Marvel Rivals Season 8 is fast approaching, and with it comes some new (potentially prehistoric) heroes, maps, and events sourced from Marvel comic books. With all this excitement in the air, we’ve got you covered with a countdown and more insight on what to expect in the newest season.
After White Fox and Black Cat made their debuts in Season 7, players have high expectations for new characters, mostly in the form of a certain beloved X-Men leader–though it seems fans will have to hold on a little longer for him. Instead, NetEase has teased a different type of Earthling for the beginning of Season 8.
What time does Season 8 start?
Season 8 of Marvel Rivals goes live on Friday, May 15, 2026. Based on previous season launches, the specific release time will be 11am CEST.
Here’s the expected season launch time for more time zones:
- Pacific Time (PT) – 2 AM
- Eastern Time (ET) – 5 AM
- Central Europe (CEST) – 11 AM
- India (IST) – 2:30 PM
- China (CST) – 5 PM
- Japan (JST) – 6 PM
- Australia East (AEST) – 7 PM
Who is the new hero or villain for Season 8?
NetEase, the developer behind Marvel Rivals, has yet to reveal officially who the newest character is to join the game in Season 8. However, based on the teaser posted on Marvel Rivals’ social media accounts (as well as the Gallery Card teaser in Season 7.5), it seems that Devil Dinosaur might be first in line.
(Sorry Cyclops fans, his time will surely come soon).
For those unaware, Devil Dinosaur is a bright-red T-Rex from a parallel Earth where intelligent dinosaurs live alongside humans. He has had two constant companions at one point or another through his publication history, first Moon-Boy, and more recently Moon Girl – a young girl who shares a mental link with the big red dino.
Nothing has hinted towards the inclusion of a companion for Devil Dinosaur, but perhaps we’ll see a Cloak and Dagger-like situation where two separate entities are joined as one unit.
What else to expect in Season 8
Besides a new hero (first Devil Dinosaur and perhaps Cyclops in 8.5), players can expect more events, game modes, and battle passes full of skins to enjoy. While not confirmed, the addition of Devil Dinosaur makes the possibility of a Savage Land-inspired map far more likely for Season 8. That would make for a fun, jungle-like experience, with some themed skins hopefully in the pipeline as well.
For X-Men fans, there’s always the mid-season update to look forward to, as Cyclops has been rumored, teased, and practically confirmed by leaks earlier this year.
