NetEase Games has finally given fans a first look at Human Torch in Marvel Rivals, showcasing the fiery hero in action. But that’s not all—The Thing is also set to make his grand entrance in the game with a major mid-season update dropping on February 21. As Season 1: Eternal Night Falls continues, the Fantastic Four are taking center stage, going head-to-head with Dracula in a desperate fight to reclaim a war-torn New York City.

Johnny Storm is the Fantastic Four's resident hothead heartthrob, always managing to look cool while turning up the heat! Johnny joined his sister on a wild experimental space mission in the hopes of visiting the stars, instead, he became the brightest star of them all with the… pic.twitter.com/WcDGgXZmLz

— Marvel Rivals (@MarvelRivals) February 18, 2025

What’s Coming in the Next Update?

This update is shaping up to be a big one. Players can expect a slew of balance changes that could shake up the competitive meta, potentially altering the way certain heroes perform. On top of that, Marvel Rivals is introducing a brand-new battleground—Central Park. But this isn’t the peaceful, tree-lined oasis you remember; Dracula’s army has overrun the area, turning it into a dangerous new war zone.

Another major addition is a new way for players to earn Units. Until now, getting this in-game currency has been a grind, but NetEase is introducing a feature that allows players to convert their extra Chrono Tokens into Units, making it easier to unlock cosmetics, upgrades, and other in-game goodies.

Human Torch Takes Flight

In a recent reveal on social media, NetEase Games showcased Human Torch’s gameplay for the first time. True to his comic book roots, Johnny Storm is a high-flying, fire-wielding powerhouse, drawing some comparisons to Iron Man due to his aerial mobility.

Torch’s skillset makes him a versatile combatant. He can unleash streams of fire from his hands to burn down enemies and execute devastating aerial slams to control the battlefield. One of his standout abilities is the power to create walls of flame, which can be used strategically to block off areas, protect teammates, and disrupt enemy movement.

Perhaps the most exciting reveal is Human Torch’s synergy with Storm. When the two heroes team up, they can generate fiery tornadoes, a visually stunning and deadly attack that could turn the tide of battle. This kind of teamwork-based mechanic is something Marvel Rivals has been experimenting with, and players are eager to see how it impacts overall gameplay strategy.

A Nod to the Comics?

There’s also speculation that Human Torch may debut with a skin inspired by his time in the Negative Zone, a reference to his grittier, battle-hardened look in the comics. This wouldn’t be surprising, given how Marvel Rivals has handled previous Fantastic Four characters. When Invisible Woman launched, she came with a cosmetic bundle featuring Malice, her darker alter ego. Likewise, Mister Fantastic’s debut included a skin based on The Maker, an alternate, more sinister version of the hero from Marvel’s Ultimate Universe.

The Thing Joins the Fight

Another exciting addition to the roster is The Thing. While NetEase hasn’t revealed too many details about his abilities, we do know he’ll serve as a Vanguard-class hero, which likely means he’ll be a tanky, brawler-style character. If his gameplay mirrors his comic book personality, expect him to be a frontline powerhouse, smashing through enemies with sheer brute strength—similar to how Hulk plays in the game.

What’s Next for Marvel Rivals?

With the Fantastic Four entering the fray and Dracula’s forces tightening their grip on New York, Marvel Rivals is clearly ramping up its storytelling and gameplay depth. Between new heroes, fresh battlegrounds, and long-awaited gameplay tweaks, the game is evolving in exciting ways. Fans are already speculating about what other Marvel icons could be next, but for now, all eyes are on Human Torch and The Thing as they make their fiery and rock-solid debuts.

February 21 can’t come soon enough!