There's More to Marvel Rivals' Iron Fist Than Meets The Eye

The tyrannical Doctor Doom and his 2099 counterpart have ushered in a catastrophic event called the "Timestream Entanglement," in which multiple universes and timelines are being forced to converge. This simple but effective premise allows Marvel Rivals' developers to draw inspiration from all corners of the Marvel universe when it comes to its roster, with heroes and villains being able to be taken from any timeline.

Marvel Rivals' roster already has a few examples of this multiversal creativity, with its version of Captain America being a more tech-focused warrior who was thawed out of the ice in the 2080s, and Black Panther being the leader of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. Marvel Rivals' Iron Fist is another character who's a little different from how most fans will remember him, though it's not through any multiverse shenanigans.

Marvel Rivals' Iron Fist is Not The Version Most Fans Expected

Danny Rand Is The Most Iconic Iron Fist

Debuting in 1974's Marvel Premiere #15, Iron Fist is a martial artist who wields the titular power of the Iron Fist. The original alter-ego of Iron Fist is Danny Rand, a New York City-born hero who arrives in the mystical city of K'un-L'un as a young boy. With his wealthy parents having died on the treacherous road to get there, Danny is left as an orphan in K'un-L'un, and he's taken in by Lei Kung the Thunderer, one of the city's fiercest warriors.

Danny Rand spends the next decade learning martial arts, and he's eventually invited to fight Shou-Lao the Undying, a powerful dragon whose disembodied molten heart lies in a dark cave below the city. After fighting and killing the dragon, Rand plunges his hands into the molten heart, gaining the power of the Iron Fist. This allows him to charge and control his chi energy, granting him superhuman reflexes, speed, strength, and stamina.

After gaining the power of the Iron Fist, Rand returns to New York City to hunt down the man that let his father die on the trek to K'un-L'un, but decides to let him go. Taking on the mantle of Iron Fist, Rand works alongside Luke Cage (Power Man) and forms the Heroes for Hire team. In the vast majority of Iron Fist-related stories and appearances throughout the Marvel universe, Danny Rand is the one behind the mask, but that's not the case in Marvel Rivals.

Who Is Marvel Rivals' Iron Fist?

Debuting in May 2018 in the Warriors of Three Sovereigns #1, Lin Lie was created by NetEase and Marvel specifically to appeal to the Chinese market. In his initial appearance, Lin Lie is a Shanghai college student who comes into possession of the powerful Sword of Fu Xi, a hero from Chinese mythology. Lin Lie discovers he's an ancestor of Fu Xi, and uses the familial sword to become the demon hunter Sword Master.

During the Death of Doctor Strange limited series in 2022, Lin Lie is ambushed by a demonic kumiho. During the fight, the Sword of Fu Xi is shattered, and Lie is left for dead. Lie eventually wakes up on the shores of K'un-L'un, where the dragon Shou-Lao grants him the power of the Iron Fist. As of this year's Iron Fist 50th Anniversary Special, Lin Lie is the current Iron Fist alongside Rand's protégé, Pei.

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Third-Person Shooter

Action

Multiplayer

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%

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Released: December 6, 2024
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence
Developer(s): NetEase Games
Publisher(s): NetEase Games

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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!