Marvel Rivals is coming soon – join the May 2024 alpha test

Main points

• Marvel Rivals is a new 6v6 hero shooter featuring characters like Black Panther and Spider-Man.
• The game is being developed by NetEase to test game mechanics and gather player feedback during an alpha phase in May.
• Players interested in the alpha test can sign up by filling out a registration form, which includes questions about their Marvel knowledge.

With the introduction of the multiverse in Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe unleashed the potential for endless team-ups and crossovers that fans never imagined. Now, they can assemble whatever superheroes and supervillains they want in Marvel Rivals, a free team-based shooter developed by NetEase Games.

With the closed alpha test in May, players will soon have the opportunity to plunge into exciting 6v6 battles. The initial roster includes an impressive 18 iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Doctor Strange and Loki. More characters will be introduced through post-launch updates, giving players a reason to keep playing while waiting for upcoming Marvel movies and TV shows.

Rivals send ripples throughout the multiverse

An original story, if not an original concept

At the heart of Marvel Rivals is an original storyline crafted by NetEase’s talented team of writers. The game explores a universe-spanning conflict between Doctor Doom and his future counterpart in the year 2099, culminating in a cataclysmic event known as “Timestream Entanglement.” As universes collide and new worlds emerge, heroes and villains must put aside their differences and unite to prevent utter chaos and destruction.

So far, playable characters include Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Groot, Hulk, Iron Man, Loki, Luna Snow, Sorcerer, Magneto, Mantis, Namor, Penny Parker, Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Storm, Star-Lord and the Punisher. Given these names, it’s unclear whether the roster will be neatly divided into heroes and villains, or if the teams can be mixed and matched at will. Thanks to the existence of the multiverse, evil versions of good characters and good versions of evil characters are possible, so there’s no need to limit the possibilities.

A shooting game without guns

Team up with friends for 6v6 duels

Marvel Rivals brings a unique twist to traditional shooters by fusing superhero powers and abilities. In an interview with Variety magazine, NetEase game director Thaddeus Sasser emphasized the importance of teamwork in Marvel Rivals, drawing an analogy between Super Hero League and cooperative game mechanics. For example, players can synergize with allies to pull off powerful combos, such as Rocket Raccoon riding on Groot’s shoulders or Doctor Strange creating portals for allies to launch invisible attacks.

“From the mysterious realm of Asgard to the futuristic streets of 2099 Tokyo, Rivals immerses players in stunning visuals and dynamic landscapes.”

One of Marvel Rivals’ standout features is its ever-changing battlefields that come to life in destructible environments. From the mysterious realm of Asgard to the futuristic streets of 2099 Tokyo, Rivals immerses players in visually stunning and dynamic landscapes. The ability to reshape the environment adds an extra layer of strategy, allowing players to outwit their opponents and gain the upper hand in combat.

When can I play Marvel Rivals?

Alpha testing will begin in May, but no official release date has been set yet

If you want to play an early version of the game, you can apply to be a tester for Marvel Rivals. To register, players will need to fill out a registration form and answer questions such as the type of games they play most often, their favorite PvP shooter, and their knowledge of the MCU.

Playtest invitations will be sent to registrants via email.

While an exact date for alpha testing has not yet been determined, it is expected to begin sometime in May. Developer NetEase Games aims to use this time to gather feedback and data to refine the game in preparation for the expected beta and subsequent full release.

After that, Rivals may enter a closed or open beta phase, a practice that is increasingly common in the gaming industry. If NetEase chooses a closed beta approach, the app is expected to be available after the closed alpha phase. Instead, players can access the public beta by downloading directly from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Since the specific details of Marvel Rivals’ beta phase have yet to be finalized, when it will occur remains uncertain, as does the possibility of expansion to other platforms besides PC.