The closed beta for Marvel Rivals, the new Overwatch-style hero shooter from NetEase Games, is now live. Players can take control of iconic Marvel heroes like Spider-Man, Loki, and Storm and engage in team-based battles where they must push a payload while fending off enemies. The start of the beta was rocky, with servers being hammered by a multitude of players trying to log in at the same time.
Many players reported being stuck on the title screen and experiencing disconnections even after managing to enter a match. However, within about an hour, the servers stabilized, and more players were able to get in. On Twitch, Marvel Rivals quickly gained popularity, climbing into the top 10 most viewed games with over 68,000 active viewers, outperforming well-known titles like Fortnite.
Popular streamers were also seen facing difficulties, with some being kicked out of matches and forced to relaunch the game during the initial hours of the beta. Despite the technical challenges, players have had positive experiences once in the game. One player shared their attempt at the beta, describing an intense match where they played as Scarlet Witch.
They successfully defended their team by using her abilities strategically, showcasing the game’s potential for engaging and dynamic team battles. One notable feature of Marvel Rivals is its flexible team composition.
Marvel Rivals beta technical issues
Unlike Overwatch, the game does not enforce a specific team structure, leaving it up to players to decide their roles. The ‘team-up’ system encourages collaboration by offering passive buffs for having specific heroes on the team, such as Groot and Rocket Raccoon. This helps in promoting teamwork and strategic planning among players.
Moreover, the game already features a variety of skins, sprays, and other cosmetics that players can earn as they play. Progress made during the beta will carry over when the game is officially released, although the final release date has yet to be announced. For instance, reaching level 30 on the battle pass will reward players with a blue skin for Venom, one of the latest additions to the roster.
The closed beta will run until August 5. Interested players can still request access on Steam, obtain codes from those already playing, or by watching Twitch streams. NetEase Games appears to be open to including more players in this testing phase, hoping the servers can handle the load through the weekend.
Marvel Rivals is shaping up to be more than just an Overwatch clone. With its unique take on the hero shooter genre and the deep Marvel lore, it brings fresh excitement to fans of both the franchise and the genre. The addition of new heroes like Thor and the quirky Jeff, a shark with legs, promises further variety and surprises as the game develops.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
