You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Marvel Rivals has captivated players since its release on December 6, 2024, with over 10 million players in just 72 hours and a peak of 644,269 concurrent Steam users on January 10, following its Season 1 update. The game’s combination of Marvel’s iconic characters, exciting 6v6 fights, and cross-platform accessibility across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S drove its stratospheric rise, with over 40 million registered players by February 2025.
Fast forward to Season 2, which debuted in April 2025, featured competitive overhauls including rank resets, map rotations, and hero balancing tweaks aimed at improving the ranked experience. However, recent data suggest a massive shift as player counts dropped significantly, reaching an all-time low.
Marvel Rivals records a new all-time low, but Season 2 has more to offer
According to SteamDB, Marvel Rivals has now reached an all-time low player peak count of 159,426 recorded on May 4, 2025, which is a 75% decrease from its all-time peak during the Season 1 release. This massive drop among players has come due to several factors, including issues among players regarding smurfing, longer queues, and even the ineffectiveness of nerfs and buffs.
Furthermore, the lack of a role queue results in rigid team compositions, alienating players who are unable to fulfill favored roles. Season 2’s ranking modifications, including raising the competitive level minimum to 15 and stressing individual performance, have caused criticism, with strategists and vanguards earning fewer points while losing more, leading players to Overwatch 2.
Despite this, Season 2 provides optimism as it’s not all doom and gloom just yet. The Hellfire Gala update included Emma Frost and a new Krakoa map, with Ultron set to appear in Season 2.5. Five teased heroes, new team-up skills, and weekly missions are intended to renew gameplay.
Furthermore, NetEase’s response to community concerns, which included balancing changes and a promised strategist buff following a support player “strike,” demonstrates dedication. Crossovers and regular hero releases every six weeks might reignite interest by utilizing Marvel’s huge IP. If NetEase resolves role queue and matchmaking concerns, Marvel Rivals may regain its blockbuster status.
About the Author
Marvel Rivals
- Platform(s): macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): Fighting, Shooter
