WithMarvel Rivalsset to launch, the development team has given players an insight into what to expect for microtransactions. This new take on a hero shooter brings together popular characters from aroundMarvelinto one big brawl. The game is expected to have a variety of modes players are used to from the genre, but each comes with its own unique twist.
At launch,the game has 33 playable characters to choose from, all of which can be unlocked for free. These are split up into the roles of Vanguard (Tank), Duelist (DPS), and Strategist (Support). Along with the base 33, numerous future characters have been leaked or teased for later entries. Given the immense amount of source material the game has to pull from, the options ofmust-includeMarvel Rivalscharactersare endless.
Marvel Rivals Currency System Explained
Simple And Centralized
Marvel Rivalsfeatures two currencies at launch: Units and Lattice. Units are the base currency that can be earned for free through the battle pass, events, or by completing certain achievements. They can also be found by converting Lattices into Units. Lattices are the premium currency of the hero shooter and can be earned through the battle pass or purchased. The lowest option for this is 100 Lattice for $1, while 11,680 Lattice costs $100.
These currencies can be used to purchase cosmetics, both individually and in discounted bundles. This could be similar toOverwatch 2,where some require the premium currency and others the base currency. The studio has given prices, in Units, that players can expect to pay.Epic quality bundles come in between 1500-2000 Units, whereas Legendary quality will hit 2400+ Units.
Marvel Rivals Battle Pass Explained
Freedom Of Choice And Time
Marvel Rivalsbattle pass system is arguably one of the best to enter the gaming world.The Luxury Pass will cost $10 worth of Lattice and have roughly 16,000 units worth of cosmetics. Based on Season 0’s pass, which will be half the price and rewards due to it being shorter, players can expect around 10 costumes and related cosmetics in regular Seasons. Unlocking items will be similar toFortnite’s previous style, where players earn Chrono Tokens used to claim specific slots.
Another boon ofMarvel Rivalsbattle pass is that it will not go away and can be completed at any time. This is similar to what games likeHaloandHelldivers 2have done in removing the FOMO effect. Though this is simple in nature, allowing players to claim rewards whenever removes the tedious and grinding feeling of games like this, especially for casual players who have limited time to consistently dedicate to the game.
Marvel Rivals Is Setting Itself Up for Success
A Super Future
All of these systems, including unlockable heroesavoiding a major annoyance of free-to-play games, are settingMarvel Rivalsup to be a massive success.This is no easy task, as many have tried and failed to compete with, let alone dethrone,Overwatch. The first step is gameplay, which many others have failed with lackluster attempts and boring original IPs.Rivalsget to avoid the latter issue by pairing withMarvel, and the gameplay has already proven itself as long as it stays as is.
The other side of this is microtransactions.Overwatch 2received a lot of flak for removing loot boxes and moving to a battle pass system, and while it has improved, it is still flawed. This has been combined with cool but overpriced bundles, especially withcollaborations likeMy Hero Academia.Marvel Rivalsmay not have collabs, but its systems are already nearly flawless.If they can be kept this way without any price increases or fundamental changes, it has the potential to be the new gold standard of microtransactions.
Rivalsmay just be the game that finally shakes up the hero shooter genre. The gameplay alone was enough to make it successful, but these microtransaction features are likely to raise it even higher. Bad publicity surrounding microtransactions can push people away, and a free-to-play game will need to sell as much as it can to survive for as long as it can. Luckily, with howMarvel Rivalsbattle pass and currency systems have been explained, the game has a bright future.
