Every Playable Character in Marvel Rivals So Far

As Marvel Rivals prepares for its launch on December 6, eager fans are excited to see which playable characters will be included as the game develops. With decades of mythology to draw from and a seemingly endless array of characters to recruit in the endless expanses of the multiverse, questions arise about which Marvel heroes and villains will appear on the roster. As Marvel enthusiasts eagerly await the game’s release and speculate on who will be there when Marvel Rivals goes live, the characters currently available provide fascinating insights into the MMOBA taking shape.

A collaboration between NetEase Games and Marvel Games, Marvel Rivals is a character-based shooter that unites some of the greatest comic book characters for an online showdown. Following the conflict between Doctor Doom and his future counterpart, Doom 2099, players take on the roles of their favorite champions as they fight for the future, past, and everything in between as part of a multiversal event known as the “Timeline Entanglement.” Currently planned for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, players have already joined Marvel Rivals’ closed beta, eager to see what the future has in store as both Doctor Dooms continue to clash for the fate of the multiverse.

Captain America Rallies His Forces Behind Him

One of the earliest Marvel superheroes, Captain America has been fighting bad guys since before World War II, even when Jack Kirby and Joe Simon debuted the new hero in Captain America Comics #1 (the cover has Captain America punching out Hitler. Comic book superheroes rarely launched in their own books back in 1940, so it was a sign of how much of a clear hit Cap was that he debuted in his own series).

Captain America is famous for being placed into suspended animation before the end of World War II, and being thawed out decades later. In Marvel Rivals, Cap actually wasn’t thawed out until 2080, and he became a major hero in the future, facing off against Doom 2099, but he has now been sent back to the present day to fight alongside the Avengers. He has a number of interesting attacks, like “Living Legend,” which is described as “Raise the shield to deflect incoming projectiles, sending them ricocheting in random directions.”

Winter Soldier’s Bionic Arm Makes Him a Powerful Force in the Game

Another one of Marvel’s oldest superheroes is the Winter Soldier, who debuted in Captain America Comics #1 (by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon) as James “Bucky” Barnes, an Army kid mascot who discovered Captain America’s secret identity, and became his sidekick. When Captain America was lost in suspended animation, he beleived that Bucky had died in an explosion, but in reality, the Soviets had rescued him and nursed him back to health, supplying him with a cybernetic arm, and brainwashing him into an assassin. He broke free eventually, and has since become a hero (even filling in for Steve as Captain America).

In Marvel Rivals, Bucky was captured on a mission, and was tortured by Hydra scientists. He was rescued by a few heroes, including his old friend, Captain America, who had come from the future, and had an upgraded cybernetic arm for Winter Soldier. One of his attacks based on his arm is called the Trooper’s Fist, which involves him “Dash forward, seizing enemies along the path, and Knock enemies in front airborne at the end of the dash.”

Psylocke Slices Her Way to Victory

Psylocke is one of the more unusual characters in Marvel Rivals. This is because it is not the “classic” version of Psylocke, Betsy Braddock, who swapped bodies with the mutant known as Kwannon for years. More recently, Kwannon has returned to her original body, and is the current Psylocke, serving as a member of the X-Men as well as doing mercenary missions. However, this Psylocke isn’t either of those versions of the character.

This Psylocke debuted in Peach Momoko’s Demon Days: X-Men #1 (the character was created by Momoko and writer Zack Davisson), and she is a warrior with a psychic blade who fights demons in feudal Japan with her wolf, Logan. In the game, she was torn from her time, and placed in a prison by the Collector along with Jeff the Land Shark and Mantis. They all escaped, and now she is seeking an end to the war, so that she can return to her own time.

Moon Knight Pierces Through the Darkness in Service of Khonshu

Moon Knight is one of the most unusual heroes in the Marvel Universe, as he has multiple identities, as he is both Marc Spector, Jake Lockey, and Steven Grant. Created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin as an adversary for Werewolf by Night, he was later developed by Moench with Perlin and artist Bill Sienkiewicz into a superhero.

In Marvel Rivals, Moon Knight is closely tied to Khonshu, who gives him his powers, but also, the alternate identities and costumes he uses are a big part of the game, which is all about alternate takes on the various heroes, so Moon Knight appears both in his classic costumed form, but also in his business suit “Mr. Knight” form.

The Hulk Smashes His Way to Victory

After scientist Dr. Bruce Banner is exposed to gamma rays while saving the life of Rick Jones, his boundless anger transforms him into the Hulk. Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, this mean, green force of destruction became a smash hit in 1962 with The Incredible Hulk #1. However, with reality in trouble and infinite things for him to destroy, Dr. Banner is in his element for Marvel Rivals, but good luck finding it on the periodic table.

Gifted with a brilliant mind as Bruce Banner and earth-shattering strength as the Hulk, Marvel Rivals allows players to shift between the two thanks to a “Gamma Belt.” Like in the comics, the Hulk can pound his enemies and anything else that gets in his way, mainly using his fists to solve his problems. However, as a tank character, Marvel Rivals also allows him to channel gamma radiation to empower his allies, suspend his foes, and attack from afar. As for Dr. Banner, he comes equipped with a “Gamma Ray Gun,” “Gamma Grenades,” and retains the ability to charge other Avengers members with radiation.

The Punisher Brings His Battle to The Multiverse

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After Frank Castle lost his family in mob crossfire, he became a walking war crime in pursuit of justice. First appearing in 1974’s The Amazing Spider-Man #129, the character has been an avenging angel, a reanimated corpse, and even a tickle-torturing geisha. So, when Marvel Rivals claims he’s survived into 2099 thanks to an experimental serum, it seems fitting and hardly the strangest thing to happen to the anti-hero. With a full futuristic arsenal and Doom 2099 in his crosshairs, Castle is ready to settle a few scores and rack up a kill streak.

Armed to the teeth and taking no prisoners, like in the comics, the Punisher comes equipped with firearms, explosives, and a line launcher to bring some heat onto the battlefield. However, when the Gatling guns come out and Castle’s turret is set in place, Marvel Rivals players should be prepared to take cover and hold on to their health bars, especially when they team up with Rocket Raccoon.

Turn the Battlefront Into a Stormfront With a Beloved Mutant

Worshipped as a goddess and recruited for the X-Men, Storm is one of the most powerful mutants on the planet. Debuting in 1975’s Giant-Size X-Men #1, whether rain, shine, or temporal tempests, Storm is prepared to join the fight when the Timestream Entanglement brings environmental problems to her home of Krakoa.

Reflecting Storm’s weather-controlling abilities from the comics, players can easily make it rain and steal some thunder in a multiplayer excursion. With her powers, Storm can aid allies and control the battlefield as she flies above it. While some may deny that lightning strikes twice, they should probably check Storm’s scoreboard at the end of a match to be sure.

Cause Some Chaos With The God of Mischief

One of Marvel’s best villains, Loki was unleashed as far back as 1949. A devious deity with a “glorious purpose” and more overly complicated plots than a Final Fantasy game, Loki recruited Hela, conquered Asgard, and now seeks to control the space-time continuum.

The Norse god of mischief is up to his old tricks and sporting some new ones as a playable character in Marvel Rivals. Able to shapeshift into other characters, project illusions of himself, teleport, and heal his allies, Loki is someone players want on their side (preferably with Hela), rather than behind their backs — because they never know where he intends to bury his dagger.

Enter a Multiverse of Madness With Doctor Strange

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Once a skilled surgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange embarked on a journey and discovered the mystic arts. Conceived by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko, the Sorcerer Supreme has been protecting the universe since 1963. After failing to stop the Timestream Entanglement and accidentally banishing himself to the mirror dimension, players of Marvel Rivals should expect things to get strange when this doctor is on call.

