December 25, 2025
Marvel Rivals Developers Tease Massive 2026 Plans After Calling 2025 a “Warm-Up”
Marvel Rivals has quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious hero shooters in the live-service space. After earning a nomination for Best Ongoing title at The Game Awards, developers at NetEase have made it clear that the game’s first year was only the beginning.
Rather than slowing down, the studio is positioning 2026 as a major evolution for Marvel Rivals, signaling that 2025 was simply a “warm-up” for what’s to come.
🧩 A Strong First Year Sets the Stage
Marvel Rivals’ early success has been fueled by consistent updates, new heroes, and experimental modes that pushed the boundaries of traditional hero shooters.
Key highlights from the game’s first year include:
- The breakout popularity of the Marvel Zombies PvE mode
- Large-scale experiences like the chaotic 18v18 Annihilation mode
- Seasonal hero releases that kept gameplay feeling fresh
These modes didn’t just attract attention — they helped shape how NetEase is thinking about the future of the game.
🧟 More Co-Op and New Game Modes Planned
Developers have confirmed that co-op content will play a bigger role moving forward. The strong reception to Marvel Zombies proved that players are eager for cooperative and story-driven experiences alongside competitive play.
Looking ahead, players can expect:
- Additional co-op-focused content beyond existing PvE modes
- Entirely new game modes added over time, not just limited-time events
- Experimental experiences that may become permanent if community feedback is strong
The goal is to offer more variety, allowing players to choose between competitive, casual, or cooperative gameplay depending on their mood.
🦸 Season 6 Heroes and Beyond
Season 6 is already shaping up to be a notable moment for Marvel Rivals, with Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone confirmed as upcoming heroes. While their exact roles remain under wraps, their inclusion continues the game’s trend of mixing fan-favorite characters with unexpected playstyles.
Beyond Season 6, future hero additions are being kept secret, though developers have hinted that long-term planning is already well underway.
🌆 What Players Want to See Next
While new modes and heroes are exciting, the community has also voiced interest in other areas of improvement, including:
- More maps added to core game modes to keep matchmaking feeling fresh
- Expanded activities in the Times Square hub, building on successful social features
- Increased community involvement through voting and feedback-driven decisions
Giving players a stronger voice in the game’s direction could help maintain long-term engagement and morale.
🔮 A Promising Road Ahead
With decades of Marvel lore to draw from, NetEase has no shortage of inspiration for future content. The studio has already set high expectations by framing 2026 as a major leap forward, and while meeting those expectations won’t be easy, the commitment to experimentation and player choice is encouraging.
If NetEase can deliver on its vision, Marvel Rivals may be poised for years of growth and evolution.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Marvel Rivals’ developers aren’t content with early success. By treating 2025 as a foundation rather than a finish line, NetEase is signaling long-term confidence in the game. New modes, expanded co-op experiences, and deeper community involvement could define the next chapter — and 2026 may be the year Marvel Rivals truly levels up.