Marvel Rivals Season 1: Release Time, New Content, and Everything We Know

Marvel Rivals, the popular third-person hero shooter, is set to launch its first official season, "Eternal Night Falls," on January 10, 2025. This season introduces the Fantastic Four as playable characters and brings new maps, modes, and a compelling storyline to the game.

Release Schedule

Season 1 is scheduled to go live simultaneously across all regions. Here are the release times for various time zones:

| Region                                                | Release Time and Date        |

|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------|

| Pacific Standard Time                        | 1:00 AM on January 10, 2025  |

| Eastern Standard Time                       | 4:00 AM on January 10, 2025  |

| Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)     | 9:00 AM on January 10, 2025  |

| India Standard Time                           | 2:30 PM on January 10, 2025  |

| China Standard Time                         | 5:00 PM on January 10, 2025  |

| Japan Standard Time                        | 6:00 PM on January 10, 2025  |

| Australian Eastern Standard Time     | 8:00 PM on January 10, 2025  |

Players can update their game clients at these times to access the new content.

New Playable Characters: The Fantastic Four

Season 1 marks the debut of the Fantastic Four—Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing—as playable heroes. These characters will be introduced in two phases:

- Phase 1 (Launch Day): Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman

- Phase 2 (Mid-Season Update): Human Torch and The Thing

Each hero comes with unique abilities that align with their comic book personas, offering fresh gameplay dynamics.

New Maps and Game Modes

Season 1 expands the game's environment with three new maps inspired by iconic New York locations:

1. Sanctum Sanctorum: The mystical residence of Doctor Strange.

2. Midtown: A bustling urban area filled with strategic vantage points.

3. Central Park: Expected to be introduced in the mid-season update, offering open spaces and unique challenges.

Additionally, a new game mode, "Doom Match," will be introduced, providing players with fresh objectives and challenges.

Season Duration and Roadmap

Season 1 is expected to last approximately three months, concluding around April 11, 2025. The season is divided into two parts:

- Part 1 (January 10 - Mid-February): Introduction of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, and two new maps.

- Part 2 (Mid-February - April 11): Addition of Human Torch, The Thing, and the Central Park map.

This structured rollout ensures a steady stream of new content throughout the season.

Seasonal Storyline: Eternal Night Falls

The season's narrative centers around Dracula and Doctor Doom plunging New York into eternal night, unleashing an army of vampiric creatures. With Doctor Strange trapped in the Entangled Astral Plane, the Fantastic Four must collaborate with other Marvel heroes to combat this supernatural threat and restore daylight to the city.

Battle Pass and Rewards

A new battle pass will be available, offering a variety of cosmetics, including skins themed around the Fantastic Four and other Marvel characters. Players can earn these rewards by completing challenges and progressing through the battle pass tiers.

Gameplay Enhancements and Balance Changes

NetEase Games has indicated that Season 1 will include gameplay enhancements and balance adjustments to improve the overall player experience. While specific details are yet to be announced, players can anticipate updates that refine hero abilities and game mechanics.

Conclusion

Marvel Rivals Season 1 promises to enrich the gaming experience with new heroes, maps, modes, and a captivating storyline. Players can prepare for the update by ensuring their game clients are up to date and ready to explore the new content as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does Marvel Rivals Season 1 start?

   - Season 1 begins on January 10, 2025, at 1:00 AM PST / 4:00 AM EST / 9:00 AM UTC.

2. Which new characters are being introduced in Season 1?

   - The Fantastic Four—Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing—will be added as playable heroes.

3. What new maps are coming in Season 1?

   - Three new maps: Sanctum Sanctorum, Midtown, and Central Park (to be released mid-season).

4. How long will Season 1 last?

   - Approximately three months, ending around April 11, 2025.

5. What is the theme of Season 1's storyline?

   - "Eternal Night Falls," featuring Dracula and Doctor Doom plunging New York into eternal night, opposed by the Fantastic Four and other Marvel heroes.

6. Will there be a new battle pass in Season 1?

   - Yes, a new battle pass offering various cosmetics and rewards will be available.