Marvel Rivals, the team-based hero shooter developed by NetEase Games, is kicking off its first official season, “Eternal Night Falls,” on January 10, 2025. This highly anticipated season introduces a wealth of new content, highlighted by the debut of the Fantastic Four: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing. Their arrival not only expands the roster to an impressive 37 playable heroes but also sets the stage for a gripping narrative-driven season.
The Storyline: A City in Peril
Season one plunges players into a high-stakes narrative. Dracula, in a shocking alliance with Doctor Doom, alters the moon’s orbit to shroud New York City in perpetual darkness. The result? A city overrun by vampires, chaos, and despair.
With Doctor Strange trapped in a pocket dimension, the heroes of the Marvel universe are left to fend off Dracula’s vampiric hordes and unravel Doom’s sinister plans. Enter the Fantastic Four, whose unique abilities and teamwork will be pivotal in combating this supernatural threat. Players will join forces with them and other heroes to rescue Doctor Strange and restore sunlight to the embattled city.
New Maps and Game Modes
Season one introduces three exciting new maps that immerse players in the dark, eerie atmosphere of vampiric New York:
- Sanctum Sanctorum: A mystical battleground around Doctor Strange’s iconic residence.
- Midtown: A transformed urban landscape crawling with supernatural enemies.
- Central Park: Available in the latter half of the season, this iconic New York location becomes a nightmarish arena under Dracula’s influence.
Adding to the fun is a new game mode, “Doom Match.” This competitive mode pits 8 to 12 players against one another in an intense free-for-all. Representing different factions, players score points by defeating enemies, and only the top 50% of competitors will be declared winners. This mode emphasizes strategic combat and faction loyalty, offering a fresh dynamic to gameplay.
Fantastic Four: Powers and Abilities
The Fantastic Four bring their unique abilities and iconic teamwork to the forefront of Marvel Rivals:
- Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards): A master strategist whose elastic abilities allow him to control the battlefield.
- Invisible Woman (Sue Storm): A versatile hero who can shield allies with force fields and turn invisible for sneak attacks.
- Human Torch (Johnny Storm): A high-damage hero capable of flying and unleashing fiery area-of-effect attacks.
- The Thing (Ben Grimm): A tanky bruiser with immense strength and durability, excelling at holding the front line.
Previews of their gameplay will begin on January 7, giving fans an early look at their synergy and tactical potential.
Community Events and Launch Hype
Ahead of the season’s official launch, Marvel Rivals will host a live sneak peek event on January 7 at 2 PM PST. This event features popular streamers like Emiru and xQc, showcasing the Fantastic Four and their integration into the game’s ecosystem. The event is expected to draw significant attention as fans eagerly await the season’s debut.
A Growing Marvel Universe
Marvel Rivals has been a resounding success since its launch in December 2024, amassing over 20 million players worldwide. The game’s combination of action-packed gameplay, iconic Marvel characters, and immersive storytelling has made it a hit among fans.
The Fantastic Four’s arrival coincides with heightened interest in the team due to the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, set to release in July 2025. Starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, the film promises to reintroduce the First Family of Marvel to a new generation of fans, further solidifying their presence in popular culture.
What’s Next for Marvel Rivals?
The addition of the Fantastic Four is just the beginning. As Season One unfolds, players can expect more surprises, events, and perhaps hints at future heroes and story arcs. NetEase has hinted at a long-term roadmap filled with seasonal content, ensuring Marvel Rivals remains a dynamic and evolving experience.
Available for free on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, Marvel Rivals is poised to redefine the Marvel gaming landscape with its bold storytelling, expansive roster, and competitive gameplay.
Season One, “Eternal Night Falls,” is more than just a content update—it’s a declaration of what’s possible when Marvel’s rich lore meets innovative gaming. Fans can’t wait to step into the shoes of their favorite heroes and face the darkness head-on.
For a sneak peek at what’s in store, check out the official trailer for Season One below:
