Marvel Rivals: One Iconic Character Can’t Stay Off the Roster for Long

Marvel Rivals is gearing up for an exciting launch on December 6, debuting with a roster packed with 26 heroes and villains. Fans can look forward to playing as Captain America, Winter Soldier, Psylocke, and more. Notably, during Psylocke’s reveal trailer in September, a teaser hinted at Moon Knight possibly joining the roster as a playable character at launch.

With no more playtests before release, anticipation is building among fans eager to try out new characters. Although the closed alpha and beta tests left a strong impression, only a limited number of players were able to secure access. With its free-to-play model, December is shaping up to be a huge month for Marvel Rivals. However, one iconic hero seems to be missing from the initial lineup: Deadpool.

Marvel Rivals May Be Holding Back a Fan-Favorite Hero

Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, feels like a natural fit for Marvel Rivals. Since his debut in The New Mutants 98 in 1990 and later roles in X-Force, Deadpool's popularity has skyrocketed. By 1993, he had his own comic series, and he has since headlined hundreds of comics, along with three major films in the Fox/MCU universe.

Even before his cinematic debut in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and the Deadpool movie in 2016, the character had already become a comic book sensation. Over the years, Deadpool has appeared in numerous video games, including:

- Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

- Deadpool

- Lego Marvel Super Heroes

- Marvel's Avengers

- Fortnite

- Marvel's Midnight Suns

- Marvel Snap

Deadpool Would Be a Perfect Fit for Marvel Rivals

Considering the continued success of Deadpool & Wolverine and the mercenary’s enduring popularity, it’s surprising that Deadpool hasn’t been officially confirmed for Marvel Rivals yet. Fans were quick to spot a small Deadpool sticker Easter egg in the Shin-Shibuya map, raising hopes for his eventual inclusion. Other Easter eggs referencing Black Widow, Gwenpool, and Spider-Ham have also appeared, sparking speculation about whether these characters might become playable as well.

Deadpool’s distinctive fighting style would fit seamlessly into the game’s 6v6 shooter format. With his dual pistols, katanas, and regenerative abilities, he seems ideal for Duelist players. Unfortunately, a datamine leak earlier this year didn’t include Deadpool among the list of characters, although it did mention Blade, Wolverine, and Iron Fist.

Given that Psylocke was part of the leak as early as May 7, it’s possible that Deadpool is being saved for a future update. There’s no doubt that the demand for him is high, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s revealed as a surprise addition later on.

What Deadpool’s Kit Could Look Like in Marvel Rivals

If Deadpool joins Marvel Rivals, his abilities would likely focus on health regeneration, similar to his in-game mechanics in Marvel Contest of Champions. A health recovery move when he reaches critical levels would make perfect sense, along with a taunt mechanic that plays into his sharp-tongued humor. The taunt could be designed to distract or crowd-control enemies, though it would need to be balanced carefully to avoid overpowering the gameplay, similar to how Mantis' Spore Slumber works.

Ultimately, it seems more a matter of when, not if, Deadpool will make his Marvel Rivals debut. With so many heroes lined up for launch and more on the way, NetEase appears to have plenty in store for fans. Hopefully, Deadpool will join the fray sooner rather than later, bringing his signature chaos and comedy to the battlefield.