Marvel Rivals has officially launched, and the excitement surrounding the game is at an all-time high. With its roster of 33 playable heroes and consumer-friendly monetization, the game has been eagerly anticipated. However, months of datamining and rumors have painted a clearer picture of its strengths and omissions, sparking debates among fans.
A Launch Roster Full of Surprises
The initial roster is impressively diverse but leaves room for criticism. Major omissions include iconic teams like the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, which are household names in Marvel lore. While Storm and Wolverine are present, most core X-Men members are absent, leaving fans scratching their heads.
The Fantastic Four’s exclusion feels especially puzzling, given the upcoming release of Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, leaks revealing Mr. Fantastic and Human Torch hint at potential cross-promotion and alleviate fears that Marvel’s “First Family” might be excluded for long.
X-Men Representation: A Mixed Bag
The X-Men fare worse in Marvel Rivals. Outside of Storm and Wolverine, other additions like Magik and Psylocke feel less connected to the team’s iconic history. Magneto, whose complex arc spans team leader to nemesis, is a notable inclusion but raises further questions about the roster’s balance.
Surprisingly, none of the original X-Men—Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Angel, or Beast—appear as playable characters at launch, sparking disappointment among fans.
Thankfully, recent leaks suggest this could change soon. Datamines reportedly reveal upcoming X-Men content, including playable characters and new maps like Krakoa and Arakko, central to recent X-Men storylines.
Jean Grey, Emma Frost, and Beyond
Among the leaked content, Jean Grey and Emma Frost are rumored to join the game as playable characters. Their names were allegedly found in the game’s code, along with hints about their abilities. For instance, Jean Grey’s “Phoenix Elegy” suggests a self-resurrection skill, aligning with her legendary Phoenix powers. Emma Frost’s “Diamond Form” hints at her durability and Vanguard-like playstyle.
While no visuals or assets for these characters have surfaced, datamined kits lend credibility to these claims. The addition of Krakoa and Arakko as maps further supports the idea of an upcoming X-Men-themed expansion.
Marvel Villains Expand Their Reach
Leaks also hint at Marvel villains crossing over into other games. Notably, Doom 2099, a villain featured in Marvel Rivals, is rumored to appear in Fortnite as an item shop skin. This collaboration reinforces Marvel’s ongoing strategy to connect its properties across platforms
The Road Ahead for Marvel Rivals
As a hero shooter, Marvel Rivals thrives on introducing new characters and maps, and its datamined leaks have already built anticipation for future updates. While the Fantastic Four and X-Men received less attention than expected at launch, the promise of future expansions has kept fans intrigued.
With characters like Jean Grey, Emma Frost, and Mr. Fantastic rumored to join the roster, Marvel Rivals is poised to grow into an even more dynamic and inclusive game. Whether through datamines or official reveals, the game’s evolving lineup ensures that fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
