Marvel Rivals’ newest update brings a festive spin to the hero shooter, though its similarities to existing games are hard to ignore. The Spring Festival event, running from January 23 to February 14, 2025, introduces a soccer-inspired game mode that bears striking resemblance to Overwatch’s Lucioball.
The centerpiece of the update, “Clash of Dancing Lions,” puts players in 3v3 matches where Iron Fist, Black Widow, and Star-Lord compete to score goals. Unlike its inspiration, players must physically carry the ball across the goal line rather than shooting it from a distance. Each hero brings unique abilities to the field – Iron Fist can dribble with K-un-Lun Kick, Star-Lord takes to the air via Rocket Propulsion, and Black Widow utilizes her sprint ability.
The update includes technical improvements, particularly to destructible environment performance. According to the patch notes, instances of getting stuck in pieces of terrain should decrease after this update.
Overwatch Game Director Aaron Keller acknowledged the mode’s similarities to Lucioball, noting it’s exciting to see creative takes on festive game modes in other popular hero shooters. This comes at an interesting time, as Overwatch prepares for its Chinese re-release through NetEase on February 19.
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The event offers Star-Lord’s Lion’s Mane costume as a free reward, while Black Widow and Iron Fist’s themed outfits are available for purchase. Players can also personalize their profiles through a new Gallery Card system featuring festival-themed elements.
For those tracking the broader gaming landscape, this update represents a growing pattern of cross-pollination between major hero shooters. While borrowing successful elements from competitors isn’t new in gaming, the timing and specific implementation raise questions about Marvel Rivals’ future direction in distinguishing itself from established titles.
The technical improvements and new content additions indicate NetEase’s ongoing development of the game. As with any major update, the community’s experience with these changes will shape the game’s evolution.