What it is
NetEase's hero shooter launched in December 2024 and has kept up a fast pace since, with more than fifty heroes by autumn 2026. Teams of six fight over objectives on maps you can partly destroy. Team-ups give certain hero pairs combined abilities, which suits players who like combos. The tone is loud, generous and very Marvel.
The first evening
Pick a hero you already like from the films or comics. Attachment helps you through the early learning curve. The tutorial covers the basics, and Quick Match is forgiving. Try a Strategist (healer) early: it's the role most teams are short of, and the one that teaches you most about how fights flow.
What you'll pay for
- Heroes are all free. The shop sells cosmetics only.
- Lattice is the premium currency. It converts to Units, which buy many skins and can also be earned. Chrono Tokens are earned from play and spent on the battle pass. Three currencies make it harder than it should be to see what a skin really costs. That's the main mark against it.
- Battle passes never expire. Buy a season's pass and you can finish it whenever you like. This is the most player-friendly pass design in any game we rated.
We didn't find paid random items in the shop at the time of review. Every bundle is named and previewable.
Who it suits
Marvel fans, friend groups and anyone who finds other hero shooters too serious. It suits you less if you want slow, tactical depth. Rivals is at its best as loud fun.
The score, mark by mark
- Feel25% weight8.5
- Depth20% weight7
- Price honesty25% weight7.5
- Time respect15% weight7
- Access15% weight8
What works
- Battle passes never expire, so you can finish them later
- Every hero is free and the roster is enormous
- Destructible maps and team-up abilities keep matches lively
What doesn't
- Three currencies make real prices hard to judge
- Balance can swing wildly between seasons
- Less tactical depth than its rivals once the novelty fades
How to pay for Marvel Rivals in the UK
Where you can buy Marvel Rivals or its premium currency, and what each store accepts. Currency bought in one store usually stays with that platform. See the full store guide for spending controls and refunds.
| Where you buy | Debit or credit card | PayPal | Paysafecard | Store gift card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Epic Games Store | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Some accounts |
| PlayStation Store | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
| Microsoft Store (Xbox) | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
Studio: NetEase Games · Publisher: NetEase Games · Checked September 2026. The store's checkout page has the final word on payment options.
