With the launch of Marvel Rivals, players have been plunged into a brand-new version of the Marvel universe, filled with numerous iconic locales. However, while these maps are fun to fight through, Marvel Rivals' map pool at launch is surprisingly small. In fact, there are only eight different maps in Season 0, with only five unique Marvel locales to explore. But, with post-launch content, that map pool has the chance to grow massively.
With each season, NetEase Games will hopefully add a slew of new maps to Marvel Rivals themed after whatever that season's narrative is. If it does do that, then there are so many iconic Marvel settings that feel like they would be the perfect fit for 6v6 battlefields. From the franchise's most important city to some lesser-known locations, the potential is seemingly infinite.
Why Marvel Rivals Is More Than Just Another Hero Game
Marvel Rivals may be yet another hero shooter game added to the already crowded genre, but it has plenty of unique details that distinguish it.
Marvel Rivals Has Many More Unique Locales it Could Adapt
New York City is the Central Hub of the Marvel Universe
For some reason, Marvel Rivals has not launched with maps themed after the Marvel universe's most iconic city; New York City. So many of the characters have called it home over the years, with the likes of Spider-Man, the Avengers, the Defenders, and even Moon Knight spending much of their time within. Its absence almost feels like if Gotham City was left out of a Batman game, so hopefully it gets added in a future update.
New York City could take on many different forms and lead to some extremely fun maps. Players could guide a Convoy through Central Park, they could attempt to capture Time's Square, or they could even be whisked away to the Avengers Tower or Sanctum Santorum. And if NetEase puts its own unique flair on it, then it could take on so many different forms.
Knowhere or Ego Could Give Players a Guardians of the Galaxy World to Explore
Many of the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy make up Marvel Rivals’ roster, so they should really get a map themed after them as well. While there are many different planets NetEase could take players, it should primarily focus on Knowhere or Ego the Living Planet. Both have played major roles in comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and both could make for some pretty fun maps.
Knowhere is an enormous head of an ancient celestial that has been turned into a space station, led by the telepathic dog Cosmo. It has served as the base-of-operations for the Guardians in both comics and the MCU, and through it, NetEase could create a wide assortment of unique space-themed maps. On the other hand, Ego the Living Planet could also be pretty fun, as players could fight against each other and the planet itself. Plus, Star Lord may have a few quips up his sleeve when players touch down on it, if the studio followed the MCU's version of the character.
Latveria Seems Like the Perfect Fit for Marvel Rivals' Story
Another set of maps could come from the country of Latveria, which has yet to make its live-action debut. It is a small isolated European country ruled by Doctor Doom that is very dependent upon his scientific pursuits and is often severely oppressed. Since its leader is Marvel Rivals' primary antagonist, this country appearing as a map just makes sense. While it may not happen in the game's first season, it could serve as the culmination of multiple seasons of content.
There are so many other maps that could also shine in Marvel Rivals if given the chance. The X-Men Mansion or Krakoa would be a joy to fight through, planets such as Xandar could spawn many unique maps, and moving arenas like the Avengers Helicarrier could take Marvel Rivals into whole new directions. It has been 85 years since Marvel first began, so NetEase should not run out of locations for a long time.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
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!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Limited - console crossplay, no PC crossplay
- Cross Save
- No
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Number of Players
- 1-6
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 7.5 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 20 GB
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
