Key Highlights:
- Marvel Rivals closed beta runs 23 July to 5 August 2024.
- Available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S with cross-platform play.
- New characters Thor, Venom, Adam Warlock, and Jeff the land shark added.
Quick Links:
Marvel Rivals Storms onto the Scene with Action-Packed Closed Beta
The superhero showdown of the year has begun as Marvel Rivals, the highly anticipated 6v6 hero shooter from NetEase Games, kicks off its closed beta test.
Running from July 23rd to August 5th 2024, this test offers players a thrilling glimpse into what could be the next big thing in competitive gaming.
Available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Marvel Rivals brings together a star-studded cast of Marvel characters in intense team-based battles.
The beta features cross-platform matchmaking, allowing heroes from different systems to join forces or face off against each other.
However, in a nod to competitive fairness, the developers have disabled cross-play between console and PC for the game’s ranked mode.
How to Join the Battle
While the initial sign-up period has ended, there are still ways for eager fans to join the fray:
- Twitch Drops:
- Connect your Twitch account to the Marvel Rivals website
- Watch Marvel Rivals streams with drops enabled for at least an hour
- Claim your key on the Rivals website (refreshes at 8 PM ET daily)
- Friend Referrals:
- Players who reach level 6 can claim a key for a friend
- Keys refresh at 8 PM ET daily and are limited in number
- Social Media:
- Follow Marvel Rivals official accounts for potential code giveaways
Here’s an example of a two-in-one below:
As you can see, this was posted 3 hours ago as of this writing on the official X/Twitter handle for the game. So it is possible to get access, just follow the advice detailed above and you could get lucky. It certainly won’t hurt your chances that’s for sure!
Downloading the Beta:
Once you’ve secured a key, here’s how to download the beta:
- PC (Steam):
- Go to Steam
- Select Games > Activate a Product on Steam
- Enter your Marvel Rivals code
- PS5:
- Go to the PlayStation Store
- Select the three-dot (…) icon
- Choose Redeem Code
- Enter your Marvel Rivals code
- Xbox Series X/S:
- Go to the Xbox Store
- Press the View button
- Choose Redeem from the pop-up menu
- Enter your Marvel Rivals code
New Heroes Join the Roster
As part of the beta, NetEase has expanded the roster with some exciting additions.
The mighty Thor and the symbiotic anti-hero Venom join the ranks as new vanguard heroes, ready to lead the charge into battle.
For those who prefer a more strategic approach, the cosmic manipulator Adam Warlock makes his debut.
In an unexpected but delightful twist, Jeff the land shark also swims into action, proving that in the Marvel universe, even the most unlikely creatures can become heroes.
These newcomers join an already impressive cast that includes fan favourites like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange, bringing the total number of playable characters to 23 for the beta period.
Players will duke it out across five distinct maps, each offering its own tactical challenges.
Here’s all the info regarding the 23 character roster, modes and maps:
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Characters | Adam Warlock, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Groot, Hela, Hulk, Iron Man, Loki, Luna Snow, Magik, Magneto, Mantis, Namor, Peni Parker, Punisher, Rocket Raccoon, Star-Lord, Storm, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Venom |
| Modes | Convoy, Domination, Convergence |
| Maps | Yggsgard, Yggdrasill Path, Yggsgard: Royal Palace, Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya, Tokyo 2099: Spider-Islands |
From the celestial realms of Yggdrasil to the futuristic sprawl of Tokyo 2099, each battleground promises unique opportunities for heroic plays and team strategies.
The beta also introduces three game modes: Convoy, Domination, and Convergence.
While details are still emerging, early reports suggest these modes offer a mix of objective-based gameplay that will test players’ skills and teamwork.
For those lucky enough to secure a spot in the beta, the developers have given the green light to share gameplay videos on sites like YouTube and TikTok and discuss experiences openly.
This transparency suggests confidence in the game’s current state and a desire for community feedback.
As Marvel Rivals enters this crucial testing phase, it’s clear that NetEase Games is aiming to create a unique experience that blends the beloved Marvel universe with competitive hero shooter gameplay.
The inclusion of tournaments during the beta period, dubbed “War of The Realms,” hints at the game’s esports aspirations.
It’s worth noting that progress made during the beta won’t carry over to the full release, as this is a “data deletion test.”
Though, the insights gained from this period will undoubtedly shape the game’s future.
Let us know whether you got in or not and tell us what you think of the upcoming title by leaving your thoughts below.