Marvel Rivals Season 3 Release Date, Updates and More
With each seasonal update, Marvel Rivals continues to grow into one of the most exciting team-based hero shooters in the current gaming landscape. From the vampire-infested streets of Season 1's Endless Night to the dazzling danger of the Hellfire Gala in Season 2, the developers at NetEase Games and Marvel Games have consistently layered world-building and deep comic lore into each new chapter of the game. But as fans dig through the events of Season 2.5 and its story-rich events, one name keeps rising to the surface—Knull, the God of Symbiotes. And now, with the clues practically glowing like symbiote ooze, it's all but confirmed: Knull is poised to be the central antagonist of Marvel Rivals Season 3.
Let's dive into what this means for the game's evolving narrative, upcoming character roster, potential cosmetics, and the gameplay shake-ups players can expect once the darkness truly arrives.
The Rise of Knull: From Background Threat to Season 3's Main Villain
Ever since the launch trailer of Marvel Rivals, eagle-eyed fans have suspected that Knull would eventually become a central figure in the story. The God of the Abyss—first introduced in Marvel Comics in Venom (Vol. 4) #3—is one of the most formidable cosmic villains in the Marvel Universe, wielding control over the symbiotes and possessing the terrifying ability to extinguish light and life across entire galaxies.
Knull's presence has always loomed in the background. He was first hinted at during conversations and map events centered around Klyntar, the symbiote homeworld. But now, in Season 2.5, a powerful Gallery Card found after the Cerebro Database II event puts the pieces together.
In the card, Adam Warlock clutches his head in pain, writhing under the psychic weight of a rising galactic presence. The lore text confirms what many suspected: Knull has broken free from his prison on Klyntar. Despite the best efforts of Earth's heroes to destroy him using his corrupted essence, the God of Symbiotes is now free, and he's moving toward Earth, extinguishing stars as he comes. The card even includes a swirling red symbol that appears behind Warlock—an icon closely tied to Knull's hive-mind control over the symbiote.
Season 3 looks set to pick up on this galactic horror story, with Knull finally stepping into the spotlight as a threat capable of uniting every hero and villain in the Marvel Rivals roster against him.
What Knull Means for the Marvel Rivals Universe
Knull isn't just a traditional boss villain. He represents an existential force—darkness incarnate. Thematically, his involvement in Season 3 means a shift in tone. Where Season 1 brought gothic dread and Season 2 offered regal spectacle, Season 3 will likely plunge players into a chaotic, corrupted battlefield of slime, shadow, and struggle.
His symbiote hive-mind could even be reflected in gameplay, introducing new mechanics like:
Symbiote-Controlled Zones on maps, similar to Ultron's digital corruption in Season 2.
Temporary Player Corruption, where characters can become infected with a symbiote, changing their abilities mid-match.
Map Hazards like falling symbiote meteors, or tendrils disrupting the battlefield.
More than just narrative dressing, Knull could alter the very mechanics of gameplay across multiple maps.
New Characters on the Horizon: Phoenix Rising?
Season 3, like its predecessors, is expected to add two new playable characters—one at launch and one midway through the season. And thanks to lore clues and in-game dialogue, we already have a good idea of who's coming next.
1. Jean Grey (Phoenix)
The Gallery Card featuring Adam Warlock doesn't just tease Knull—it also hints at a force of light pushing back against his darkness. That force may very well be the Phoenix Force, which is most closely tied to Jean Grey. Several pieces of in-game dialogue, as well as Magneto's character bio, reference a rising cosmic energy source, suggesting that Jean is already influencing the universe of Marvel Rivals.
A Phoenix-powered Jean Grey would be a brilliant thematic counter to Knull, representing hope, rebirth, and celestial power. She could be a high-skill character focused on ranged psychic attacks, flight, and area denial—possibly serving as a "glass cannon" to balance Knull's overwhelming threat.
2. Other Likely Additions: Rogue, Gambit, Blade
Rogue and Gambit have been directly mentioned by name in in-game voice lines from current characters. Their appearances may be imminent, if not this season, then soon after.
Captain Marvel would also make sense narratively as another cosmic-powered hero fit to take on Knull.
Blade, last seen captured by Dracula in Season 1 and missing in Season 2, may return to the battlefield. His vampire-hunting abilities would be uniquely suited to symbiote threats if the developers lean into his monster-fighting roots.
If Knull becomes playable himself (as Dracula did), expect him to debut in the latter half of Season 3 as a unique, high-cost character with massive power.
Symbiote-Themed Cosmetics and the Battle Pass
Each season of Marvel Rivals comes with a robust Battle Pass, filled with cosmetics that reflect the seasonal theme. With Knull as the focus, the possibilities for symbiote-themed skins are endless—and incredibly appealing to fans.
Here are just a few potential ideas:
Venomized Spider-Man – A classic nod to the black suit that started it all.
Symbiote Jeff the Land Shark – Yes, this would break the internet.
Carnage-Inspired Storm – Adding chaotic tendrils to her lightning effects.
Toxin-Infused Magneto – Warping his armor with symbiote metal.
The developers have committed to creating Battle Pass skins for at least 10 characters per season, so players can expect a wide variety of venomized visuals. Given the love for Marvel's darker characters, this season may be the most stylistically exciting yet.
Gameplay Changes, Competitive Reset, and Quality-of-Life Updates
Each new season in Marvel Rivals brings sweeping gameplay changes, and Season 3 will be no different. Here's a breakdown of what's likely on the way:
Buffs and nerfs to popular characters based on Season 2 meta data.
Team-Up Ability Reworks, with older Team-Ups being swapped out or updated to reflect new lore (expect symbiote-specific Team-Ups to be introduced).
Competitive Rank Resets, allowing players to test their skill from scratch.
UI and Menu Improvements, particularly around currency, character customization, and social features.
Seasonal updates often act like a soft relaunch of the game's systems, so players burned out on previous metas will have a fresh playground to explore.
When Will Season 3 Launch?
While there's no confirmed date yet, Marvel Rivals typically updates on a seasonal schedule, meaning Season 3 could arrive within a few weeks to a couple of months after Season 2.5 wraps up. Expect an official announcement through NetEase's channels, along with a trailer highlighting Knull, new characters, and the full slate of Battle Pass skins.
Final Thoughts: The Darkest Season Yet?
With Knull seemingly confirmed as the centerpiece of Marvel Rivals Season 3, players are on the brink of one of the most intense story arcs the game has ever attempted. It's not just about adding new heroes or cosmetics—this season could redefine how the game feels, plays, and evolves narratively. MMOexp has prepared a large number of Marvel Rivals Bundles services for players to help you experience the game better.
By introducing a cosmic horror that threatens the very light of the universe, Season 3 opens up the Marvel Rivals universe to infinite storytelling potential. Whether it's Phoenix rising to combat Knull's darkness, symbiote-slicked versions of your favorite heroes, or brand-new game modes that reflect the chaos of a galaxy in peril, this is a season no fan of the game—or Marvel lore—should miss.
MMOexp Marvel Rivals Team