When Marvel Rivals first hit the scene, its lineup of characters was nothing short of impressive. The game launched with 33 heroes and villains, each categorized into three distinct roles: Duelist, Vanguard, and Strategist. Not long after, NetEase bumped up this number to 37 by bringing in the full crew of The Fantastic Four during its inaugural season.
NetEase has also let slip that the first season packed nearly twice the punch of a standard one. This suggests that fans should gear up for only two fresh faces in Season 2, which, if the whispers are true, kicks off on April 11, 2025. While Marvel Rivals already showcases a mix of famous and obscure characters, the door is wide open for even more iconic figures, as recent leaks might have given us an early glimpse of who could join the fray.
### Predicting Marvel Rivals Season 2’s Two New Playable Characters
#### The X-Men
Rumor has it that Season 2 will celebrate the ‘Hellfire Gala’, an extravagant in-universe event where the mutant nation of Krakoa throws open its gates to the non-mutant world. It’s a festival of sorts, one that basks in the glory of mutant culture and introduces a new lineup for the X-Men. The Hellfire Gala has graced several standalone Marvel stories lately, offering fans flashes of outlandish fashion that aren’t quite suited for battle.
In a curious tease, the latest Marvel Rivals story arc involving Doctor Doom 2099 wraps up with him mentioning he’s off to a gala, hinting perhaps at this believed Hellfire Gala theme. Speculation swirls around Emma Frost, who often spearheads this event, leveraging her telepathic prowess to host musical events and reveal the new X-Men team. Rumors of her joining Marvel Rivals have been rife since late 2024, bolstering her candidacy as one of the new characters for the upcoming season.
It seems, too, that the maps will get an overhaul as well, potentially bringing Krakoa and Arakko—Mars reimagined as a mutant haven—into play within Season 2. This could pave the way for more X-Men favorites to make the roster, with the likes of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, and others possibly debuting in future seasons.
#### Blade
Blade’s silhouette has already danced across the Marvel Rivals stage. He was initially hinted at during the Eternal Night event, where he popped up as an elusive Gallery Card. His full-fledged entrance didn’t occur until the game added the Empire of the Eternal Night: Central Park map mid-season, where Blade appeared caught by Dracula.
The logical conclusion for Season 1 sees Blade breaking free from Dracula’s clutches, setting the stage for his entry to the playable roster in Season 2, most likely as a Duelist.
#### Ultron
Ultron, infamous and ever-calculating, was among the first to be tipped for future seasons, his abilities leaked months ago. Slated as a Strategist, Ultron commands drones to aid allies, granting extra health and erecting shields against enemy attacks. Despite being a focal point of those early leaks, there’s no confirmed timeframe for his debut. While he could surprise us by joining in Season 2, it seems prudent to anticipate his arrival in a future installment of Marvel Rivals.
