Marvel Rivals launched its third season on July 11, 2025, introducing significant changes to the hero shooter. Players can now enjoy a new hero, map, and cosmetic systems in what many see as the most substantial update since the game’s release.
Phoenix Joins the Battlefield
The fiery Phoenix arrives as Season 3’s headline addition. As a ranged Duelist, she excels at disrupting enemy formations with high mobility and chain-reaction attacks. Her ultimate ability merges with the Phoenix Force to deal massive damage while clearing enemy summons from the battlefield.
“Phoenix combines devastating energy attacks with team-focused abilities,” according to official descriptions from NetEase Games. Her pairing with Wolverine creates the new “Primal Flame” team-up, giving Wolverine lifesteal and extra damage that tank players already fear will dominate matches.
Shorter Seasons, Faster Content
Season 3 marks a major shift in Marvel Rivals’ content schedule. NetEase has shortened seasons from three months to two months, with each split into two parts. This means players will see new heroes more frequently, with Blade already confirmed for Season 3.5 launching August 8.
The accelerated schedule brings both benefits and concerns. While players get fresh content more often, some worry about game balance and the pressure to spend money more frequently on battle passes.
New Player Progression Systems
Responding to player feedback, NetEase has added two key progression systems:
- The Accessories system allows players to earn character-specific decorative items by playing matches. Players earn Accessory Points from Quick Match or Competitive modes, with a limit of 700 points weekly. Each accessory costs around 1,350 points.
- Ultimate ability customization now lets players change the visual effects of their hero’s most powerful move, adding another layer of personalization.
Daily missions have been removed entirely, while weekly missions now roll over until the end of the season instead of expiring. This reduces the pressure to play every day while still rewarding consistent players.
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Balance Changes Address Flying Heroes
The Thing received the most notable buff with a new “Battle Blitz” ability that allows him to leap toward enemies and ground flying heroes. This directly counters the previous season’s air-dominated meta where characters like Iron Man and Ultron dominated matches.
Other balance changes include nerfs to previously dominant characters like Iron Man and Emma Frost, while underperforming heroes like Namor received buffs to their damage output and attack speed.
Mixed Player Reactions
The community has expressed both excitement and concern about Season 3’s changes. Many praise the removal of daily missions and the addition of free cosmetic options through the Accessory system. However, some worry that the shortened seasons will increase spending pressure and make it harder to complete battle passes.
“With the addition of charms and custom effects for ultimates, NetEase has the perfect, bite-sized rewards to turn things around,” noted one player in feedback forums, hoping these smaller rewards might address the limited meaningful progression options.
As Season 3 unfolds, players will be watching closely to see if these changes deliver on NetEase’s promise of a more rewarding player experience or if the accelerated content schedule creates new challenges for both casual and competitive players alike.