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Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals Game Cover
79%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, monetization
79% User Score Based on 241,443 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5XboxWindowsPlayStation
Marvel Rivals Game Cover

About

Marvel Rivals is a multiplayer shooter game. It was developed by NetEase Games and was released on December 5, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains …

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79%
Audience ScoreBased on 241,443 reviews
gameplay4.3k positive mentions
optimization3k negative mentions

  • Engaging gameplay with fast-paced action and unique character abilities that enhance the overall experience.
  • Stunning character designs and a vibrant art style that captures the essence of the Marvel universe.
  • Generous monetization model focused on cosmetics, allowing players to earn in-game currency and unlock characters without paywalls.
  • Severe performance issues, including crashes and frame drops, particularly on high-end hardware, leading to a frustrating experience.
  • Unbalanced matchmaking system that creates a toxic community and detracts from the enjoyment of competitive play.
  • Repetitive gameplay loops and lack of depth in character backstories, making the experience feel exhausting over time.
  • optimization
    9,292 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "Marvel Rivals" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from players, with many citing severe performance issues such as frequent crashes, frame drops, and stuttering, even on high-end hardware. The game's reliance on Unreal Engine 5 has been criticized for exacerbating these problems, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from its otherwise engaging gameplay. Additionally, the implementation of engagement-optimized matchmaking (EOMM) has further complicated the experience, as it prioritizes player retention over fair competition, resulting in unbalanced matches that diminish the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Performance is good (for UE5).”
    • “Great game, still loving it, while the matchmaking and the optimization needs to be worked on, constant great updates, fun gameplay, very generous free cosmetics constantly, and easy to complete battle pass which is so easy to complete and get lots of free currency from it, it has kept me playing for almost a year now still going strong and loving it.”
    • “The performance for me has improved by a lot and my computer had a lot of trouble running when it first launched, now though, everything is pretty ok.”
    • “The worst optimized game I have ever played. I have an above-average computer and I could get it to run at 30 fps max. It's an alright at best casual game that is not made to be competitive at all.”
    • “This isn't even getting into the eomm and bot matches, or the terrible system in ranked, extremely poor optimization (98 gigabytes? from what?) among other issues that players have had concerns about since day 1.”
    • “The performance is so poor... it needs a lot of optimization, my current setup is way better than the minimum and even though it runs smoothly it looks like shit.”
  • gameplay
    9,064 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Marvel Rivals" is generally praised for its engaging mechanics, fast-paced action, and the unique abilities of its diverse roster of characters, which create a dynamic and enjoyable experience. However, many players express frustration with the matchmaking system, which often leads to unbalanced matches and a toxic community, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. While the core gameplay is fun and reminiscent of other hero shooters like Overwatch, issues such as optimization problems and repetitive gameplay loops are frequently mentioned as significant drawbacks.

    • “Marvel Rivals offers engaging gameplay and a rich Marvel universe.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and incredibly fun, but what keeps me coming back is the team-up mechanics that allow for powerful combined abilities when specific heroes are paired, adding depth to the gameplay and rewarding coordination among players.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth, the characters are fun, and the designs look great.”
    • “The gameplay loop is repetitive as hell with absolutely no progression (like more weapons, abilities, etc for your favorite heroes), and the same like 7 maps was just beating a dead horse.”
    • “The game itself is great, don't get me wrong, but the repeated patterns in players and gameplay make it kinda exhausting to keep up nowadays.”
    • “The gameplay is simple but fun, but the worst gaming community ever.”
  • graphics
    5,550 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Marvel Rivals" have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the vibrant, comic-inspired art style and detailed character designs that bring the Marvel universe to life. However, numerous users have reported significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and crashes, even on high-end systems, leading to frustration over the game's optimization. While the visuals are generally considered stunning, the game's demanding graphics requirements and inconsistent performance have been a common point of criticism among players.

    • “The graphics are stunning, capturing the essence of the Marvel universe with incredible detail and artistry.”
    • “The vibrant art style captures the essence of Marvel comics while delivering breathtaking animations that bring battles to life.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful and the game itself is fun to mess around in, but if you're looking for a game to challenge your skill I think over time you will come to realize this game is just not it.”
    • “The graphics are bad and I don't like how they made the graphics.”
    • “The game is fun but poorly optimized for these kinds of graphics (take overwatch for comparison. there are no problems there).”
    • “This game runs like absolute shit even on the lowest graphics, they really need to fix it.”
  • monetization
    1,469 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization in "Marvel Rivals" has received mixed feedback, with many players appreciating its focus on cosmetic items and the absence of pay-to-win elements. While some praise the fair pricing of battle passes and the ability to earn in-game currency through gameplay, others criticize the aggressive marketing tactics and the presence of multiple currencies, which can feel overwhelming. Overall, the game is seen as a step up from other free-to-play titles, but concerns about potential future monetization practices remain prevalent among the community.

