Updates · 4 min read

Marvel Rivals Season 2: New Heroes, Maps, and Changes

The hero shooter's second season brings new content and balance changes. Here's what's included.

By Divik · Published

Heads up: this article is from 2026-01-10 and details may have changed. The game pages below always show the latest release dates.

Marvel Rivals launched to strong player numbers, and Season 2 is keeping the momentum going. NetEase has outlined what's coming in the new season, and there's plenty for both new and returning players.

New Heroes

Season 2 adds two new playable characters to the roster:

The first is a Strategist (support role), which the game needed. Launch had limited support options, and this addition should help queue times and team composition variety.

The second is a Duelist (DPS), because hero shooters always need more damage dealers. Details on abilities are still being revealed, but expect them to be viable options for competitive play.

New Map

A new map set in a previously unexplored Marvel location joins the rotation. Without spoiling anything, it's based on a well-known comic book setting that fans have been requesting.

Map design in Marvel Rivals has been generally solid, with good sightlines and flanking routes. Early impressions suggest the new map follows that pattern.

Balance Changes

Every competitive game needs regular balance updates, and Marvel Rivals is no exception. Season 2 brings:

  • Adjustments to several underperforming heroes
  • Nerfs to dominant picks from Season 1
  • Changes to how certain abilities interact

The full patch notes are extensive. The short version: if your main was too strong, expect changes. If your main was struggling, there might be buffs.

Battle Pass

A new season means a new battle pass. As always, it's split between free and premium tiers. Cosmetics include skins, sprays, emotes, and the usual array of customization options.

Whether the battle pass is worth it depends on how much you play. Heavy players will finish it easily. Casual players might not.

Quality of Life Improvements

Beyond heroes and maps, Season 2 addresses some community feedback:

  • UI improvements for team coordination
  • Audio cues are clearer
  • Some bug fixes for abilities that weren't working as intended

These aren't flashy, but they matter for the day-to-day experience.

Is It Worth Playing?

Marvel Rivals occupies a weird space. It's a hero shooter competing against Overwatch 2 and other established games, but it's also a Marvel game with unique appeal.

If you're into hero shooters and like Marvel, it's worth trying. It's free-to-play, so the barrier is low.

Season 2 is adding enough content to bring lapsed players back and give current players reasons to keep going. Whether it has long-term staying power remains to be seen, but for now, it's in a healthy spot.