New Heroes, New Threats in The Abyss Awakens
NetEase Games has officially revealed Marvel Rivals Season 3: The Abyss Awakens, launching July 11, and the trailer confirms two major additions to the roster: Blade and The Phoenix Force. The update also teases a looming cosmic threat—possibly Knull, the god of symbiotes—setting the stage for one of the game’s most intense seasons yet.
Since its debut, Marvel Rivals has quickly become one of the best hero shooters on PC, blending Overwatch-style gameplay with Marvel’s iconic characters. Season 3 looks to expand the chaos with new abilities, fresh lore, and a darker storyline.
What’s New in Marvel Rivals Season 3?
1. Two New Playable Heroes
- Blade – The vampire hunter, long teased by NetEase (including a cheeky nap on the Wakanda map), finally arrives. Expect close-quarters combat, bleeding effects, and anti-healing mechanics to disrupt enemy supports.
- The Phoenix Force – A cosmic entity with area-of-effect fire attacks and resurrection abilities, likely serving as a high-damage mage or support hybrid.
The trailer shows Phoenix battling a Knull-corrupted Hela, with Blade making a dramatic last-second save—hinting at their roles in the season’s narrative.
2. Knull as the Season’s Villain?
While not officially confirmed, the trailer heavily implies Knull (the symbiote god from Marvel’s King in Black arc) is the big bad. Clues include:
- The corrupted Klyntar map (Klyntar is the symbiote homeworld).
- Hela’s blackened, tendril-covered design.
- The tagline: “The darkness will rise again.”
If true, this could mean symbiote-themed skins or even future playable villains like Venom or Carnage.
3. New Map & Story Events
Season 3’s Klyntar map appears to be a twisted alien landscape, possibly with dynamic hazards like spreading symbiote corruption. Limited-time story missions may also debut, similar to Overwatch 2’s PvE events.
Why This Season Matters
- Blade’s Debut – A fan-requested character, perfect for countering healers like Doctor Strange.
- Phoenix’s Gameplay Potential – Could introduce revive mechanics or transformative ultimates (like Jean Grey’s Dark Phoenix mode).
- Knull’s Arrival – Opens the door for symbiote-themed seasons, possibly leading to Venom or Anti-Venom as future heroes.
When Does Marvel Rivals Season 3 Start?
- Launch Date: July 11, 2024
- Expected Content Rollout:
- Week 1: Blade unlock + Klyntar map
- Week 3: Phoenix Force + story event
- Mid-Season: Possible Knull boss battle or skin drops
How to Prepare
- Check the Marvel Rivals Tier List – See where Blade and Phoenix might fit.
- Redeem Codes – NetEase often drops free loot via promo codes.
- Experiment with Teams – Phoenix may synergize with energy-based heroes (Iron Man, Storm), while Blade could excel in dive comps.
Also Read: How to Get Free Star-Lord Ignite Skin in Marvel Rivals
Final Verdict: A Must-Play Update
With two major heroes, a sinister new villain tease, and fresh map dynamics, Marvel Rivals Season 3 could be its best yet. If NetEase nails the balance, this might be the update that solidifies the game as a long-term competitor in the hero shooter genre.