Marvel Rivals has kicked off 2025 with impressive momentum, attracting over 640,000 players on Steam alone, marking a 35% increase compared to the peak of Helldivers 2. This surge has positioned Marvel Rivals at number 14 on SteamDB’s leaderboards, which is notable when considering its strong competition from games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Path of Exile 2, and Valheim.

This incredible success is attributed not only to the free-to-play model but also the appeal of the Marvel brand, which draws players to engage with beloved heroes while maintaining interest through unique gameplay.

Despite some critiques regarding monetization, the game has been positively received by many players eager to explore its dynamics without initial investment. The developers remain hopeful about maintaining the game’s popularity amidst a challenging market for live service shooters.