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The January 2026 update refreshes Marvel Rivals with new events, cosmetics, and smoother progression ahead of Season 6.
Chrono-Rush and the Lady Loki Bundle stand out as player-friendly additions that reward time without forcing heavy grinding.
Polished animations, a zero-downtime rollout, and key bug fixes demonstrate a strong developer focus on quality and balance.
On January 1, when I launched the game, I was immediately sure that it wasn’t a regular update. With NetEase Games set to launch a new season on January 16, this update arrives early, giving players an excellent opportunity to enjoy the game and make substantial progress.
The best part of the update is that it went live at 09:00 UTC with zero downtime, allowing players to dive into the game without delay. A mix of fresh content and thoughtful fixes gives the game a noticeable boost.
What impressed me the most isn’t the fixes or the content, but the balance. The update prominently shows how well patches can be integrated into a game to make the gameplay rewarding and exciting.
The very first thing that deserves a mention here is the Chrono-Rush event, which stands out as a fan-friendly opportunity to complete their Season 5 Battle Pass before Season 6 arrives. Wondering how? Once players grind the game and participate in the event, Marvel Rivals lets them complete matches and earn Chrono Tokens.
The best part I found here is that there’s no upper limit on earnings. Considering that, it is one of the best incentives that feels both generous and energizing, especially for those who can’t manage grinding the game due to busy schedules. Further, if you have a Luxury Battle Pass, the final page now lets you exchange Chrono Tokens for Accessory Points, a new dimension to how we can customize our in-game heroes.
The store updates are another feast for the eyes. The latest patch has introduced a bunch of new bundles to the store, including a Lady Loki Bundle and more affordable emoji and emote packs. Additionally, what I’ve found is a range of new animations for fan-favourite heroes like Star-Lord, Scarlet Witch, Namor, Adam Warlock, Wolverine, Blade, The Thing, Iron Fist, and Black Widow.
Well, for anyone who's not a Marvel fan, these animations may seem nothing special. However, for someone like me, a die-hard fan of these characters, the visual upgrades will make every match feel more personal and fresh.
Going forward, the January 1 patch has brought cosmetics and seasonal events. NetEase Games has taken its time polishing gameplay to expand its fanbase. For instance, traversal emotes are now optimized for moving smoothly and consistently.
Further, the patch has fixed various bugs that players have been complaining about for a long time. These fixes reveal that the team hasn’t forgotten the game's quality, which has brought NetEase Games massive success in 2024.
The patch is strong, but two standout additions, in my opinion, include the Lady Loki Bundle and the Chrono-Rush Event. First, let’s talk about the Lady Loki Bundle. It is one of the most exciting cosmetic options currently available in Marvel Rivals.
The bundle contains a fully realized Lady Loki character model, with fresh voice lines and design details that justify her mischievous comic roots. However, here’s the important part: this bundle can be acquired for a limited time from January 2 to January 30. Those who are curious about the bundle must purchase it within this period.
The second attraction, in my opinion, is the Chrono-Rush Event. It’s not like any other event, but it’s empowering. Instead of limiting progression or enabling players to obtain specific items, the event offers rewards with no limits. The more players grind the game, the more powerful they become.
Grinding through the mission will also allow players to progress through their battle pass pages. For someone like me, who loves to hop between titles, this title feels like an inclusive bridge that offers every player a chance to catch up and fully experience the season’s rewards.
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What makes the January 2026 update genuinely exciting? The best part is how it balances fun with purpose. In other games, limited-time events can be distracting, but Chrono-Rush is different: it shapes how I approach gameplay goals.
The Lady Loki bundle is not just another cosmetic item; it brings a chance to show off something unique. Beyond these two highlights, the fixes and polished touches remind me that the developers are paying close attention to the community’s feedback.
What is included in the Marvel Rivals January 2026 update?
Ans: The update introduces the Chrono-Rush event, new cosmetic bundles including Lady Loki, enhanced animations, bug fixes, and improved progression.
What is the Chrono-Rush Event?
Ans: Chrono-Rush is a temporary event that is a Battle Pass catch-up scheme for the players, whereby they can earn unlimited Chrono Tokens through normal gameplay.
Is the Lady Loki Bundle worth buying?
Ans: I think so. It is one of the top-notch, aesthetically unique cosmetic bundles made available to date.
Do the update changes affect gameplay balance?
Ans: No significant changes were made to the game balance. The latest update has improved chiefly the visual cosmetic content through progression and polish.
Is the update available to all players?
Ans: Yes, everyone has access to the update, but specific cosmetic options and rewards are available at an extra cost.
