel Rivals’ closed beta test is already drawing in huge player numbers, with over 50,000 logging on in just the first day. Earlier this year, NetEase Games announced that it was working with Marvel to develop a 6v6 superhero shooter title that would combine the frantic match-ups of Overwatch with the heroes and villains of the popular comic and movie juggernaut. As of this writing, Marvel Rivals has 21 confirmed playable characters, each with their own special attacks and abilities pulled from the printed page and silver screen.

There is currently no official full launch date for Marvel Rivals, but curious gamers have gotten two chances to try it out for themselves so far. The first was a closed alpha test in May, which allowed participants to unlock permanent rewards like an alternate Scarlet Witch character skin. Next came the Marvel Rivals closed beta test, which started on July 23 and will run until August 5. While the previous alpha test was exclusive to PC, the beta is available to players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

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Marvel Rivals Beta Players Spot Possible Teasers for Two New Characters

Easter eggs are being found in some of the Marvel Rivals maps to possibly tease the arrival of two new characters to an already stacked roster.

So far, it looks like the Marvel Rivals closed beta is a resounding success, at least on Steam. According to the Steam Charts for the Marvel Rivals playtest, the beta reached a peak of 52,515 players in its first day alone, with the average number of active players ranging between 30,000 and 35,000.

Marvel Rivals Closed Beta Pass 50,000 Players

A driving factor in this high Marvel Rivals player count is likely the new content being offered during the closed beta, including a special in-game event titled Galacta's Quest. Players who participate can earn extra event XP and unlock special rewards like an exclusive cyan-colored Venom skin seemingly inspired by the Symbiote’s appearance in the Marvel vs. Capcom series. There is also the "War of the Realms" 6v6 tournament, which will be held from July 30 to August 4.

Lastly, Marvel Rivals players who reach level six in the closed beta are getting the chance to earn extra invite codes for a limited time, allowing them to invite friends into the beta for some frantic superhero shooting action. All of this, as well as the overall brand recognition that comes from Marvel, seems to have resulted in a massive player count for the ongoing Marvel Rivals beta test right out of the gate, which in turn serves as a promising omen for the upcoming online multiplayer title’s eventual full release.

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Marvel Rivals Tag Page Cover Art
Marvel Rivals
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9 /10
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Released
December 6, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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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!

Developer(s)
NetEase Games
Publisher(s)
NetEase Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Franchise
Marvel
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
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