Marvel Rivals Welcomes The Thing and Human Torch on February 21

LOS ANGELES, CA — The highly anticipated second half of Season 1 of the superhero game “Marvel Rivals” will launch on February 21, 2025, introducing two beloved characters from the Fantastic Four franchise: The Thing and The Human Torch.

Players have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these heroes, with early access beginning at the standard daily reset time. Unlike some seasonal launches, players on the West Coast will not receive earlier access, meaning fans must wait for the official release. “I ain’t waking up at 3 AM to do so,” one developer humorously noted, emphasizing the excitement for the upcoming characters.

The Thing, known for his robust smashing abilities akin to the Hulk, and the versatile Human Torch, who excels at aerial attacks, will expand the game’s character roster. The recent gameplay trailer revealed both characters’ unique movesets, promising thrilling options for players.

The Human Torch is a Duelist character, renowned for deploying fire barriers that restrict enemy movements. His team-up ability with Storm enhances her wind attacks, adding a fiery twist. Conversely, The Thing acts as a Vanguard, capable of charging towards foes, providing allies with armor, and generating shockwaves that can throw opponents off their feet.

Concerns about The Human Torch being overpowered have emerged among the player community. His ability called Pyro Prison can inflict significant area damage, instigating fears of dominating gameplay. A viral clip highlighted how quickly training bots lose health when within the Pyro Prison’s range. Social media user Cozy remarked, “Holy… Human Torch’s Flame Walls do damage to EVERYTHING inside the walls.” Players have expressed worries that this fiery power might lead to his characters being banned in high-tier competitions.

During gameplay discussions, some users theorized on potential counter-strategies against The Human Torch. Creative suggestions included integrating characters like Jeff the Land Shark or Namor, who could counterbalance his fire abilities. Yet, no official mechanics addressing these concerns have been announced by the developers.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The game also plans to introduce new skins for both characters and a fresh map titled “Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park.” With a player base growing eager to explore the options that come with these heroes, it’s clear that Marvel Rivals is set for an exciting upgrade.