The countdown to the Marvel Rivals Season 2 has already begun, and fans of Marvel's competitive multiplayer can prepare for a flood of new features. Set to launch on April 11, Season 2 promises to shake up the game's universe with new heroes, balance adjustments, team skill reworks, new features, and a more intense approach to competitive play.
If you’re a gamer and follow the online gaming scene, you can’t miss out on the changes that will redefine the Marvel Rivals experience. Below, we’ll detail all the new features that are coming — and how they can impact your performance in matches.
New Heroes: Emma Frost arrives at launch and Ultron in mid-season
Right off the bat, Season 2 introduces Emma Frost, one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. Acting as the Vanguard, she will bring to the game a devastating combination of telepathic abilities and diamond transformation. Perfect for those who enjoy playing on the front lines with control and resistance.
Ultron, the classic Avengers technological villain, will arrive later, in update 2.5. Although details about his abilities are still under wraps, it is speculated that he will come as a Vanguard or Duelist, promising to be a threat to any opponent.
Customization and Gifting: New Colors and Skin Donation System
Another highlight of this season is the new color schemes for popular outfits. Outfits like Psylocke’s Vengeance and Luna Snow’s Mirae 2099 will receive visual variations for those who enjoy personalizing their style on the battlefield.
Additionally, players will be able to gift costumes and packages to friends in-game. The feature, limited to five daily shipments per player, promises to strengthen the community and open up new possibilities for events and social interactions.
Team Skills Rework: Say Goodbye to Classic Combinations
For the first time since launch, so-called Team-Up Abilities are being adjusted — and some even removed. This signals a new phase of balance and strategy within the game.
Among the new features are:
- Emma Frost + Psylocke/Magneto: Create illusory clones in “Mental Projection”.
- Doctor Strange + Scarlet Witch: Form “Arcane Order”, increasing Scarlet's ranged damage.
- Captain America + Winter Soldier: Shock pulse generation in “Stars Aligned”.
On the other hand, abilities like Metallic Chaos and Voltaic Union have been removed, making room for new synergies and playstyles.
Hero Balancing: Buffs and Nerfs that can change the meta
The development team also announced changes to hero balance, which is crucial to maintaining the game's competitiveness. Highlights include:
- Buffs: Peni Parker, Scarlet Witch, Mister Fantastic, Rocket Raccoon, Moon Knight, among others.
- Nerfs: Loki and Adam Warlock will lose some of their AoE healing. Doctor Strange will have reduced offensive power, but will gain more resistance.
These changes aim to make the battlefield more fair and diverse, especially in ranked modes.
Competitive Revamped: Rankings Reset and New Equations
If you're serious about competitive play, get ready: the new season will bring major changes to ranked play. Players will be demoted nine divisions at the start of Season 2. Those who finish in Diamond 1, for example, will start in Silver 1.
Other new features include:
- New Map: Hellfire Gala: Krakoa enters the competitive rotation.
- Retirements: Maps like Yggsgard: Royal Palace and Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya leave the competitive scene.
- High requirements: Minimum level to play ranked goes up to 15.
- Pick & Ban: System implemented from Gold 3.
- Limited Ranked Duos: Only duos when there are Eternity or higher players.
- Fairer scoring: Individual performance will count more towards scoring.
Weekly Missions and Rewards Rebalanced
Starting with the new season, the mission system will be expanded with weekly challenges. While players will no longer earn Chrono Tokens directly, the reward system will be redistributed between daily, weekly, and global challenges. This is a great opportunity for those who want to make steady progress without relying solely on the daily grind.
Marvel Rivals is more alive than ever
With so many significant updates, Marvel Rivals is showing that it’s not just following trends—it’s shaping the future of competitive hero gaming. The addition of iconic new characters, a focus on balance, and improvements to the competitive experience all signal a clear commitment from the team to players.
If you haven't entered this arena yet, now might be the time. And if you're already a veteran, get ready to adapt your strategies: Season 2 promises to be a game changer.