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Marvel Rivals PvE: Will We Get a Zombie Mode?

Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Marvel Rivals heroes fighting off a horde of zombies.

The community is buzzing with desire for a cooperative PvE mode in Marvel Rivals, but what's the official word from NetEase? We break down the massive fan demand for a "Marvel Zombies" survival mode and the developer's current stance.

Since its reveal, Marvel Rivals has electrified the hero-shooter genre with its fast-paced 6v6 PvP combat, destructible environments, and powerful hero synergies. The game pits iconic Marvel heroes and villains against each other in spectacular fashion. Yet, as the community grows, a persistent and powerful demand has emerged for a different kind of challenge: a cooperative Player versus Environment (PvE) mode. One idea, in particular, has captured the player base's imagination: a "Zombie Mode" inspired by the grim and beloved Marvel Zombies universe.

Deconstructing the Dream: What Players Want from a PvE Experience

A PvE mode offers a chance for players to team up, master hero mechanics in a less-pressurized environment, and experience the Marvel universe through a new, story-driven lens. Based on community discussion, a hypothetical "Zombie Mode" would likely be a wave-based survival experience that tests teamwork, strategy, and endurance. Here’s what players envision:

  • Wave-Based Survival: The fundamental challenge would be to survive increasingly difficult waves of zombie enemies, pushing team coordination and individual skill to the limit.
  • Objective-Oriented Gameplay: To add depth beyond pure survival, missions could involve defending critical locations, escorting valuable assets, or scavenging for resources to hold back the tide.
  • Unique Zombie Types: To keep the action dynamic, the horde could feature specialized zombies inspired by the Marvel universe—imagine zombified, corrupted versions of heroes and villains with twisted abilities, forcing players to adapt their tactics on the fly.
  • In-Match Progression: Players could earn points or currency during a match to purchase temporary power-ups, upgrade their abilities, or unlock new sections of the map, adding a layer of roguelike strategy to each run.

The Perfect Roster to Battle the Apocalypse

A key part of the fan theory-crafting revolves around the ideal hero team to face an undead apocalypse. A frequently proposed "dream team" combines crowd control, tactical prowess, and raw power, creating exciting gameplay synergies:

  • Blade: The Daywalker is the quintessential zombie slayer. With his supernatural senses, expert swordsmanship, and arsenal of anti-undead weaponry, he would be a peerless front-line damage dealer, slicing through hordes with precision and speed.
  • The Punisher: Frank Castle is a master of tactical warfare and firearms. He would be essential for controlling the battlefield from a distance, using his vast arsenal to mow down waves of zombies and strategically eliminate high-priority threats with explosives.
  • Magik: As the Sorceress Supreme of Limbo, Illyana Rasputin offers unmatched utility. Her teleportation discs could be used for rapid team repositioning, escaping danger, or grouping enemies. Her Soulsword and demonic magic would make her devastating in close-quarters combat.
  • Thor: The God of Thunder brings the AoE damage. Thor's ability to call down lightning strikes and smash through legions of undead with Mjolnir would be invaluable for crowd control and clearing out overwhelming numbers of enemies.
  • Jeff the Landshark: A surprising but beloved fan-favorite pick, Jeff could provide unique support and disruption. Imagine Jeff burrowing underground to ambush enemies, trapping priority targets, or providing buffs to his allies, all while adding a touch of charm to the grim proceedings.

Why PvE Could Be a Game-Changer for Marvel Rivals

While not currently on the roadmap, introducing a PvE mode like the one fans have envisioned could be a brilliant strategic move for the future of Marvel Rivals. Such an expansion would:

  • Increase Accessibility: A cooperative mode would attract players who find the high-pressure environment of PvP intimidating, offering a space to learn hero abilities and enjoy the game's core mechanics with friends.
  • Enhance Replayability: A well-designed survival mode with leaderboards, unique challenges, and a progression system would give players a compelling reason to log in daily, even when they don't want to compete.
  • Deepen the Lore: A partnership with Marvel Animation or Marvel Comics could allow a PvE mode to tell compelling, self-contained stories within the game. A Marvel Zombies event could authentically capture the horror and desperation of the source material with unique character designs and narrative moments.
  • Strengthen the Community: Cooperative modes are powerful community-building tools. They encourage communication and teamwork, allowing players to form bonds while working together toward a common goal.

For now, the zombie apocalypse in Marvel Rivals remains a dream. But the passion and detailed vision of the community send a clear message to NetEase: there is a hunger for cooperative content. While the developers focus on perfecting the PvP foundation, the possibility of a future PvE mode remains one of the game's most exciting potential evolutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Zombie Mode officially coming to Marvel Rivals?
No. Currently, the developers at NetEase have stated there are no official plans for a PvE mode. The game's primary focus is on the 6v6 PvP experience.

Why do fans want a PvE mode so badly?
Players are excited by the idea of a cooperative mode that allows them to team up against AI enemies, experience Marvel stories like Marvel Zombies, and enjoy the game's combat in a less competitive setting.

What kind of gameplay would a theoretical Zombie Mode have?
Fan concepts primarily revolve around a wave-based survival mode where a team of heroes fights off increasingly difficult hordes of zombies, completes objectives, and upgrades their powers mid-match.

Is the mode based on the Marvel Zombies comics?
Yes, the fan demand and speculation are heavily inspired by the popular Marvel Zombies comic book series and its animated adaptations, which feature a zombified Marvel Universe.

Could Marvel Rivals get PvE modes in the future?
It is possible. While not on the current roadmap, the success of the game and strong community feedback could encourage the developers to explore PvE content in the future.