It's almost time for the Marvel Rivals 3.5 update, which brings a wealth of new content to players midway through its third season. The free-to-play shooter's roster is about to expand with the addition of Blade, and so too will its offering of game modes. However, the existing hero meta is also set to receive a shakeup - not only are some balance changes coming, but Team-Ups are getting a big refresh, with new additions, reworks, and removals.
While you can of course try and carry your team to victory by being a more selfish slayer, teamwork and clever team composition really pay dividends in Marvel Rivals. Team-Up abilities resemble this perfectly, but Netease is going to make some alterations to the current lineup when the 3.5 update arrives. While keeping things fresh, meta-wise, is a core component of so many of the best free PC games, there are likely many of you a bit disappointed that a Team-Up involving your main is on the way out.
Let's start with the removals. Two Team-Ups are being scrapped completely. The first is Guardian Revival, which features Adam Warlock partnering up with either Mantis or Star Lord. The second is Atlas Bond, which sees Iron Fist and Luna Snow combine.
Loki will also no longer be able to pull off the Ragnarok Rebirth ability with Hela - the trickster has been removed, so now only Thor and Hela can use it on the battlefield.
It's not all reductive, though - Netease is adding two all-new Team-Ups in Marvel Rivals 3.5 that will rehome some of the heroes affected by the above cuts. The first is Duality Dance, which gives Luna Snow the chance to partner up with Adam Warlock. The second is Vibrant Vitality, which allows Mantis to team up with either Loki or Groot. The video above gives an early look at what these new Team-Ups will offer.
Finally, Netease is switching some heroes in and out of existing Team-Ups. Iron Fist can now feature in Chilling Assault, which previously only featured Luna Snow and Hawkeye. Rocket Network welcomes in Star Lord, who can now link up with Rocket Raccoon alongside Peni Parker. Finally, Lunar Force, which currently features Cloak & Dagger and Moon Knight, will expand to include update 3.5's new hero, Blade.
Marvel Rivals' Season 3.5 update arrives on Friday, August 8. Patch notes outlining all of the individual hero balance changes will drop closer to that time, but for now this look ahead to the Team-Up changes should help you prepare ahead of the inevitable meta shift.
Once the update lands, check out our Marvel Rivals tier list to find out which heroes still reign supreme. Alternatively, here are some more excellent multiplayer games you and your friends can get stuck into.
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