    • “Its dedication to the Marvel universe and a player-first monetization strategy are major wins.”
    • “The amount of currency, skins, emotes, and events this game has for free puts to shame every pay-to-play game with microtransactions.”
    • “The monetization model respects me as a customer, and I appreciate that the most, honestly.”
    • “What began as a game I enjoyed for its mechanics and dev support quickly felt overshadowed by skin microtransactions that distracted from the experience.”
    • “The biggest sin though... you have these characters and licenses in this game that clearly makes its money via microtransactions... and you're selling some of the dumbest, worst looking, least iconic skins for like $30 a piece.”
    • “This game really does almost feel like a cash grab that somehow managed to get the core gameplay right.”
  • story
    1,413 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The "story" aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of depth and coherence in the narrative. While some appreciate the character lore and seasonal updates that introduce new story elements, others criticize the game for not having a substantial campaign or engaging storyline, often describing it as a collection of missions with minimal narrative context. Overall, the game seems to prioritize gameplay mechanics over storytelling, leaving players wanting a more immersive and cohesive narrative experience.

    • “The story, character interactions, voice acting, all top notch.”
    • “Maps have strong identities, unique mechanics, and generally fun layouts, and each map ties in with the overarching story being told by the game with each new season.”
    • “The art is gorgeous, the voice acting is fun, and the storytelling adds a really cool aspect to what would simply be a PvP game without it.”
    • “No story whatsoever, banner updates don't count.”
    • “The story mode feels like Dr. Strange botched a spell and trapped everyone in a time loop of escort missions.”
    • “The game's story is told through short in-game cutscenes that play after multiplayer matches; however, they do not provide true meaning and are confusing for even hardcore Marvel fans.”
  • character development
    1,243 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "Marvel Rivals" is widely praised for its vibrant and diverse character designs that stay true to the comic book aesthetic, with many players appreciating the unique abilities and playstyles of each character. However, some critiques highlight issues with oversexualization and a lack of depth in character backstories, suggesting that while the visuals are stunning, the narrative and gameplay mechanics could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the character designs are seen as a major strength of the game, contributing significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.

    • “The character designs are incredible and there's an incredibly refreshing variety of body types in both the male and female characters.”
    • “The character designs and skins are , and they’re killing it with new hero drops.”
    • “The character designs are amazing, the gameplay is amazing, they release 2 skins a week which is an absurd amount.”
    • “The character designs are becoming dumb.”
    • “The character design and style is absolutely awful and uncomfortable to look at.”
    • “The character designs are a mishmash of abilities, with only a few characters really feeling thought out as something more than 'well, here's two overwatch heroes smooshed together.'”
  • stability
    858 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of "Marvel Rivals" has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and significant performance issues, particularly after updates. Many users experience severe lag, frame drops, and unresponsive gameplay, making the game nearly unplayable for some, despite having capable hardware. While a few players noted smooth performance, the overwhelming consensus is that the game is currently a buggy and poorly optimized experience, requiring urgent fixes from the developers.

    • “The game runs great, is tons of fun!”
    • “Game performance is stable and isn't buggy like other games, while the game is actually enjoyable and fun.”
    • “Art style is amazing, the heroes/villains are authentic, price of skins is not outrageous yet and most of all, the game runs great and gameplay is fun!”
    • “I spent 2-3 hours troubleshooting the issue to no avail.”
    • “The game is also a buggy, poorly optimized mess that gets worse every seasonal update.”
    • “Game freezes mid match after it was working the other day and it wont respond or close until i force close it in task manager.”
  • humor
    856 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Marvel Rivals" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's chaotic and absurd moments, such as characters' over-the-top abilities and humorous interactions. Many reviews mention the comedic value of the community's antics, from funny voice lines to the hilarity of unexpected gameplay scenarios, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. However, the humor is often juxtaposed with frustrations over game balance and matchmaking, leading to a mix of laughter and exasperation.

    • “It's hilarious, over-the-top, and wonderfully absurd.”
    • “Superheroes are smashing each other left and right, the combos make half the screen disappear, and somehow it’s actually hilarious.”
    • “The game is great, however competitive and people mental are so fragile it's hilarious over any small thing its gg go next.”
    • “The game is not funny anymore; delete it for your mental health.”
    • “Unbalanced characters and an unfunny experience for 2/3 of the game.”
    • “Game constantly is chugging, community endlessly toxic, game overly monetized, several characters are horribly unfunny to play against.”
  • grinding
    624 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the tedious and repetitive nature of progression, particularly in ranked modes. While some appreciate the ability to earn cosmetics and characters without a paywall, others feel that the matchmaking system is designed to keep players engaged through a cycle of wins and losses that often leads to burnout. Overall, players suggest that grinding can feel like a second job, with many recommending caution for those who value their time or prefer a more casual gaming experience.

