The Thing has officially been introduced in Marvel Rivals. As the game’s first post-launch content drop, the final two members of the Fantastic Four bring fresh dynamics to the roster. Specifically, The Thing marks the first new Vanguard since the game’s launch, whereas the Human Torch steps in as the second Duelist. Alongside these characters, the update further expands the game’s playable content by including another major map. With these latest additions, does the update live up to the hype, balance the game’s evolving meta, and maintain its growing popularity?

The Exciting Season 1.5 Update

NetEase Games has emphasized that the Season 1.5 update doubles the playable content of the regular season. Ultimately, this move promises an exciting gaming experience for players. Although the Fantastic Four were the first new characters added to Marvel Rivals in Season 1, only Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman joined the roster. On February 21, however, the superhero team was reunited when The Thing and the Human Torch made their debut in the game. Furthermore, NetEase Games confirmed the addition of these two iconic heroes through its Dev Talk blog.

Marking the conclusion of the first half of Season 1, the two characters’ introduction brought significant balance adjustments to the hero shooter. While this update ensured players could fully experience the power of Marvel’s first family, it also addressed gameplay refinements to enhance the overall experience. Besides new characters, Marvel Rivals will also introduce the final New York-based map, the Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park. Expanding the game’s various environments and objectives, this convoy map offers players a fresh and immersive battleground to explore. Additionally, it tasks players with escorting a payload into Dracula’s headquarters, located within Central Park.

The Thing’s Powerful Abilities as Vanguard

Classified as a Vanguard in Marvel Rivals, The Thing basically serves as a straightforward tank. Using his abilities, those who play as the character become a formidable force on the battlefield. Overall, controlling the battlefield, protecting allies, and disrupting enemy strategies are skills these players master with practice. As an essential addition to any team, the rocky hero’s abilities include:

• Combination Punch: Delivers quick, continuous punches to overwhelm enemies.
• Thunderbolt Punch: Executes a powerful, devastating punch to deal heavy damage.
• Furious Charge: Charges forward, lifting enemies in his path and creating a seismic zone that prevents displacement.
• Battlefield Support: Leaps toward teammates, reducing damage to both himself and allies.
• Solid as a Rock: Grants immunity to knockback and other displacement effects, ensuring stability in combat.
• Fastball Special (Team-Up Ability): Wolverine can interact with The Thing. Once the player confirms, the hero lifts Wolverine and throws him toward the targeted area.
• Slam Moment (Ultimate): Unleashes tremendous force to knock all enemies into the air, disrupting their positioning and creating opportunities for his team.

Interestingly, The Thing can use his abilities to charge into battle, disrupt enemy formations, and control key areas of the fight. Moreover, his abilities can thwart enemy strategies, restrict their movements, and create opportunities for his team to target vulnerable foes. Due to the characters’ resistance to crowd control effects, he remains a constant presence in combat as he’s never easily pushed back or immobilized. Moreover, these abilities are mainly useful for both offensive attacks and defensive roles, making him indispensable on any team. Furthermore, players who enjoy leading the charge and dictating the flow of battle may find the rocky hero as their ideal character who empowers the team to secure victory through relentless pressure and dominance.

The Thing’s Iconic Outfit Skin

When it comes to skins in Marvel Rivals, two comic book-inspired designs of The Thing will be launched. Particularly, the Fantastic Four debuted in the game in a standard uniform based on the team’s super suits from Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #3, released in 1961, which all members can wear. While each member of the superpowered family received a unique individual skin, the one-off designs or character reworks are showcased instead of the group’s classic look.

Notably, The Thing’s first solo skin stands out in Marvel Rivals due to being one of his most iconic designs. Dubbed “Trench Coat,” this skin features the rocky hero wearing his titular outfit, which traces back to Ben Grimm’s first appearance in the comics. Originally, the Fantastic Four gained their superpowers during a disastrous experimental space flight, where cosmic rays altered their biology, giving each member the following abilities:

• Reed Richards gained flexibility.
• Susan Storm developed invisibility.
• Johnny Storm acquired flame powers.
• Ben Grimm transformed into a super-strong, massive rock monster.

Although each member’s powers changed their lives, Grimm’s transformation was the most physically drastic. Initially, he attempted to hide his new appearance by wearing a fedora and a large trench coat in the first issue of Fantastic Four. However, this disguise couldn’t realistically conceal his rocky form entirely, but it did become a lasting symbol in both comic book runs and theatrical adaptations of the Super family. Making its way into Marvel Rivals, this iconic look celebrates The Thing’s rich and complex history.

Updates Regarding Potential Mutant-Themed Season

After launching Season 1.5, the first playable character was all but confirmed for Season 2, sparking excitement for future roster additions. According to recent leaks, three upcoming heroes may be introduced in the game, including:

• Emma Frost as a Vanguard
• Jean Grey as a Duelist
• The Hood as a Vanguard

Moreover, files in the game’s code hint at other X-Men members, such as Professor X, Colossus, and Cyclops, as strong candidates for Season 2. In fact, these rumors suggest that a potential mutant-themed season may be in the works. Additionally, a certain vampire hunter by the name of Blade has fans eagerly anticipating his appearance, with strong indications pointing to Season 2. With these new developments, Marvel Rivals promises a thrilling gameplay experience to keep players engaged and excited for what’s to come.