November 27, 2025
Marvel Rivals Unveils Massive 18v18 Annihilation Mode With New Grand Garden Map A first look at the chaotic new 36-player mode arriving alongside Marvel Rivals’ anniversary celebration
Marvel Rivals is gearing up for one of its biggest additions yet: the 18v18 Annihilation mode. NetEase Games has released the first official preview, showcasing a massive 36-player battlefield set on the new Grand Garden map. Designed to be significantly larger than standard arenas, Grand Garden was built specifically for large-scale chaos and nonstop team clashes.
This new mode debuts on November 27, letting players jump into fast-paced team action with a much higher player count than usual.
🗺️ First Look at the Grand Garden Map
The Grand Garden map has been shown off in full in a recent reveal trailer, and it’s clear why it was chosen for the new mode:
- Larger than traditional maps
- Designed for high-traffic combat scenarios
- Spacious open lanes mixed with layered vertical zones
One notable clip shows Scarlet Witch hovering above a swarm of Jeff the Land Sharks before unleashing her ultimate—hinting that duplicate hero picks may be allowed. NetEase Games has not confirmed this yet, but the trailer strongly suggests it.
🎉 Anniversary Celebration & Free Rewards
To celebrate Marvel Rivals’ first anniversary, players can look forward to a major in-game event launching on November 27. The celebration includes:
- 2,400 free Units as a thank-you reward
- A new Legendary Jeff the Land Shark skin featuring a business-style suit and tie
- Additional anniversary cosmetics arriving in the shop over the coming weeks
While Units can’t buy certain items—like the Season 5 Battle Pass—they can be used in the shop for skins, cosmetics, and bundles.
🧩 Recent & Upcoming Hero Updates
Season 5 has already stirred excitement with the arrival of Gambit, who joined as a Strategist rather than the Duelist many expected. Fans can also look forward to Rogue joining the roster during the mid-season update in December.
Looking further ahead:
- Leaks point to Deadpool making his debut in Season 6 (early 2026)
- Rumors also suggest Elsa Bloodstone may join the roster soon
- Community speculation places Elsa as a potential Vanguard, though nothing is confirmed
As always, leaked content should be treated with caution until official announcements drop.
🧟 More Unique Modes Coming to Marvel Rivals
NetEase Games has seen strong success with limited-time modes, including the Marvel Zombies crossover event earlier this year. The PvE mode was so popular it triggered a major spike in player activity and was extended beyond the original schedule.
Developers have confirmed that more PvE experiences are in development, though details remain under wraps.
Players are also hopeful for a return of last year’s winter Jeff mode, where two teams of Jeffs battled to coat the map in frost.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Between the new 18v18 Annihilation mode, expanded maps, anniversary giveaways, and a growing roster, Marvel Rivals is entering one of its most active periods yet. With Season 5 in full swing and Season 6 on the horizon, the game’s future looks packed with new heroes, modes, and community events.