Marvel Rivals has taken the internet by storm, creating a phenomenon not seen since Blizzard’s Overwatch. It marks Marvel and NetEase’s most successful video game launch… possibly ever. With over 10 million players during its launch weekend alone, Marvel Rivals is poised to compete in the saturated hero-shooter market, thanks to its impressive roster of Marvel characters.
The game debuted with 33 heroes drawn from Marvel’s vast array of good and bad capers. From the Sorcerer Supreme and Doctor Strange to the lesser-known Cloak & Dagger, Marvel Rivals aims to leave a lasting mark on the gaming industry as a competitive title, one that some speculate could become the fabled ‘Overwatch killer.’
Keen-eyed fans have already delved into the game’s files, unmasking potential new heroes and villains set to debut in the third-person shooter over the coming months. Here’s a look at the characters data miners have unearthed as future additions to Marvel Rivals:
UPDATE: As of June 26, 2025 there are more heroes expected to arrive in the Marvel Rivals roster according to leaks. These include:
Hit-Monkey
Much like Jeff the Land Shark, Hit-Monkey is another peculiar addition to the Marvel roster. He’s a monkey armed with an arsenal of guns. Fans of the Hit-Monkey TV series on Hulu will recognize him as an intriguing addition, especially with his signature shades.
He’s a reluctant assassin and a formidable foe for the uninitiated. Despite his small stature, he could pose a significant challenge for Strategists. According to leaks, his abilities involve going on a rampage with his firearms.
One of his abilities, Dual Gun Shooting, appears to be his primary attack, where he wields dual pistols, akin to Star-Lord. Another ability, Endless Rage, seems particularly interesting. It could mean that he can activate a timed ‘Rage’ mode, enhancing his damage and health.
Additional abilities include Fear Hunt and Kitten Howling. Their exact functions remain unclear, as they were found only in the game files. Moreover, these names were translated from Chinese, so there’s a possibility of translation errors.
Phoenix
It appears that Phoenix will also make her debut in Marvel Rivals in the future. Jean Grey’s dark persona is set to decimate foes with her Omega-level powers. Leaks suggest her abilities include flight and telekinesis. Most of her moves are augmented by the Phoenix Force, showcasing Jean Grey at her most powerful.
Her kit reportedly includes Phoenix Shadow and Phoenix Ray. While their functions are unknown, it could suggest she will be a mid-range combat specialist, controlling the battlefield with her psychic powers, similar to Scarlet Witch. Better yet, she could be a Strategist, helping teammates with her Phoenix Force.
She also has abilities titled Telekinetic Transfer and Psychokinetic Transfer. A Twitter user speculated that these may introduce a ‘Switch’ mechanic, akin to Cloak & Dagger, allowing players to alternate between Jean Grey and her Phoenix form.
The Hood
A trend among upcoming heroes seems to be the ability to switch forms dynamically. The Hood is the next character set to join Marvel Rivals.
Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, is a notorious criminal leader associated with groups such as the Illuminati, Dark Illuminati, and the 50-State Initiative. He gained his powers after becoming entangled with Zarathos, one of Dormammu’s demonic forces.
According to leaks, The Hood wields dual guns and can transform into a demon. This mechanic might resemble Cloak & Dagger’s controls or Magik’s Darkchild ultimate. He is expected to be a potential Duelist, given his versatile moveset.
His abilities include shooting with his dual guns and deploying a shield for defense. He can also conjure clones to disrupt the battlefield, similar to Loki. However, The Hood’s clones can explode on command, making him a particularly dangerous adversary during teamfights.
Forge
click to enlarge
+ 5X-Men fans already know Forge as the team’s tech genius, and in Marvel Rivals, he takes on the role of a Support character. According to the leaks, he uses a device similar to a Raygun to heal his allies.
His other leaked abilities include:
- Structure Analysis
- Creative Modification
- Spirit Realm Walking
- Limitation-Breaking Modification
While the specifics are still unclear, Forge might be able to provide armor to teammates, perhaps similar to Rocket's B.R.B. Machine.
Armor
click to enlarge + 5Another X-Men standout, Armor, appears in the files as a Vanguard, meaning her defensive prowess should come into play.
Her leaked abilities include:
- Unbreakable Object
- Multiple Psionic Forms
- Mountain-Breaking Strike — likely a primary or heavy-hitting secondary ability, possibly akin to The Thing’s haymaker.
Hive
click to enlarge + 5This villainous parasitic entity joins the roster as a Vanguard. His abilities are listed as:
- Deadly Parasite
- Painful Lashing
- Accelerated Transformation
Based on the names, it seems Hive’s kit may focus on inflicting poison, decay, or other damage-over-time effects.
Amaranth
click to enlarge + 5The Scarlet Witch’s apprentice, Amaranth Hawlut, is a Melee Duelist who seems to draw inspiration from Wanda Maximoff herself.
Her abilities include:
- Chaos Spike
- Spell Counter
- Chaos Rain
- Frenzied Deterrence
From the names, her gameplay may revolve around deflecting projectiles and absorbing attacks to return damage, a little like Zarya from Overwatch.
White Fox
click to enlarge + 5Following in the footsteps of Luna Snow, White Fox becomes the next Korean superhero to join the Marvel Rivals lineup. Leaks suggest she’s a Melee Duelist with a specialty in draining the life out of her enemies.
Her abilities include:
- Life Transfer – potentially lets her siphon health from enemies and heal allies.
- Rapid Hypnosis – possibly similar to Emma Frost’s mind control.
- Fox Shadow Invasion could offer stealth or enhanced mobility as a passive.
The data-mined files also hint at other potential characters, including:
- Captain Marvel
- MODOK
- Blade
- Shuri
- Angela
- Deadpool
- Valkyrie
While these characters remain unconfirmed, they could represent upcoming content or features that may never be included in the game. Fans can only hope they eventually join the roster.
Marvel Rivals is bursting with potential, and this is just the beginning. With more heroes and maps in development, the game promises to expand its dynamic, competitive hero-shooter experience under the Marvel brand. Fans are eager to see these leaked characters come to life. As for me, I’m hoping Ghost Rider or Silver Surfer will make their debut soon.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Marvel Rivals page.