Marvel Rivals is expanding its roster with two iconic heroes—The Thing and Human Torch. NetEase Games has confirmed that the characters will be available as playable heroes starting February 21, 2025. This update will coincide with the second half of Season 1, bringing new content, balance changes, and ranked adjustments.
What to Expect in the Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 Update
While the full details of the mid-season update remain under wraps, a recent Dev Talk blog post hinted at “major balance adjustments.” Players can expect tweaks to existing heroes and possible reworks to refine the game’s competitive meta.
The Thing and Human Torch will complete The Fantastic Four team, which already includes Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. These characters were introduced at the start of Season 1, bringing new mechanics like Reed Richards’ stretchy attacks and Sue Storm’s invisibility abilities. Although NetEase has yet to reveal gameplay footage of The Thing and Human Torch, fans are eager to see how they’ll shake up the battlefield.
Ranked Reset and Competitive Changes
A major change coming with this update is a ranked reset. On February 21, all players will see their rank drop by four divisions. For example, if you’re at Diamond I on February 20, you’ll be reset to Platinum II the next day.
NetEase also outlined future ranked adjustments:
- Full season resets will cause a six-division rank drop.
- Half-season updates, like this one, will drop ranks by four divisions.
- The system may be adjusted based on player feedback.
Despite the reset, there’s some good news for competitive players. Those in the Gold rank and above will earn new costume rewards. Additionally, NetEase will introduce Crests of Honor for the highest-ranked players, including Grandmaster, Celestial, Eternity, and One Above All (top 500).
Future Hero Additions: Who’s Next?
Marvel Rivals has big plans for post-launch content. Creative Director Guangyun Chen recently confirmed that the game will introduce a new hero every half-season, meaning fresh characters will arrive approximately every six weeks.
There’s strong speculation that Blade, the vampire-hunting Daywalker, will be the next playable hero. While leaks and rumors suggest his arrival, NetEase has not officially confirmed anything yet. Fans can expect more details as Season 1.5 approaches.
Why This Update Matters
The Fantastic Four are among Marvel’s most beloved characters, and adding The Thing and Human Torch brings a new dynamic to the game. Their abilities could significantly impact the meta, especially in competitive play. Additionally, ranked resets and balance updates ensure a fresh experience for players.
As Marvel Rivals evolves, these updates will keep players engaged while refining gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, the mid-season update is set to bring exciting changes.
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