If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dive into the high-octane world of Marvel Rivals, your time has officially arrived. Season 7: The Hunt is On is set to launch on March 20, 2026, and it’s bringing a massive shift to the meta, some deep-cut Marvel lore, and two of the coolest characters to ever grace a roster.
Whether you’re a seasoned Vanguard or a Marvel buff wondering if this game does justice to the comics, here is the breakdown of why Season 7 is a literal game-changer.
The Story: Kingpin, 2099, and a City Under Siege
For the lore hunters, Season 7 is a treat. Modern-day New York City is being invaded by forces from 2099 Nueva York. In true “never let a crisis go to waste” fashion, Mayor Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) has declared martial law, ordering the arrest of all superheroes.
While Kingpin sends Black Cat to hunt down a mysterious, powerful tablet, the South Korean super-agent White Fox arrives on a mission of her own: rescuing her Tiger Division teammate, Luna Snow.
New Heroes: White Fox & Black Cat
The roster is expanding with two heavy hitters. Interestingly, they aren’t dropping at the same time:
- White Fox (Strategist) – Launching March 20: She is the game’s first melee-based Strategist. Using her Kumiho (nine-tailed fox) powers, she can heal allies by dealing damage. Her ultimate allows her to fully transform, suppressing enemies while granting her team “Unstoppable” and Lifesteal effects.
- Black Cat (Duelist) – Launching Season 7.5 (April 17): Felicia Hardy joins later in the season. Expect high mobility, flanking maneuvers, and a playstyle that rewards getting in, stealing the spotlight, and getting out.
Major Gameplay Shifts: No More “Ult Spam”
NetEase is listening to player feedback, and the biggest change in Season 7 is a 20% reduction in Ultimate energy gain across the board. We’re moving away from a meta where “whoever presses Q first wins”, and you’ll now have to be more tactical with your big plays.
Buffs and Nerfs at a Glance
The balancing team has been busy. If you main Winter Soldier, I have some bad news; if you’re a Hulk fan, it’s your time to shine.
| Hero | Status | Key Change |
| Hulk | Buffed | Increased energy conversion; Gamma Burst now has two charges. |
| Blade | Buffed | Better range, faster projectiles, and a new “Excess Lifesteal” health bonus. |
| Iron Man | Buffed | Armor Overdrive is faster to start and extends duration with KOs. |
| Winter Soldier | Nerfed | Damage reduction on his Roterstern Spell Field. |
| Doctor Strange | Nerfed | Shield of the Seraphim value reduced from 800 to 700. |
| Scarlet Witch | Tuned | Higher base damage but now has damage falloff at a distance. |
New Content: Lower Manhattan and The Album System
On April 2, a new map, Lower Manhattan, will join the rotation. This map will likely be the epicenter of the Kingpin vs. 2099 conflict.
Additionally, a new Album System is being introduced, allowing you to capture and save in-game photos. And don’t forget to grab the Jeff Rodeo emote for free between April 1–2; seeing a Land Shark on a “rodeo” is the kind of wholesome content we all need.
Team-Up Changes: Synergy Matters
Team-ups are being rotated to keep the strategy fresh.
- New: Blessing of the Kumiho (White Fox & Luna Snow) and Cosmic Cyclone (Storm & Adam Warlock).
- Removed: The infamous Jeff-Nado and Duality Dance are taking a seat this season.
Why You Should Play Season 7
If you’ve been on the fence, Season 7 is the perfect entry point. The new Placement Match system now factors in your personal performance, meaning you won’t be stuck in a lower rank just because your team had a rough start. Plus, the reduction in crowd control (CC) coming in Season 7.5 means the gameplay is becoming smoother and more skill-focused.
Marvel Rivals Season 7: The Hunt is On goes live on March 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM UTC.
