Overwatchhas held a monopoly over the hero shooter genre ever since its initial 2016 launch. Though role-based games likeValve’sTeam Fortress 2came out long before it,Overwatchpopularized the hero shooter genre in a way that had never been seen before, and though 2022’sOverwatch 2is far from perfect, it’s continued its predecessor’s reign over the genre. ButMarvel Rivalsis here, and it’s taken a huge shot at the champ.
Released back in December,Marvel Rivalsis a 6v6 hero shooter that lets players take control of some of the most iconic heroes and villains of all time. ButMarvel Rivalshas a lot more going for it than just brand recognition. With 33 playable heroes at launch, eight maps, and three main game modes,Marvel Rivalsfelt like the complete package right out of the gate, and things are only just getting started.Marvel RivalsSeason 1 is set to begin on January 10, and its wealth of new content firmly throws the ball back intoOverwatch 2’s court.
Marvel Rivals Is Leaving Overwatch 2 In The Dust With Its Heroes
Marvel Rivals' Launch Roster Already Gave Overwatch 2 a Run for its Money
At launch,Marvel Rivalshad a total of 33 playable heroes and villains, each coming with a unique primary fire, distinct set of abilities, and special Ultimate move, along with an array of unlockable cosmetics. For comparison,Overwatch 1shipped with just 12 heroes in 2016.
In the years following its 2016 debut,Overwatch 1continued to grow its roster, adding heroes like Ana, Orisa, Sombra, and Moira.Overwatch 1’s final updatein April 2020 added the damage hero Echo, bringing the game’s total hero count to 31. WhenOverwatch 2released into early access in October 2022, it carried over the 31 heroes from the original and added three new heroes of its own: Kiriko, Sojourn, and Junker Queen.
This means that upon its October 2022 release,Overwatch 2had 34 heroes. Therefore, launching with 33 heroes – none of which carried over directly from a previous installment – was no small feat forMarvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals' Post-Launch Plan Is Putting Overwatch 2 to Shame
But this is just the beginning forMarvel Rivals. Before launch, developer NetEase promised that new heroes would be coming toMarvel Rivalsin its post-launch seasons completely free-of-charge. That promise is being fulfilled swiftly, asMarvel RivalsSeason 1is set to launch on January 10, bringing with it an impressive total of four new playable heroes, those being all core members of The Fantastic Four.
It’s currently unclear if all Fantastic Four heroes are being added toMarvel Rivalssimultaneously on Season 1’s launch day, but all four will be added to the roster by the end of the season, which will likely last around 2–3 months.Overwatch 2’s hero release schedulepales in comparison.
In the 2 years and 3 months since its early access launch,Overwatch 2has added just 10 new heroes. Breaking this down even further,Overwatch 2added four new heroes in 2022, three in 2023, and three in 2024. This means that in just one season,Marvel Rivalswill have added more heroes to its roster thanOverwatch 2usually does in an entire year. And that’s presumably just the start ofMarvel Rivals' content rollout for the year.
While direct comparisons betweenOverwatchandMarvel Rivalsaren’t always fair or necessary, it’s hard to deny thatMarvel Rivals' post-launch plans have taken the wind out ofOverwatch 2’s sails, something which is only exacerbated byOverwatch 2’s most recent hero not being a big hit with fans.
Marvel Rivals
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 RosterChoose 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 DynamicsWith 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 SynergyCoordinate 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 DestructionTear 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 UpdatesThe 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!
