Marvel Rivals is Looking to “Move Beyond” Standard 6v6

Marvel Rivals has announced plans to expand beyond its signature 6v6 PvP format, introducing new game modes and Marvel-themed content. Developed by NetEase Games, Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play hero shooter that lets players build their ultimate Marvel squad and battle it out across iconic locations from the beloved franchise. Since its debut in late 2024, the title has drawn in millions of players and stands as one of the biggest launches in Marvel gaming history.

Much of Marvel Rivals‘ success can be credited to NetEase’s dedication to the title with a steady flow of post-launch updates. Throughout 2025, the game welcomed Deadpool, Daredevil, Gambit, and Rogue to its roster of characters, along with new maps and a wide range of additional content. NetEase made it clear that 2025 was only the beginning for Marvel Rivals, and it has even bigger plans in store. Now, it seems like we are finally getting a clearer picture of what lies ahead for the hero shooter and how it plans to grow even further.

Marvel Rivals Plans to Expand Beyond 6v6 in 2026

In an interview with FRVR, Marvel Rivals‘ creative director Guangyun Chen offered a glimpse into the hero shooter’s future. He revealed that NetEase is looking to push the game in bold new directions in 2026, with a focus on “moving beyond standard 6v6 PvP” gameplay. The studio plans to introduce new PvE content alongside Paths to Doomsday in Marvel Rivals, which will feature five MCU-inspired updates drawn from the Infinity Saga, bringing new game modes and themed content to the table.

Chen also stated that NetEase’s broader ambition is to evolve Marvel Rivals from a shooter to a full-fledged “Marvel ‘moving anime’ experience” over the next few years. With over 9,000 characters available in the Marvel universe, Chen notes that the development team isn’t concerned about running out of options anytime soon, and it already has a content roadmap for the game planned through 2027.

Image via NetEase Games

Over social media channels like Reddit and Twitter, players are excited about the addition of more PvE content to the hero shooter. Last year, Marvel Rivals introduced the Marvel Zombies PvE mode, allowing players to battle endless waves of zombie hordes and take on bosses like The Queen of the Dead and Zombie Manor. The mode proved to be a massive success for the game and skyrocketed its player base. Considering the rich lore of the Marvel universe, NetEase has plenty of material to draw from, including the likes of major storylines such as Secret Invasion, Civil War, and Judgment Day, alongside a vast roster of characters and events that can inspire future PvE content.

While NetEase has ambitious plans for the game moving forward, the developer is also focused on addressing its current issues. In response to some players’ throwing matches, Marvel Rivals has rolled out matchmaking updates, including a server-wide match-throwing detection system and the Victim Compensation Protocol to support affected players. Fans can’t wait to see how the hero shooter continues to change and what new features it brings in the coming months.

Released

December 6, 2024

ESRB

T For Teen // Violence

Developer(s)

NetEase Games

Publisher(s)

NetEase Games

Source: FRVR