As in other media, Doctor Strange relies on his knowledge of magic to protect his allies and expel enemies. As a combatant, Doctor Strange summons shields, portals, and the Cloak of Levitation to give his allies some cover. Meanwhile, Strange can keep enemies at bay while dealing damage through dark magic (and gamma rays if the Hulk is nearby). If that weren’t enough, he has the Eye of Agamotto to separate the souls of rivals from their bodies, leaving them vulnerable to attack in a grand finale worthy of the Sorcerer Supreme.

Make The Match Emotional With Mantis

As an extraterrestrial empath, Mantis was created to shake things up when she was created for The Avengers #112 in 1973. However, after spending time as a theme park attraction for the Collector, she begins a quest to find the other Guardians of the Galaxy and welcome others into their eccentric family as they confront the dangers of the Timestream Entanglement.

In Marvel Rivals, the multiplayer game creatively translates Mantis’ mental-based powers. In a match, Mantis can boost herself and others using “life orbs,” or the flowing energy of life itself. When confronting her enemies, Mantis can launch spines and spores through her chlorokinetic powers. Finally, while Mantis gets a boosted resurrection when teaming up with Adam Warlock and Star-Lord, the fact that she and Storm can’t cooperate to create an “emotional whirlwind” feels like a missed opportunity.

Get Ready For Liftoff With Rocket Raccoon

This fuzzy ball of chaos has become one of the most popular Guardians of the Galaxy since his first appearance in Marvel Preview #7. After Rocket Raccoon’s symbiote hunt was cut short in Marvel Rivals, he joined the fight for the timestream, using his quick wit, sharp mind, and talent for causing trouble to help his team.

As one would expect, Rocket Raccoon enters battle with guns blazing, rockets roaring, and plenty of gadgets to aid his teammates. While his healing and resurrection abilities make Rocket a valuable member of any squad, his ability to ride on Groot for damage reduction and grant the Punisher infinite ammo makes him especially fun to play.

Fight Like Hela With The Goddess of Death

As the goddess of death and one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe, Hela remains among the most feared names in Asgard. Ruling over the realm of the dead since 1964, Hela has joined forces with Loki in Marvel Rivals. As the two clash against some of the multiverse’s greatest warriors, it’s revealed that she has her own deadly machinations in place.

With her Nightsword at her side and a flock of mystic crows at her disposal, players can raise Hela in the match by transforming into a bird and taking to the skies. While her alliance with Loki may be questionable, she can resurrect him when the two team up.

Unleash Bast Mode With T’Challa

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, King T’Challa of Wakanda is one of the most respected rulers in all of comic books. As he debates Doom’s motives and his now-intergalactic empire faces danger, Black Panther fights to protect his Chronovium supply and aid his closest allies.

Armed with Vibranium weapons and his stylish superhero suit, T’Challa’s playstyle in Marvel Rivals favors gamers as ambitious as the king himself. Preferring to get up close and personal with his enemies, it helps to team up T’Challa with Magick, who can teleport him using a Limbo Disc. Moreover, should the need arise, and his ultimate attack become fully charged, Black Panther can call upon the god Bast to smite his enemies.

Get Groot in Marvel Rivals’ PVP Arenas

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“I am Groot.” For a tree creature of so few words, he has carved out a special place in the hearts of fans since 1960. As the evil king Knull seeks to use Groot’s regenerative powers to create the ultimate symbiote, Groot has rooted himself in the temporal conflict that has displaced many of his friends.

Gifted with plant physiology, Groot’s powers uniquely manifest Marvel Rivals. Able to create walls, Groot can cut off hostile combatants while dealing damage and healing his team. Then, if things get too thorny, this titanic tree can launch a “Spore Bomb” for some area-of-effect damage. Moreover, while Groot works best with Rocket Raccoon for some extra defense, his ability to cluster and lock down the opposing team creates the perfect opportunity to unleash a few ultimate attacks and reclaim the current objective.