    • “Amazing game, well made and polished, smooth gameplay and a wide variety of heroes all unlocked right at the start, no grinding to unlock anyone.”
    • “No grinding, no paywalls—just jump straight into the action with your favorite hero.”
    • “The game is incredibly fun with a huge list of characters to choose from; all characters are unlocked from the beginning of the game, so no grinding for hours for a singular character.”
    • “They’re gone—burned out after realizing the game is less about fun and more about grinding dailies for a skin you’ll never use.”
    • “It feels like if you breathe you can get to platinum and higher elo lobbies, complete rank reset down at least three tiers every season is exhausting and feels more like a full-time job grinding back into the rank you were pre-season rank reset.”
    • “This game does not reward you for training and grinding hours to make yourself better, they just throw you in with smurfers and worthless teammates once you win 2 in a row.”
  • music
    384 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many players praising its energetic and cinematic quality that enhances the gameplay experience. While some find the soundtrack to be memorable and fitting for the game's tone, others describe it as forgettable or repetitive, suggesting a need for more variety. Overall, the sound design, including character voice lines and sound effects, is generally well-regarded, contributing to an immersive atmosphere.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly matches the tone, blending heroic orchestral themes with energetic beats during high-intensity moments.”
    • “The music and sound design really add to the immersion, making each fight feel intense and exciting.”
    • “The soundtrack and sound design are also top-notch, with stirring orchestral scores that match the intensity of the battles.”
    • “The music is forgettable, and some ultimates are so quiet that you might not even realize they happened.”
    • “Even the music, which could’ve been a highlight, is forgettable and repetitive.”
    • “The music is very limited, and can be quite repetitive.”
  • emotional
    344 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses from players, with many expressing feelings of frustration and emotional manipulation due to the matchmaking system, which seems designed to keep players engaged through a cycle of wins and losses. While some players find moments of joy and connection, particularly in cooperative play, the overall sentiment leans towards the game being emotionally draining, with a toxic community that exacerbates the experience. Many users recommend avoiding competitive modes to preserve mental well-being, highlighting the game's potential for both emotional highs and lows.

    • “Each swing cuts not just through enemies, but straight through my emotional defenses.”
    • “This game made me feel something I haven't felt for a game since Halo Reach SWAT, immense anger and rage.”
    • “The stakes are high, and the emotional depth of the characters adds an extra layer to every encounter.”
  • replayability
    177 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game boasts high replayability, with many players praising its engaging gameplay, diverse character roster, and competitive elements that keep matches fresh and exciting. While some users express concerns about balance and optimization affecting the experience, the majority highlight the potential for endless fun through regular updates and the ability to play as all characters from the start. Despite some criticisms, many reviews rate the replayability positively, often scoring it between 8 to 10 out of 10.

    • “It's exciting, polished, and endlessly replayable — a heroic victory for both fans and gamers alike ‍♂️.”
    • “Marvel Rivals has become my main game because it checks all the boxes: it’s fun, competitive, visually stunning, and endlessly replayable.”
    • “The strategic depth and replayability ensure that each match feels fresh, especially with the potential for new expansions and characters to keep things interesting.”
    • “Heroes are limited to 3 or 4 abilities, with 1 being an ultimate, plus a possible additional team-up ability, which limits the full power of each hero, making the experience feel very repetitive, and replay value primarily coming from the competitive gameplay, interesting map design, along with periodic new features.”
    • “The developers are nice and listen to the player base, but it hasn't made the game any more playable.”
    • “Very little replay value, overall boring experience later on, truly an Overwatch successor.”
  • atmosphere
    64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its vibrant environments and comic-inspired design, while others criticize it for being overly toxic and chaotic, particularly in competitive modes. Many reviews highlight the game's immersive sound design and rich visuals, yet express frustration over the prevalence of unskilled or toxic players that detract from the overall experience. Ultimately, while the game captures the essence of the Marvel universe, the competitive atmosphere can feel hostile and unwelcoming, especially for casual players.

    • “I enjoy the overall atmosphere and style of the game and the fact that it's Marvel because I'm a comic fan, so it's fun playing as characters I grew up reading.”
    • “Paired with a rousing soundtrack and sharp sound effects, the game creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls you into its world.”
    • “Marvel has done a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere where fans can explore and enjoy the world in their own way, whether they're picking up a character for their epic combat abilities or embracing the love for characters that speak to them on a personal level.”
    • “The atmosphere has become increasingly toxic, and it's starting to seep into every aspect of the experience - from in-game chat to social media discussions to matchmaking itself.”
    • “Between a terribly toxic atmosphere, and bugs that continue to be introduced and not squashed, this game is just not worth it.”
    • “Just feels like the sweatier players have taken over and ruined the atmosphere it once had.”
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55h Median play time
208h Average play time
10-200h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 456 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Marvel Rivals is a shooter game.

Marvel Rivals is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 208 hours playing Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals was released on December 5, 2024.

Marvel Rivals was developed by NetEase Games.

Marvel Rivals has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Marvel Rivals is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Overwatch 2, Paladins, Dead by Daylight, Rogue Company, Apex Legends and others.