We don’t have a release date for NetEase yet Marvel Rivals, but the game seems to be progressing well as the developer has announced plans to host a closed beta test. Like the previous closed alpha test, which was exclusive to PC users in North America, the beta will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The closed beta program will start on July 23rd and run until August 5th. During this time, anyone invited to participate can try the Super Hero team-based PvP shootout, which features two opposing squads made up of heroes and villains drawn from the Marvel Multiverse.
The beta will include all the characters already revealed, including the two recent additions of Venom and Adam Warlock. Ahead of the beta, NetEase released a character trailer highlighting Venom’s ability set.
///Poison///
Together we are Venom!Born on the planet Klintar, but once bonded to a certain infuriating web head, the alien symbiote found its match in the disgruntled Eddie Brock, and together they evolved into the clumsy Venom. After years as a hungry force of evil, these halves… pic.twitter.com/LfqZPMMlsi
— Marvel Rivals (@MarvelRivals) July 12, 2024
In addition to the standard game modes — Convoy, Domination, and Convergence — the closed beta will feature an in-game event: Galacta’s Quest.
During the CBT, complete Galacta’s quests and gain event experience to unlock a range of rewards. Join Galacta on her extraordinary journey and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of Marvel Rivals. Plus, participants can take advantage of the closed beta exclusive Venom suit — Cyan Clash! This remarkable reward is exclusively available to CBT players. Just be sure to use the same account at the official launch of Marvel Rivals to claim it.
Registrations for the closed beta test are now open for PlayStation and Xbox. All you have to do is fill out a simple questionnaire that asks about your gaming habits. PC users will have to wait until July 20 to claim access to the beta under Marvel Rivals Steam store page. A special closed beta will be hosted by NetEase on July 22nd at 8:00 PM PT.
Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play online team PvP shooter that draws comparisons to Blizzard’s Overwatch. The game features fast-paced, 6v6 team combat on iconic location-based maps with dynamic environmental destruction.
In Marvel Rivals, players can look forward to choosing heroes divided into three distinct roles based on their unique power inclinations: Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist. They will be free to choose their preferred role and hero, teaming up with allies to create a flexible and dynamic battle line-up. But that’s not all, as they will be able to reach a whole new level of cooperation in team play with Team-Up Abilities, unleashing joint superpowers with their allies, destroying the battlefield to win exciting battles!
In addition to the beta release, NetEase also announced rollout plans Marvel Rivals at San Diego Comic-Con later this month. There are two panels planned for the game: one that focuses on the story, art, and sound, and another that’s labeled a “special presentation.” There is also a community livestream that will include a full review of the messages coming from the events.
Thursday, July 25
Marvel Rivals: The story, art and sound of the game
11:15am PDT – 12:15pm PDT, Room 20
Join the Marvel Rivals panel for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the next great Super Hero shooter game. Get input from the NetEase Games creative team, including Jinghua Duan (Lead Narrative Designer), Dino Ma (Art Director) and Donger Gan (Narrative Designer), along with the Marvel Games creative team: Danny Koo (Executive Producer), Dakota Maysonet (Creative Development Manager) and Dan LaDuca (Senior Art Director). This panel will be moderated by Ryan Penagos (VP & Creative Executive of Digital Marketing) as the teams delve into the game’s story, art and sound design. Stay tuned for exclusive reveals, including a new gameplay trailer and special guest appearances!
Marvel Rivals Special Presentation
4:30 p.m. PDT – 5:00 p.m. PDT, Marvel Booth
The Marvel Rivals team will join the Marvel Games team for a special presentation that includes a brand new trailer, more gameplay details, and special giveaways, including an SDCC exclusive Galacta lithograph, for fans who sign up to play the demo. Fans can pick them up after signing up for the demo in the virtual queue system, while supplies last.
Marvel Rivals Community Live Stream
10pm PDT, Discord
Can’t make it to SDCC this year? No need to worry, as the Marvel Rivals team will be hosting a live stream on Discord with a complete overview of all announcements and activities, including new content updates, exclusive SDCC highlights, and a full preview of the Marvel Rivals panel.
Friday, July 26
Marvel Rivals Signing Session
3:15 PM PDT – 4:15 PM PDT, Marvel Booth
The Marvel Rivals team will be hosting a special poster signing session with a surprise guest.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of San Diego Comic-Con and look forward to connecting with players,” said Ethan Wang, senior vice president of NetEase. “We also look forward to the active participation of our players in the next Marvel Rivals beta test. I can’t wait to share our latest developments with you all!”
It is possible that NetEase will announce a release date for Marvel Rivals at San Diego Comic-Con this month. The fact that we are about to have a closed beta for the game could mean that the launch could come later this year.
