Marvel Rivals Season 3: The Abyss Awakens Launches July 11 with Phoenix, New Map, Features, and Competitive Mode
Marvel and NetEase have officially unveiled the details for Season 3 of Marvel Rivals, titled The Abyss Awakens, which will launch globally on July 11, 2025. This season introduces the cosmic-powered Phoenix as a new Duelist-class playable character, alongside the Klyntar: Celestial Husk map. With this update, the developers are rolling out an ambitious slate of content, events, and system improvements—while also confirming a new seasonal cadence every two months moving forward.
Phoenix Rises: Lore and Gameplay Role
In The Abyss Awakens, Phoenix and Jean Grey exist in full harmony on a Mosaic (Space) timeline, traveling the universe to help distant civilizations. But as a catastrophic Timestream Entanglement unfolds, Phoenix detects a spreading darkness capable of corrupting even the gods. To combat this cosmic threat, Phoenix descends into the abyss to extinguish it before it awakens.
Within the game, Phoenix will join as a Duelist-type hero, bringing with her fire-based cosmic powers and high-damage potential, fitting for players who prefer precision and aggressive playstyles.
New Map: Klyntar – Celestial Husk
Season 3 also debuts a dramatic new battlefield: Klyntar – Celestial Husk. This lore-rich location draws from the Marvel mythos surrounding Knull, who has slain multiple Celestials. The decapitated head of one Celestial became Knowhere, while its decaying body remains in orbit above Klyntar, now corrupted by Knull’s influence. The map design reflects the celestial decay and alien atmosphere, adding unique verticality and hazards to competitive play.
Major System Updates and New Features
Season 3 introduces numerous changes and additions that elevate gameplay depth and player customization:
New Battle Pass with cosmetics, currencies, and progression rewards
Mission System Overhaul offering streamlined tasks and enhanced daily/weekly goals
Accessory Customization Layer allowing deeper visual personalization
New Competitive Mode to debut in the second half of the season
Four New Team-Ups, enhancing synergy-based gameplay
Blade Joins the Roster, expanding the hero selection with a vampire-hunting combat style
Student Program and Costumes
Beginning this season, verified university students in select regions (including the U.S. and U.K.) can enjoy a rotating lineup of 10 costume trials and MVP character showcases. These rotate each season, providing academic gamers early and exclusive access to premium content. Verification will expand to additional countries over time.
Comic-Con 2025: Marvel Rivals Returns to San Diego
Marvel Rivals will be present at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, running from July 24 to 27, with activities centered at the Marriott Marquis. Attendees can expect:
Playable demos of Season 3 content
Exclusive giveaways and rewards
Panels and developer Q&A sessions
Highlight Event: Marvel Rivals: Hero Creation from Concept to Showcase on Friday, July 25
With The Abyss Awakens, Marvel Rivals is not only expanding its hero roster and maps but also demonstrating a long-term content strategy aimed at evolving the game into a staple of competitive hero shooters. The introduction of Phoenix, competitive features, and narrative expansion signals a clear shift toward a more ambitious live-service model.
Which new feature excites you most—Phoenix’s debut, the Celestial Husk map, or the upcoming competitive mode? Let us know your thoughts below.
