"The Thing and Human Torch Set for February Release in Marvel Rivals"

Get ready, fans of Marvel Rivals! The Fantastic Four team is set to be completed with the addition of The Thing and Human Torch, launching as playable characters on February 21, 2025. This exciting news comes alongside the announcement of the Season 1.5 update, which will bring "major balance adjustments" to the game, according to a Dev Talk blog post on the Marvel Rivals website. While details on the update remain under wraps, anticipation is high for what's in store.

The Thing and Human Torch are poised to electrify the roster with their unique moves and abilities. Following the launch of Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman last month, these new additions are expected to further evolve the game's meta. Reed Richards' stretchy and goofy attacks, and Sue Storm's invisibility mechanics, have already shifted gameplay dynamics. Fans are eager to see how Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm will influence the battlefield, and hopefully, NetEase will share some gameplay footage soon.

The Season 1 update on February 21 will also introduce a rank reset for competitive players, dropping them four divisions. For example, a Diamond I player will find themselves in Platinum II the next day. NetEase has outlined that future full-season updates will result in a six-division drop, while half-season updates will maintain the four-division drop. The company promises to fine-tune this system based on player feedback as they continue to enhance the Ranked experience in Marvel Rivals.

On a brighter note, Gold-ranked players can look forward to new costume rewards with the launch of the second half of Season 1. Additionally, NetEase is introducing new Crests of Honor to recognize top players at Grandmaster, Celestial, Eternity, and One Above All (the top 500) ranks, adding more incentive to climb the competitive ladder.

Marvel Rivals enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting more information on the game's post-launch plans. The introduction of The Fantastic Four is just the beginning. Last month, creative director Guangyun Chen sparked excitement by promising to release a new playable character every half-season. This means fans can expect a new Marvel hero to join the fray approximately every six weeks, keeping the game fresh and engaging. There's evidence to suggest that the vampire-hunting Daywalker Blade might be next, though rumors and leaks have kept the community buzzing with speculation about the game's future.

While you await the mid-season update, check out our current Marvel Rivals Season 1 tier list to find out the best characters. You can also delve into how the original Season 1 patch revolutionized the meta and why the community stirred over the game's alleged bot issue.