Season 3.5 of Marvel Rivals picks up immediately after the fallout of Season 3.0’s cosmic chaos. Following the ambush on Phoenix, the Phoenix Force sought safety within a cosmic egg. But when Hilo clashed with Hilo, the egg cracked prematurely, scattering fragments of the Phoenix Force across several heroes. This sudden eruption also awakened the King in Black, now at full power, with the Queen in Black still spreading her influence.
Blade, known for walking the razor’s edge between worlds, becomes the first new combatant to ignite this growing war. His arrival marks a shift in momentum and brings a devastating new skill set to the battlefield.
Blade Gameplay Overview and Kit
Blade is officially playable in Marvel Rivals as of Season 3.5. Positioned as a Duelist, he uses close-range precision and supernatural strength to control the field. His blind eye channels immense power, allowing him to close gaps with a shotgun that suppresses enemy healing. When it’s time to finish the fight, Blade draws his ancestral sword, slicing through enemies while awakening the Dhampir bloodline.
For his ultimate ability, Blade wields the Sword of Dracula. This attack dashes through enemies, leaving a trail of energy and guaranteed knockouts. In these moments, Blade becomes an unstoppable force.
Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Team-Up and Game Mode Changes
The 3.5 update introduces sweeping changes to team-up mechanics. Two existing pairings—Guardian Revival and Atlas Bond—have been removed. Loki also exits the regular Ragnarok Rebirth team-up. In their place, players gain access to two new team-ups: Duality Dance and Vibrant Vitality.
Several characters join new alliances:
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Iron Fist joins Trading Assort
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Star-Lord connects to the Rocket Network
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Blade launches into Lunar Force
A new game mode, Resource Rumble, arrives on August 22. This mode will debut in Quick Match, with adjustments based on player feedback before it moves to competitive play. The new map, Throne of Knull, will serve as the battleground.
Midseason Finals, Communication Updates, and System Improvements
To improve communication and moderation, in-game voice chat will now be automatically screened. Human moderators will also review flagged behavior. Beginning July 24, the system will penalize toxic language and provide a safer space for all players. Additionally, a custom text chat filter lets players mute specific words for a more personal experience.
Competitive play is also receiving a major update. Players who quit matches early will now face longer bans and greater point deductions. However, players who stay will receive point compensation. The surrender vote now requires one fewer teammate to pass, and disconnections due to system issues will be reviewed more fairly.
For PC users, Marvel Rivals has rebuilt its shader system. Players will no longer wait for shaders to compile before entering a match. Shaders will load in the background while in the lobby, reducing memory usage and speeding up entry times.
From August 6 to 10, the Marvel Rivals Ignite Midseason Finals will be held in Guangzhou, China. Ten factions from around the globe will compete for the championship title. Expect more updates on the official site and social channels soon.
