Marvel Rivals Season 9.5 is almost upon us. Like always, this next update will add a new character to the roster alongside new events, events, and lore. Here’s exactly when the next update will drop, which playable comic book character is coming, and what else fans can expect.
Season 9 had an explosive start with the addition of Jubilee, and with the break-neck pace of content drops for this live service title, it’s already time for a new character. Thankfully, fans of more villainous characters in Marvel Rivals can breathe a sigh of relief at which new character is joining the roster–The Hood.
Quick Summary
- Season 9.5 goes live early this August.
- A new villain, The Hood, is the newest character.
- The Hood will be a Vanguard, with some turret-based abilities.
What time does Season 9.5 start?
Season 9.5 of Marvel Rivals goes live on Friday, August 7, 2026. NetEase has yet to release an official launch time, but based on previous season launches, it’ll likely be at 6am ET.
Marvel Rivals Season 9.5
Here’s the expected launch time for more time zones around the world:
- Pacific Time (PT) – 3am
- Eastern Time (ET) – 6am
- Central Europe (CEST) – 12pm
- India (IST) – 3:30pm
- China (CST) – 6pm
- Japan (JST) – 7pm
- Australia East (AEST) – 8pm
Season 9.5’s New Character – The Hood
The new playable character for Season 9.5 has been no secret, considering the new team-up system already revealed a team-up with Jubilee and his appearance in the ‘Death of Apocalypse’ at the center of Season 9. The Hood is Marvel Rivals newest character, and based on recent reveals, will be in the Vanguard role.
The Hood, while less well-known than recent characters like Jubilee and Cyclops, is a significant figure in the criminal world of NYC and was a popular villain throughout the 2000s, enough that he recently made a live action appearance in the MCU show Ironheart.
Parker Robbins (AKA The Hood) has an interesting mixture of magic and firearms, which has translated into a demon state that gives him different abilities, including a turret-based ultimate power.
What else is coming in Season 9.5
Beyond the addition of The Hood, Marvel Rivals is bringing a much needed reduction in file sizes for both PC and console platforms. Tweaks to the character roster are also coming soon, with some buffs and a saddening nerf to Peni Parker. For more information, check out our full list of the balance changes.
For fans of certain types of skins, a whole new line-up of swimsuit skins is coming for characters like Bucky, Black Cat, Star-Lord, Magik, and Storm.
FAQ
How long are Marvel Rivals seasons?
Each season lasts roughly two months, usually split into half seasons with the first lasting four weeks and the second about five weeks.
When does NetEase officially announce new characters?
The developers tend to release announcement teasers in the two or three days before a new season launches.
What else is in Season 9.5?
So far, NetEase hasn’t confirmed what new events, skins, or storylines will come this season, so players are currently in the dark on what to expect.
