With June rapidly coming to a close, we are getting closer to Marvel Rivals' closed beta. NetEase games launched the closed alpha test for their 6v6 hero shooter earlier this May. So far, while many are calling the game a ripoff of similar games like Overwatch and Paladins, the game looks promising. Despite the initial backlash the developers received from their non-disparagement request from content creators, these influencers surprisingly had a lot of good things to say.

With this positive feedback, more fans are looking forward to playing the game as soon as possible. Fortunately, some of these fans might be able to get their hands on the game earlier with the upcoming closed beta test of Marvel Rivals. Here's everything players need to know.

Marvel Rivals Closed Beta

Marvel Rivals' closed beta will take place sometime in July 2024. Given that the game will be in its beta phase, that means more players will be able to participate compared to the alpha test. To add the cherry on top, console players will now have the opportunity to test the game out. In the alpha, only PC players were invited. This time around, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S users will get a shot to join the fray.

New Content and Features

After receiving feedback from content creators and all other alpha players, NetEase is going to implement some changes and additional features to Marvel Rivals.

The developers are throwing in more language options considering how the game will be available worldwide. These languages include English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Chinese.

Given how the developers plan on launching the closed beta test to a broader audience, more regions will be available for a better playing experience. These regions will be on top of the existing servers in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Also, as mentioned earlier, console players will be able to participate in the closed beta. Having that in mind, cross-play will also be available. PC players can now play with their friends who own a console, given that they all get invited to the closed beta.

Other additional features include a new ban system which wasn't in the alpha test. Whenever players hop onto ranked mode, Galacta will grant players favors or banish certain heroes. This ban system will also apply to special events game modes.

Players will now be able to see a replay of their death with the new Past Lives system. It's nothing innovative considering how other hero shooting games already have this feature. However, it's still important to have to identify the tendencies of the killer and figure out how to deal with them.

Lastly, the developers will include a skill-based matchmaking system. This is to ensure fair fights during gameplay. Given how the game will be in closed beta, it's unlikely for smurfs to show up in lower-ranked matches. Meaning to say, the skill-based matchmaking system will surely be accurate during this time.

Playable Heroes

Adam Warlock and Venom will be added to the Marvel Rivals roster for the closed beta test in addition to the existing pool of heroes. This will bring the total character count to 21 playable heroes. Here's a full list of all other heroes during the alpha test:

  • 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

Playable Maps

During the alpha test, NetEase Games gave players access to three maps. These were namely Yggsgard: Yggdrasill Path, Yggsgard: Royal Palace, and Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya. In the closed beta, a new map will be available for players to do battle on. Tokyo 2099: Spider-Islands is coming to the game.

For those interested in signing up for the closed beta test, they can find a full Marvel Rivals guide here on ClutchPoints.