Hero shooters aren’t exactly new territory, but Marvel Rivals has quickly carved out its own space by combining fast-paced team combat with one of the most recognisable character rosters in gaming. If you’ve been wondering what Marvel Rivals is, whether your PC can handle it, or how to get the best performance, this guide covers everything you need to know, including:
What is Marvel Rivals?
Marvel Rivals is a team-based PvP hero shooter built around 6v6 matches, destructible environments, and a constantly evolving roster of Marvel characters. If you’re familiar with games like Overwatch, you’ll recognise the core structure: two teams, distinct hero abilities, and objective-based gameplay, but Marvel Rivals adds its own twist through environmental destruction and team-up mechanics.
Matches are fast, chaotic, and heavily ability-driven. Instead of just aiming and shooting, you’re combining powers, coordinating ultimates, and adapting to dynamic maps that can change mid-match. That makes it particularly appealing for players who enjoy both mechanical skill and team strategy, and the Marvel franchise!
When did Marvel Rivals come out?
The game first launched in 2024, with ongoing updates and seasonal content continuing into 2026. Like most live-service titles, it’s designed to evolve over time, so the experience you get now is already more refined and content-rich than at launch.
Who made Marvel Rivals?
The game was developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel Games. That partnership is a big part of why the roster feels authentic: characters aren’t just skins; they’re designed with abilities that reflect their powers in the comics and films.
How to play Marvel Rivals
At its core, learning how to play Marvel Rivals is straightforward, but mastering it takes time.
You pick a hero, join a team of six, and compete against another team across objective-based modes. Each character has unique abilities, roles, and playstyles. Some are built for frontline damage, others for support or mobility.
The real depth comes from teamwork. Certain characters can combine abilities for powerful team-up effects, which can swing fights dramatically when used correctly. Positioning, timing, and coordination matter just as much as aim.
Where to play Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is available on PC and current-generation consoles, including PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It can even be played on older-gen consoles like the PS4, and it is currently in development for Switch 2. Availability can vary depending on updates and regional rollouts, but PC remains one of the most popular platforms thanks to higher frame rates and more precise controls.
You can run Marvel Rivals on Steam Deck, but hero shooters benefit from higher frame rates and precision. So a gaming PC or laptop will generally offer a better experience.
Marvel Rivals System Requirements for PC
Before jumping in, it’s worth checking whether your system meets the requirements to run Marvel Rivals. Like most modern hero shooters, it’s relatively accessible, but performance scales with your hardware.
In terms of size, expect a fairly standard modern multiplayer install. File sizes can change with updates, but you’ll want a decent amount of SSD space available for patches and seasonal content.
Minimum Requirements
The Marvel Rivals minimum requirements are designed to get the game running at lower settings:
- Mid-range older CPU (e.g. Ryzen 5 / Intel i5 equivalent)
- 8–16GB RAM
- Entry-level or older GPU
- SSD recommended
This level should allow you to play the game, but not necessarily at high frame rates or maximum settings.
Recommended Specs
For a smoother experience, especially in busy team fights, the Marvel Rivals recommended specs are more demanding:
- Modern multi-core CPU
- 16GB RAM (32GB increasingly beneficial for multitasking)
- Mid-to-high tier GPU
- SSD storage
Recommended PC Under £1000
At under £1000, featuring an RTX 50 series GPU released in 2025, this PC is also ideal for current-gen first-person shooters such as Marvel Rivals, Overwatch and Fortnite. The AMD equivalent would be the AMD Radeon™ RX 9060 8GB, which offers similar performance.
| Component | Infinity 145 D456 Next Day PC |
| CPU (Processor) | Intel® Core™ i5-12400F: 6 Cores |
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MT/s |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | MSI NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD |
If you’re aiming for high-refresh-rate gameplay, which is ideal for competitive shooters, stronger hardware makes a noticeable difference.
Best settings for Marvel Rivals on PC
Getting the best settings for Marvel Rivals PC depends on your system, but the goal is usually the same: maximise frame rate while keeping visual clarity. For competitive play, prioritise:
- High and stable FPS
- Reduced visual clutter
- Clear character visibility
Lowering shadows, post-processing, and certain effects can improve performance without hurting gameplay. Higher-end systems can push visuals further, but smooth performance is always more important than ultra settings in a fast-paced shooter.
