Marvel Rivals next season release date and everything we know so far

Deadpool addresses the camera
(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 6 will launch next year (January 16), adding a brand new Hero into the mix, and refreshing Competitive Mode ranks and rewards. Given that the current season is still ongoing, we only really have a few solid details on what's next. We do however, have some teases as to what comes next.

What's new in Marvel Rivals?

An infographic showing the future roadmap for Marvel Rivals Season 5.5

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals is now in Season 5.5, and NetEase has shared the full roadmap for the new update. Looks like we can look forward to skins for Psylocke, Squirrel Girl, and Daredevil in the future. There's even going to be a New Years Eve event in Times Square where players can gather together to ring in 2026.

Here's everything you need to know about the next season of Marvel Rivals, including when the current one ends, and what to expect from the new Hero that's being added. As release day draws nearer, I'll update this page with all of the latest news and info.

When is the next season of Marvel Rivals?

Elsa Bloodstone holds a rifle on her shoulder, and a pistol in the other hand

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 6 will launch following downtime that's planned for January 16, 2026. This is according to the in-game Battle Pass end date. It's possible that this may move somewhat, though in the past it's been accurate. Generally, downtime lasts two hours, so I predict the next season to launch around the times below:

  • East Coast (US): 6AM ET
  • West Coast (US): 3AM PT
  • United Kingdom: 11AM GMT
  • Australia (Sydney): 10PM AEST
  • Japan (Tokyo): 8PM JST

When does the current season of Marvel Rivals end?

Rogue poses, holding up a fist covered in golden energy

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 5.5 will end on January 16 at 4AM ET / 3AM PT / 9AM GMT, for a few hours of downtime before the launch of the new season. Keep an eye on the official Marvel Rivals website for any changes.

Marvel Rivals Season 5.5 new Team Up changes

Rogue, Magneto and Gambit pose side by side

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 5.5 brings in a bunch of new Team Ups, while removing existing ones. The first new one adds Rogue, unlocking powerful boosts to damage. Here's what changed:

  • Explosive Entanglement: Rogue added (Gambit - Magneto - Rogue)
  • Chilling Assault: Emma Frost added (Luna Snow - Iron Fist - Emma Frost)
  • Sword of Duality: Psylocke added (Cloak & Dagger - Hawkeye/Psylocke)
  • Mental Projection: removed entirely

Marvel Rivals latest Hero balancing changes

Marvel Rivals: Season 5.5 Update // Dev Vision Vol. 12 - YouTube Marvel Rivals: Season 5.5 Update // Dev Vision Vol. 12 - YouTube
Watch On

In the Developer Vision video you can view above, some general balance updates applied to Marvel Rivals alongside the latest seasonal update are explained in full. We've collected the key points in the list below:

  • Hero balancing (buffs): Emma Frost, The Thing, Thor, Blade, Human Torch, Phoenix, Scarlet Witch, The Punisher, Wolverine, Loki, Luna Snow, Ultron
  • Hero Balancing (nerfs): Peni Parker, Daredevil, Psylocke, Gambit, Invisible Woman, Rocket Raccoon

Marvel Rivals Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone

Deadpool is coming to Marvel Rivals on Jan 16 // Season 6: Night at the Museum Official Trailer - YouTube Deadpool is coming to Marvel Rivals on Jan 16 // Season 6: Night at the Museum Official Trailer - YouTube
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Marvel Rivals is expected to add Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone as the next Heroes, with a full Season 6 trailer having dropped at The Game Awards. Night at the Museum is the main theme, and we know that Deadpool will be facing off against monster versions of heroes like Captain America and Hulk. Elsa Bloodstone is shown at the end of the trailer, and is expected for Season 6.5.

Marvel Rivals next season FAQ

Who was the last Hero to be added to Marvel Rivals?

Rogue was the last Hero added to Marvel Rivals, as part of Season 5.5. She's a fierce Vanguard brawler, who can use her Ultimate to steal Ultimate energy from enemy players. She teams up with Gambit and Magneto, adding an area of effect to her punches, and healing for nearby allies.

Who are the next characters coming to Marvel Rivals?

Deadpool will arrive in Marvel Rivals for Season 6 on January 16, 2026. Then, Elsa Bloodstone is coming as the main Hero in Season 6.5.

What season is Marvel Rivals in?

Marvel Rivals is currently in Season 5.5. This started on December 12, and should run through to January 16, 2026. We'll then be in Season 6.

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Jake Green
Evergreen Editor, TechRadar Gaming

Jake is currently working as Evergreen Editor at TechRadar Gaming. Hailing from the overcast shores of Brighton in the United Kingdom, Jake can be found covering everything from features to guides content around the latest game releases. As seen on NME.com, Eurogamer.net, and VG247.com, Jake specializes in breaking games down into approachable pieces for guides, and providing SEO advice to websites looking to expand their audiences.

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