Marvel Rivals Marks Its First Anniversary with Deadpool and Its Biggest Update Yet

A few weeks ago, Marvel Rivals celebrated its first anniversary, a milestone that capped an incredible year for the 6 vs 6 team-based third person shooter from NetEase Games. The game has firmly established itself as a fan-favorite, uniting players and Marvel icons in fast-paced battles where real teamwork meets dynamic hero interactions, complete with witty dialogue and powerful team-up abilities. 

Now, following that celebration, Marvel Rivals is leveling up with its boldest update yet and the arrival of one very talkative Merc with a Mouth, a moment that reflects both how far the game has come and where it’s headed next.

Here at the Disney Parks Blog, we’ve been playing Marvel Rivals right alongside the community, and like any good Marvel game, we’ve already picked our favorites.  

Jen gravitates toward Psylocke and Magik, drawn to their fast-paced, high-impact playstyles and bold personalities. Austin, meanwhile, splits his time between Gambit and Daredevil, favoring heroes that reward timing, agility, and smart positioning.

That mix of playstyles mirrors what makes Marvel Rivals so engaging. Every match feels a little different depending on who you choose and how your team comes together, and that hands-on experience is exactly why celebrating the game’s first year feels personal.

Marvel Rivals secured a major achievement early on reaching 40 million active users less than three months after its initial launch. Additionally, the game has the largest community fanbase of any video game available, with more than 4.1M players on Discord.  

These accolades and milestones reflect how strongly players have connected with its team-based gameplay, Marvel-infused personality, and evolving seasonal structure. It’s a clear signal of the game’s momentum during its first year, and a strong foundation as it continues to grow. 

With 45 playable heroes currently available in Marvel Rivals, the roster already offers a deep mix of iconic Marvel characters and varied playstyles that keep strategies fresh and conversations lively. And with a new superhero coming to the game monthly, the breadth of play styles and options for team loadout are constantly changing. That depth encourages experimentation and creative team building as players continue to explore new combinations.   

Marvel Rivals has hit major milestones, from strong engagement during early tests to growing anticipation with each new season. Frequent updates, fresh heroes, and ambitious maps have kept the hype high, while community feedback continues to shape its direction. 

The result is a game that’s welcoming for newcomers yet deep enough for competitive players chasing mastery, a balance that defined Marvel Rivals throughout Year One and helped set the tone for what comes next. 

That momentum now powers Season 6: “Night at the Museum,” which launched January 16, which introduces a mysterious new battleground and welcomes one of the most anticipated additions yet: Deadpool. Known for his unpredictable combat style, fourth-wall-breaking humor, and razor-sharp wit, Deadpool is a perfect fit for Marvel Rivals’ high-energy tone. Expect chaos, katana action, and plenty of chimichangas as he joins the fight.

See the official trailer for Season 6 here:

Marvel Rivals made a bold entrance into competitive gaming in 2025 with the Ignite Series, a global tournament circuit that awarded over $3 million in prizes and culminated in an international Grand Finals.

That momentum powers the next chapter in 2026 with the launch of the Marvel Rivals Professional League — introducing a four-region structure, promotion and relegation systems, and official partner teams who will receive revenue-sharing and in-game content support. With two major international LAN events and year-round competition, Marvel Rivals is staking its claim as a major new force in the global esports scene. 

Marvel Rivals is completely free to play, making it easy for fans to jump in right away. The game is available on: 

With cross-play supported in most modes, players can team up across platforms and jump into matches together without barriers. Visit the official site for more information: https://www.marvelrivals.com/  

Season 6 isn’t just about new content, it’s a statement of how far Marvel Rivals has come. Each season has expanded the universe, refined mechanics, and doubled down on what makes Marvel stories resonate: character, spectacle, and fun.

As Marvel Rivals enters its second year, more heroes, new locations, and evolving modes are on the horizon. If Year One proved what the game could be, Season 6 shows it’s just getting started.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates as Marvel Rivals continues to grow its roster and deliver unforgettable Marvel moments.