Marvel Rivals' Season 1 launch, "Eternal Night Falls," has achieved a phenomenal success, surpassing 560,000 concurrent players on Steam, setting a new record for the game. This surge in popularity is fueled by the introduction of the Fantastic Four, exciting new maps like the Sanctum Sanctorum, and the thrilling new Doom Match mode.
The new season plunges players into a battle against Dracula, who has imprisoned Doctor Strange and seized control of New York City. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman lead the charge, with Human Torch and The Thing slated to join the roster in a significant mid-season update.
Beyond the new heroes, Marvel Rivals boasts fresh gameplay locations. Midtown serves as a backdrop for convoy missions, while the mystical Sanctum Sanctorum is the stage for the innovative Doom Match. This influx of engaging content clearly demonstrates NetEase Games' commitment to attracting and retaining players.
SteamDB data confirms Marvel Rivals' all-time peak concurrent player record on Steam, exceeding 560,000 during the Season 1 launch. While total player numbers across all platforms remain unconfirmed, the Steam figures highlight the season's remarkable success. A Steam gift card giveaway further incentivizes players to share their exciting in-game moments via the game's Discord server.
Continued Success Across Platforms
This achievement builds upon Marvel Rivals' previous milestones. Since its December 6, 2024 launch, the free-to-play title has already amassed 20 million players across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. With Season 1's strong start, this player base is expected to grow significantly.
NetEase Games' strategy of offering enticing free rewards has played a key role in attracting new players. The Midnight Features event provides a free Thor skin, while Twitch Drops offer a free Hela skin for viewers. The Season 1 Darkhold battle pass also includes free skins for Peni Parker and Scarlet Witch, even without purchasing the premium version. This generous approach to free content has undoubtedly contributed to the game's widespread appeal and fuels anticipation for future updates.