.png){kind=logo}
Jean Grey/Phoenix and Cyclops are highly anticipated mutant additions to Marvel Rivals.
Leaks detail Jean's dual form and Cyclops's precision ‘Duelist’ role abilities.
These mutants promise new strategies and deeper lore for Marvel Rivals.
The anticipation for NetEase Games' Marvel Rivals is reaching a fever pitch, thanks to recent leaks hinting at the arrival of two iconic X-Men heroes: Jean Grey and Cyclops. These highly requested characters are set to join the game's roster, further solidifying its connection to the beloved mutant universe. The leaks, combined with in-game teasers and data-mined information, have fans buzzing with excitement.
As the game's character lineup continues to expand, Marvel Rivals is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the X-Men and hero shooters alike. With these new additions, the game's potential for epic battles and team-based gameplay just got a whole lot more interesting.
Marvel Rivals blossomed in December 2024 when the competitive hero shooter was finally born with a 6v6 dynamic combat style, featuring destructible environments and unique abilities in the form of ‘Team-Up’ power combos between characters.
Previously in the game, a limited number of heroes and villains from all over the Marvel Multiverse were brought in, including the Fantastic Four and, more recently, Emma Frost in Season 2: Hellfire Gala.
While NetEase has made an official announcement about Ultron being the new character for the Season 2.5 update scheduled for May 30, 2025, the leaks gave a tempting peek at what might come in the future. Long have Jean Grey/Phoenix and Cyclops topped everyone else's wishlist; now, new data suggests that they are not all just fan speculation.
In the case of Jean Grey, leaks suggest an interesting mechanic of coupling that allows players to swap between her normal human form and the cosmic persona of the Phoenix. Leaked abilities point toward a kit raging with psychic and telekinetic blast effects, transfers, and, from the Phoenix stance, devastating strikes such as ‘Phoenix Ray’ and ‘Phoenix Punishment.’
In essence, this kind of gameplay can turn the battlefield upside down, wreaking havoc with support and forging offensive opportunities. Other clues hinting at her arrival are embedded within the game's lore, which suggests the return of the ancient villain Knull, a cosmic threat that would surely call for the intervention of a hero such as the Phoenix Force.
Also, the fresh addition of Emma Frost, a deeply intertwined character with Jean Grey in comics, is being viewed by many as a narrative segue for Jean's incoming arrival.
Also Read: Marvel Rivals Faces Massive Player Drop Amid Balance Issues and Community Backlash
Rumor is that Cyclops, tactician of the X-Men, will heavily participate. The leaked information has him in the ‘Duelist’ role, with offensive abilities such as ‘Snapshot Blast,’ ‘Optic Stream,’ and ‘Ricochet Blast.’ The origin behind the leak upheld ‘Visor Off’ as his ultimate, suggesting a tremendously powerful optic blast released without limitations.
Much of Cyclops's kit seems to focus on pinpoint-accurate precision beam attacks and tactical positioning; in this way, it is tactically grounded and precise when compared to the freely offensive style of Iron Man.
These beginner leaks confirm the commitment of Marvel Rivals to provide a continuously evolving universe, with new heroes and maps being introduced in every season.
NetEase Games is using Unreal Engine 5 to create stunning visual effects for its Marvel cast, aiming to recreate the flow, ambiance, and look of the vast Marvel cast.
With Marvel Rivals gearing up for the Season 2.5 update featuring Ultron, heaps of anticipation hang over Jean Grey/Phoenix and Cyclops being introduced in later seasons, while Professor X looms around Season 3.5 in August 2025, and Blade follows in Season 3 in July 2025.
These very requested mutants will bring new strategies along with fun team-up combos and a greater delve into Marvel Universe lore.
Also Read: Marvel Rivals: Season 0 Battle Pass Relaunches With New Perks