Make Some Magic With Illyana Rasputin

As a mutant, Illyana Rasputin’s powers are strangely linked to the demonic realm of Limbo. After adopting the handle of “Magick” in 1983, she became a full-fledged general in the Marvel Rivals’ multiversal war. Allied with the mutants of Krakoa, Illyana is a cut above the rest and ready to take on the Timeline Entanglement head-on.

Able to travel through Limbo with her movement powers, Magick’s teleport abilities allow her to move swiftly within range of her enemies. Wielding her Soulsword and the dark magic she channels, this mutant is known for her killstreaks, making her a popular choice among players.

Start The Show With Marvel’s Luna Snow

Initially created for the video game Marvel Future Fight, Luna Snow first took the stage and stole the spotlight in 2018. Often compared to the X-Men’s disco queen, Dazzler, this K-Pop star has it all — fanfare, style, and the powers of cryokinesis — making her one of the coolest recording artists in the Marvel universe. After saving South Korea from an Atlantean disaster, this music-based character joined the roster of Marvel Rivals, ready to break the ice with her new teammates.

While Luna can freeze others, her abilities weren’t designed to knock her enemies out cold. Despite her frigid powerset, Marvel Rivals focuses on her ability to nurture and heal others through her talents. Able to boost allies with a song in the air and ice on a makeshift dance floor, any world is Snow’s stage, especially when Namor joins her for a duet, gaining a boost through her cryokinetic powers.

Avengers Assemble as Iron Man Takes to The Skies

The man who needs no introduction beyond “I am Iron Man,” Tony Stark, has been an integral part of the Marvel mythos since 1962. Armed with a genius intellect and a suit of armor, Stark has been busy unlocking the mysteries of Chronovium as an army of vampires descends upon New York City. However, far be it from Iron Man to sit on the sidelines when the multiverse is at stake and his fellow Avengers march into battle.

Providing air support, Iron Man’s most iconic weapons are at the player’s command and ready to launch. Repulsor blasts, Unibeams, Pulse Cannons, and Micro-Missiles comprise Tony Stark’s arsenal and should be familiar to fans of the Marvel fighting games. However, Tony Stark wouldn’t be the “Bucket-Head” everyone knows and loves unless he could assemble the Avengers and use Hulk’s gamma rays to empower their attacks.

Marvel Rivals Has a Deadly Dose of Venom

After Spider-Man initially donned the alien costume in 1984’s Amazing Spider-Man #252, the symbiote got under the web-slinger’s skin and eventually onto his rival Eddie Brock, transforming them into the anti-hero Venom. After glimpsing a dark future and a horrible prophecy, Venom swings into combat, hoping to prevent their fate.

When Venom unleashes the power of the symbiote, it’s positively terrifying. In Marvel Rivals, players will want to keep their distance when they see the deadly duo descend from above. With their regeneration powers, opposing teams will have a tough time defeating them as they lash out and lock down enemies with their tentacles. Fans will be simultaneously nostalgic and horrified as something similar to “Venom Fang,” homages the classic Capcom games, as a pair of giant jaws snap at enemies. Finally, while Peter Parker and the Spider-family may have had their problems with Venom in the past, the “Lethal Protector” now lends them some of the symbiote’s power, allowing them to lash out with predatory fury.

Swing Into Action With Marvel’s Most Iconic Hero

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Marvel’s most iconic hero, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” has been a pop culture icon for over half a century. Between battling vampires in the present and defending the Web of Life in Tokyo 2099, calling things complicated for Marvel’s “Web-Head” would be an understatement. However, as time is running out and the multiverse demands his attention, everyone can count on Spider-Man to stick it to his enemies.

Using his superhuman acrobatic skills and web shooters, fans who’ve played a Spider-Man game before should be familiar with the hero’s move set, which includes a modified Spider-Sense that keeps him aware of who’s nearby. When he teams up with Venom, it tends to make for a sticky situation, as he’s once again granted powers that allow him to push back and attack enemies with explosive symbiotic spikes.