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Marvel Rivals PvE Modes: Hela's Takeover & Gameplay Expectations

Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Marvel Rivals heroes fighting against Hela's undead army in PvE mode.

A seismic shift is coming to the world of Marvel Rivals. While NetEase Games' hero shooter has captured the community's attention with its fast-paced 6v6 PvP action, the demand for cooperative Player-versus-Environment (PvE) experiences has been immense. Answering that call, the developers have already given players a taste of what’s to come with a dedicated PvE mode tested during the game’s Closed Beta, promising to redefine how players team up with their favorite heroes.

Since its reveal, Marvel Rivals has been celebrated for its dynamic hero-shooter gameplay, pitting iconic Marvel characters against each other in vibrant, destructible environments. While the thrill of competitive PvP is the game's cornerstone, the community has passionately voiced a desire for alternative modes. Early rumors pointed towards a potential "Zombie Mode," sparking widespread excitement. However, NetEase has since showcased "Hela's Takeover," a wave-based defense mode that served as the game's first official PvE offering during its testing phases. This mode delivers a cooperative adventure that invites players to unite against formidable AI-controlled threats, directly addressing the community's call for more ways to play.

Hela's Takeover: The First Look at Marvel Rivals PvE

"Hela's Takeover" was the inaugural PvE mode featured in the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta Test. This mode marked a significant expansion of the game's content, moving beyond its established competitive arena and offering a glimpse into its cooperative potential.

In this mode, a team of players must defend a specific objective on the Asgard map against waves of Hela's undead army. The experience tests teamwork, strategic hero composition, and adaptability under pressure. Gameplay in "Hela's Takeover" revolves around several core concepts common to horde-style modes:

  • Wave-Based Defense: Players must work together to withstand increasingly difficult waves of Hela's forces, including standard soldiers and more powerful elite enemies.
  • Objective Protection: The primary goal is to prevent the enemy horde from destroying a central objective, requiring players to hold their ground and coordinate their defensive positions.
  • Hero Synergy: The mode heavily encourages strategic team composition. Players must select heroes whose abilities complement each other for maximum effectiveness against the overwhelming numbers of AI enemies.
  • Boss Encounters: As the waves progress, teams face off against powerful boss-level threats, demanding focused fire and masterful use of abilities to overcome.

This first look at PvE demonstrated NetEase's commitment to diversifying gameplay and providing a robust cooperative experience that challenges players in a whole new context.

The Road to PvE: From Rumors to Reality

The Marvel Rivals community has been vocal about its desire for PvE content since the game's announcement. Discussions across Reddit, Discord, and social media highlighted a yearning for modes that offer a different pace from the intense PvP environment. Many players expressed excitement about a potential horde-style mode, drawing parallels to beloved PvE experiences in games like Overwatch and Call of Duty.

While the idea of a "Marvel Zombies" themed mode was a popular and persistent rumor, especially with its thematic fit for a potential Halloween event, "Hela's Takeover" was the first tangible PvE experience delivered by the developers. This response to community feedback bodes well for the future growth of Marvel Rivals, signaling that the development team is listening and willing to expand the game's appeal to a broader audience who may prefer cooperative challenges.

Release Date & Platform Availability

Marvel Rivals is confirmed for a full release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. An official launch date has not yet been announced.

The "Hela's Takeover" PvE mode was available during the Closed Beta period in May 2024. It is currently unknown if this specific mode, or other PvE content, will be available immediately at launch or introduced in a post-launch seasonal update. Players should monitor the official Marvel Rivals channels for the latest announcements on the full release date and the content roadmap.

Gameplay Expectations: A New Frontier for Heroes

The PvE format in Marvel Rivals opens up a wealth of possibilities for unique hero compositions and strategic play that differ from the PvP meta. "Hela's Takeover" already provided a clear picture of how these encounters will function.

  • Diverse Hero Roles: Tank heroes like Hulk and The Thing are crucial for controlling crowds and absorbing damage from elite enemies. Damage-dealers such as Iron Man and Scarlet Witch are essential for clearing waves quickly. Meanwhile, support and strategic heroes like Luna Snow and Rocket Raccoon provide vital healing, buffs, and area denial to sustain the team's defense.
  • Environmental Strategy: With the game's signature destructible environments, players can strategically alter the battlefield to create choke points, funnel enemies, or open new lines of sight to defend the objective more effectively.
  • Unique Enemy Challenges: Beyond standard undead soldiers, players encountered specialized enemies that required different tactics to defeat. Future PvE modes could introduce even greater variety, including corrupted versions of other Marvel characters as mini-bosses.
  • Progression and Rewards: It is highly likely that dedicated PvE modes will feature their own progression systems, offering players exclusive cosmetics, in-game currency, or other rewards to incentivize repeated play and mastery.

This new gameplay dimension allows players to explore the depth of the hero roster in a new light, fostering teamwork and strategic planning where coordinated effort is the ultimate key to survival.

Why PvE Matters for Marvel Rivals

The addition of PvE is a strategic move that significantly broadens Marvel Rivals' appeal and long-term potential.

  • Increased Accessibility: PvE modes are often less intimidating for new players, providing a more relaxed environment to learn hero abilities and game mechanics without the pressure of a competitive match.
  • Enhanced Replayability: A well-designed cooperative mode offers countless hours of fun, with different difficulty levels and dynamic scenarios keeping the experience fresh for even the most dedicated players.
  • Community Building: Working together toward a common goal naturally fosters stronger bonds within the community, encouraging teamwork and positive social interaction.
  • Showcasing Lore: PvE provides a perfect vehicle for storytelling, allowing developers to expand on the Marvel Rivals narrative and explore different corners of the Marvel multiverse that might not fit within the PvP context.

NetEase's investment in PvE demonstrates a strong commitment to building Marvel Rivals into a comprehensive gaming experience that caters to all types of players. Cooperative modes promise to be an exciting and vital part of the game's future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What PvE modes are in Marvel Rivals?
The first officially playable PvE mode was "Hela's Takeover," a wave-based defense mode available during the Closed Beta. More PvE content is anticipated for the full release and future seasons.

Is there a Zombie Mode in Marvel Rivals?
A "Zombie Mode" has been a popular fan theory and rumor but has not been officially announced by NetEase Games. The confirmed PvE content so far has centered on Hela and her undead Asgardian army.

When is Marvel Rivals releasing?
An official release date has not yet been set. Marvel Rivals is planned to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Is Marvel Rivals a free-to-play game?
Yes, Marvel Rivals will be a free-to-play game featuring a seasonal battle pass and an in-game shop for cosmetic items.