Marvel Rivals releasing its Season 3.5 update on Aug 8, 2025, with version 20250808, bringing a tons of new content and changes to the game. This mid-season patch introduces the highly anticipated new hero, Blade, along with exciting events, balance changes, and important fixes. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the update, from Blade’s abilities to the new events and gameplay improvements. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the Marvel universe, this guide has you covered.
1. New Hero – Blade
Blade, the iconic vampire hunter, joins Marvel Rivals as a Duelist hero. His unique kit combines close-range melee combat with his Ancestral Sword and medium-range attacks using his Hunter’s Shotgun, making him a versatile and deadly addition to the roster. Below is a detailed breakdown of his abilities, based on official announcements and reliable leaks:
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Attack | Alternates between sword slashes for melee damage and shotgun blasts for ranged attacks. |
| Skill 1 (Blade Chopper) | Uses Dracula’s Sword to perform a powerful slash, dealing damage to enemies in front. |
| Skill 2 (Hunting Gun) | Fires a long-range explosive fragmentation round, delivering area damage upon impact. |
| Skill 3 (Defensive Stance) | Enters a sword stance that reduces incoming damage from the front, offering temporary protection. |
| Ultimate Ability (Thousand-Fold Slash) | Executes a forward dash, leaving a trail of blade swings that damage enemies and temporarily reduce their healing capabilities. |
| Team-Up Ability (Lunar Force) | With Cloak & Dagger and Moon Knight, grants Blade invisibility and a force-field for enhanced survivability and tactical plays. |
Blade’s aggressive playstyle and anti-heal ultimate make him a formidable choice for players who enjoy high-damage, close-range combat. His ability to switch between melee and ranged attacks provides flexibility, while his team-up with Cloak & Dagger and Moon Knight adds strategic depth. For more on Blade’s lore and playstyle, check the Marvel Rivals Wiki.
2. Events
Season 3.5 introduces several engaging events to keep players immersed and rewarded:
- Ignite Mid-Season Finals: Watch the live finals and accumulate viewing time to unlock exclusive rewards, such as the Star-Lord Ignite Series Costume. This event, starting August 6, 2025, encourages community engagement through Twitch drops.
- Resource Rumble: A new game mode launching on August 22, 2025, where players battle to earn XP and level up, unlocking rewards like the The Thing – Symbiote Thing costume for free. This mode will initially be available in Quick Match before rolling out to ranked play.
- Blade’s Debut Event: Special challenges or missions tied to Blade’s introduction, likely offering unique cosmetics or rewards for players who participate.
These events provide fresh content and incentives, making Season 3.5 a vibrant time for Marvel Rivals players. For event details, visit the official Marvel Rivals website.
3. Fixes and Balance Changes
The Season 3.5 patch includes a range of fixes and balance adjustments to improve gameplay and address player feedback. Key changes include:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hero Balance | – Doctor Strange: Increased Daggers of Denak charges from 8 to 10; reduced Cloak of Levitation cooldown from 15s to 12s. – Groot: Increased Vine Strike range from 20m to 22m; increased Flora Colossus effect radius from 20m to 24m. – Iron Man: Reduced Metal Bulwark and Iron Bulwark shield value from 300 to 250. |
| Bug Fixes | – Fixed incorrect Accessory Points display in Competitive matches. – Resolved an exploit allowing costume-exclusive emotes to be used on other costumes. – Addressed a bug where Hela’s Ultimate Ability could end prematurely in poor network conditions. |
| Quality of Life | – Improved communication features for better team coordination. – Introduced anti-toxicity measures to enhance the player experience. – Seamless update deployment with no server downtime. |
These changes aim to create a more balanced and enjoyable experience, addressing both competitive and casual player concerns. For a full list of balance changes, see the official patch notes.
4. Other Updates
In addition to the new hero and events, Season 3.5 brings several other updates to enrich the game:
- New Map: The Throne of Knull map, introduced for the Resource Rumble game mode, offers a fresh battlefield with a dark, atmospheric setting tied to the season’s lore.
- Team-Up System Overhaul: Significant changes to team-up abilities, with some removed (e.g., Loki from Ragnarok Rebirth) and new ones added, such as Blade’s Lunar Force team-up with Cloak & Dagger and Moon Knight.
- Store Updates: New cosmetic bundles, including Blade-themed items like the Polarity Edge Bundle, Emoji Bundle, and Dynamic Mood Bundle, available from August 8, 2025. Players can also unlock the Blade – Emerald Blade costume by reaching Gold rank.
These updates enhance gameplay variety and provide players with more customization options. For more details, check the Season 3.5 Preview.
5. Conclusion
The Season 3.5 update for Marvel Rivals, launching on August 8, 2025, is poised to be a game-changer. Blade’s arrival as a Duelist hero brings new strategic depth, while events like the Ignite Mid-Season Finals and Resource Rumble offer exciting rewards. With balance changes, bug fixes, and new content like the Throne of Knull map, this update ensures a smoother and more engaging experience for all players. Mark your calendars and prepare to dive into the action with Blade leading the charge!
Citations
- Marvel Rivals Official Patch Notes
- Marvel Rivals Wiki – Blade
- Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Preview
- IGN Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Guide
Note: Some details, particularly Blade’s full ability list, are based on leaks and trailers, which may be subject to change upon official release. Always refer to official Marvel Rivals sources for the most accurate information.
