NetEase announced major news for Marvel Rivals during their latest developer diary: Season 9.5 is out on August 7 on all platforms, adding The Hood , a new Vanguard hero, alongside a major texture compression overhaul that should significantly reduce the game’s install size once the update settles in. The developers explained that the patch is expected to trim roughly 40 GB on PC and about 15 GB on both PS5 and Xbox , though the initial Season 9.5 download will be larger than usual because the assets are being repackaged. That is, however, certainly a small price that users will be happy to pay for more storage space for other games.
The update also introduces a fresh wave of content tied to the midseason rollout. The Hood brings a dual-state kit to the roster : in his normal form, he fights with twin pistols and uses a mystical cloak to support allies, while his demon state transforms him into a heavier damage dealer with demonic rifles and piercing rounds that can punch through shields and enemies. He's described as a character who shifts between a mortal mobster and a demonic powerhouse , giving Season 9.5 a new frontline option with both offensive and team utility.
On the narrative side, the season continues the storyline involving the Hood, the Tablet of Death and Entropy, and the ongoing fallout from Apocalypseìs actions . The heroes have already captured the Hood, who then volunteered to reveal more about the tablet, while Moon Knight hears the voices of the dead and learns that a larger mastermind is still operating behind the scenes.
Season 9.5 is also adding new Sunu special costumes and cosmetics following the August 13 update . In addition, the Guardians of Mischief are getting a flare upgrade , and Lady Loki will receive toggleable movement and ability animations that can be changed directly from the costume menu. The fan-favorite Croco and Rios event is also returning for Volume 2 .
By the way, Marvel Rivals recently added two costumes based on the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie: one for Peter Parker himself and another for The Hulk. They can be purchased individually (for 1,600 units, or $15.99 ) or as a bundle (for 2,200 units, or $21.99 ).
About the author : With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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