Marvel Rivals Developers Confirm No Role Lock & Explain Decision for 6v6 Matches

NetEase Games announced that Marvel Rivals will not have a role lock and provided their reasoning behind keeping the game as a 6v6 shooter.

The highly anticipated Marvel Rivals, a PvP shooter game, has finally been announced by NetEase to release on December 6, 2024. At Gamescom 2024, the developers also unveiled a trailer showcasing the storyline and two new heroes who will be introduced upon launch.

Fans have been speculating about the team composition, and the developers have recently announced that Marvel Rivals will feature 6v6 matchups without a role lock. Both Koo and Feng stated that their choice was influenced by more than just gameplay mechanics; it pays tribute to Marvel’s extensive legacy.

Venom's Tentacle attack in Marvel Rivals — NetEase Games

The gameplay in Marvel Rivals does not restrict players to a role lock.

When questioned about the rationale behind choosing the number six, Feng explained (translated from Chinese), “We decided to incorporate the number 6v6 into our game as a nod to the Marvel universe, which is often referred to as 616. Additionally, the number 6 is a recurring element throughout Marvel comics.”

By incorporating this addition, the 6v6 format gains thematic significance and returns the action to the iconic universe that the heroes and villains originate from.

“Additionally, the number is even, allowing for the possibility of players arranging themselves into two groups of two in the front, two in the middle, and two in the back. This formation resembles a 2-2-2 setup, but we still encourage players to use their creativity and play freely.”

One of the most fascinating aspects of Marvel Rivals is its lack of role lock, a feature that has become prevalent in numerous team-based games. The game’s creators emphasized their desire to give players the freedom to try out various team compositions and tactics.

“According to Koo, our intention is not to implement role lock for players. Instead, we encourage them to express their creativity by utilizing different formations and heroes in their 6-player team. This decision promotes individuality and allows players to form diverse teams that suit their playstyles, rather than adhering to conventional roles.”

This news is received with open arms by fans of Marvel Rivals. Without a role lock, teams have the freedom to be as versatile as they can imagine, choosing their preferred characters just like we did in our character tier list.