MARVEL Rivals Introduces Limited-Time Zombies Mode
The free-to-play hero shooter MARVEL Rivals, developed by NetEase Games in partnership with Marvel Games, has launched its first Player-versus-Environment mode — a zombie-infested survival event titled Zombies Mode. Arriving as part of the Season 4.5 Halloween update on October 23, 2025, this limited-time game mode pits players against waves of undead foes in a twisted Marvel universe, introducing fresh gameplay, heroes, and challenges.
What is Marvel Rivals Zombie Mode?
Zombies Mode transforms the usual team-based PvP arena into a cooperative PvE experience. Players choose from a reduced roster of heroes — including Thor, Blade, Magik, Jeff (the shark-like antihero) and The Punisher — each re-worked with zombie-themed abilities tailored for survival. Under this mode, you and your squad navigate an overrun New York map, battling escalating waves of zombies culminating in boss fights featuring zombified Marvel characters such as Namor and the mysterious “Queen of the Dead.”
Mechanically, heroes receive special “Blessings” or trait-modifiers unique to the mode, allowing ability changes such as Jeff’s underwater dive into zombie swarms or Blade’s ricocheting Moon Blades. Enemy types spawn in increasing difficulty tiers, forcing players to adapt from crowd control to boss-specific counters. The mode emphasizes endurance, squad coordination, and adaptability rather than the quick-kill mechanics seen in standard PvP. Early reviews note that the mode feels reminiscent of event modes from other shooters but with a distinctly Marvel flair.
Player Response and Community Reactions
Reaction from the community has been largely positive: reddit threads in r/marvelrivals highlight players who enjoy the change of pace. One poster noted that “we finally got pve and just something new” and praised the mode for being a refreshing break from competitive matches.At the same time, some critiques emerged: several users pointed out that the scaling of difficulty in later waves can feel punishing and that familiar heroes behave differently under the zombie mode modifiers. Enthusiasts also observed that early ability builds (especially for Jeff and Blade) feel over-powered in the mode’s initial phase, suggesting that balancing may occur post-launch.
From the media side, outlets such as TechRadar and PC Gamer described Zombies Mode as a smart move by NetEase to diversify the game’s offerings and tie into the Halloween season, while noting that its “limited-time” nature places pressure on players to participate early to claim unique rewards.
Beginner Tips for Survivors
For players entering Zombies Mode for the first time, success hinges on three key strategies. First, pick heroes with abilities that clear crowds or provide sustain early on; Jeff’s underwater dive and Blade’s bounce attacks are repeatedly mentioned as strong picks. Second, prioritize upgrading Blessings and trait paths quickly: community players on Reddit suggest that ability investment amplifies effectiveness dramatically in later waves. Third, communicate with your squad and rotate roles as needed: later stages feature special zombie types and boss mechanics which require switching from damage-dealers to tank or support roles mid-run. Also, keep in mind that this mode is only available for a limited time – the event window runs until November 14, 2025 – so early participation is important for exclusive rewards.
With the introduction of Zombies Mode, MARVEL Rivals has taken a significant step beyond its core hero shooter identity to embrace seasonal, cooperative content. While the mode is time-limited and certain balancing questions remain, the early feedback suggests it successfully injects variety and excitement into the game. For both long-time competitors and newcomers looking to dip their toes into something less adversarial, this mode offers a compelling reason to log in now.
