As a lifelong Marvel fan and a regular in the hero shooter space, I couldn’t wait to try out Marvel Rivals. Developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel Games, this free-to-play 6v6 third-person shooter brings a refreshing twist to team-based PVP action. It delivers on the chaos, charm, and comic book spectacle.
From the moment I booted up the game, I was hit with a sense of scale and energy that only a Marvel game can provide. You can assemble your dream squad from a massive roster that includes icons like Iron Man, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, and even lesser-seen fan-favourites like Luna Snow and Peni Parker. Heroes and villains are drawn from across the multiverse, the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and beyond, and every character feels true to their lore, while also being incredibly fun to control.
The core gameplay loop is fast, fluid, and exhilarating. Each match pits two teams of six against each other in objective-based maps filled with unpredictable twists. A mechanic called “Team-Up Skills” allows certain heroes to combine powers in unique and devastating ways. Pair Rocket Raccoon with Groot, and you’ll ride into battle. Use Hulk to supercharge Iron Man’s armour with gamma energy, turning him into an even bigger damage dealer. These synergies are not just cool to watch; they’re essential for pulling off game-changing plays and setting up combos that turn the tide of battle.
But that’s not all. The environment is just as much a weapon as your powers. Every map is destructible. Walls can collapse, terrain can shift, and you can use debris for cover or even turn it into a weapon. One moment, I was ducking behind a wall in Asgard to dodge a Nova blast, and the next, I was blasting through a weakened structure to flank enemies in New Tokyo 2099. The maps are reactive, strategic, and alive.
And the pace of the game? Constantly evolving. Every few minutes, something shifts. A new objective pops up, a structure falls, or a player unlocks a new ultimate ability. You have to think on your feet. There’s no room for autopilot here.
What excites me is the post-launch support. Marvel Rivals promises regular seasonal updates with new heroes, maps, and game modes. That means the Marvel multiverse will grow bigger and bolder, with endless potential for new strategies and chaotic fun.
Performance-wise, it runs smoothly. The minimum specs are reasonable (think GTX 1060 or RX 580). I’ll be sticking around for this one. And if you do too, I’ll see you in the multiverse.
Find out more about the game here.