Already got the best rig? You might be interested in more competitive titles, including the biggest esports games to play for earnings, views, or maximum enjoyment.
How to Make Marvel Rivals Run Better
If you’re experiencing performance issues or searching for ways to make Marvel Rivals run better, there are a few reliable tweaks you can make. Close background applications, update your GPU drivers, and make sure the game is installed on an SSD. Adjusting in-game settings, especially shadows and effects, can significantly improve frame rate.
If you’re dealing with Marvel Rivals crashing on PC, it’s often linked to outdated drivers, system instability, or early build optimisation issues. Keeping your system updated usually resolves most problems. You can find more tips for optimising your PC for gaming in our guide.
Marvel Rivals FAQs
Is Marvel Rivals crossplay?
Yes , Marvel Rivals is fully cross-play across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, meaning if you have a console and your friend is on PC, you can still play together. In most modern multiplayer games, cross-platform support is increasingly standard, and Marvel Rivals follows that trend to some extent, although availability can depend on updates and matchmaking settings.
How many heroes are in Marvel Rivals?
If you’re wondering how many heroes in Marvel Rivals, the roster continues to grow with each season. At launch, the game featured a strong core lineup, and new characters are regularly added to keep gameplay fresh. Here’s a quick overview of the main characters and their abilities:
| Character | Role | Playstyle Summary | Key Abilities / Strengths |
| Hulk | Vanguard | Frontline tank that thrives in close combat | High durability, leap attacks, area disruption |
| Doctor Strange | Vanguard | Defensive tank focused on control and protection | Shields, portals, team repositioning |
| Iron Man | Duelist | Aerial damage dealer with strong ranged pressure | Flight, repulsor blasts, sustained ranged DPS |
| Spider-Man | Duelist | Fast, agile flanker who targets isolated enemies | Web-swinging mobility, single-target disruption |
| Star-Lord | Duelist | Balanced damage dealer with mobility | Dual blasters, gadgets, adaptable playstyle |
| Scarlet Witch | Duelist | High-damage caster with strong area control | Energy bursts, AoE attacks, chaotic damage output |
| Loki | Strategist | Trickster support focused on deception | Illusions, misdirection, utility abilities |
| Rocket Raccoon | Strategist | Support hybrid with gadgets and damage | Deployables, team utility, consistent damage |
| Magneto | Hybrid | Control-focused hero manipulating the battlefield | Object control, defensive abilities, disruption |
| Black Panther | Hybrid | Agile melee fighter built for burst damage | High mobility, close-range attacks, quick escapes |
What age rating is Marvel Rivals?
Marvel Rivals is PEGI 12 in the UK and Europe, which is a teen-friendly rating. Expect action and combat, but no extreme violence.
When is the next Marvel Rivals season?
Live-service games like Marvel Rivals thrive on seasonal updates. Seasons introduce new heroes, maps, and cosmetics. Exact dates vary, but there tends to be a new season every 2 months, with mid-season updates like Season 2.5 bridging the gap between major releases.
When is the Marvel Rivals update?
Updates are different to seasons in that they are more technical and improve gameplay. Updates can include balance patches and bug fixes, as well as new content drops. These are usually rolled out regularly or as needed to keep gameplay balanced and engaging. Check the website for news of updates, patch notes, and upcoming seasons.
How to mod Marvel Rivals
If you’re thinking about modding Marvel Rivals, it’s worth being cautious. As an online multiplayer game, modding is typically restricted or unsupported, especially in competitive modes. Always check official guidelines to avoid risking your account being banned or blacklisted.
Marvel Rivals blends familiar hero shooter gameplay with the scale and personality of the Marvel universe, making it one of the more exciting multiplayer titles in recent years. Whether you’re jumping in casually or aiming to climb competitively, having the right setup makes a real difference. Whether you’re looking for a custom or prebuilt gaming PC, a gaming laptop, or peripherals to make your gaming sessions peak, at CyberPowerPC UK we can help you build your dream setup. Want more advice? Our blog has all the latest gaming news and updates, and our core knowledge hub can help you understand what your machine is capable of.