Marvel Rivals Season 9.5: The Hood Joins Roster as File Sizes Shrink via Optimization

NetEase Games has detailed the Season 9.5 update for Marvel Rivals, scheduled for deployment on August 7, 2026, at 09:00:00 UTC. The patch introduces The Hood as a playable character, blending dark magic mechanics with a street-level combat style. This arrival coincides with new narrative chapters for both The Hood and Moon Knight, titled Carved in Stone and Faces of the Moon respectively.

Storage and Performance Improvements

Developers have implemented a new texture resource compression strategy to reduce the game's physical footprint across all platforms. PC players will see the most significant reduction at approximately 30%, while Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 installations will decrease by roughly 20%. PlayStation 4 users receive a 7% reduction in hard drive requirements.

Key Facts

• New Character: The Hood debuts with the Sinful Blackout Bundle, Oblivion’s Whisper accessory, and Madrecita Plush.
• PYO Bundles: A new 'Pick Your Own' store format allows players to select specific costumes and emojis with pricing that adjusts dynamically based on the selection.
• Creed of Akabba Event: Running from August 7 to August 27, this event offers The Punisher’s Sandstorm Soldier costume for free upon mission completion.
• In-Game Cinema: A screening area in Times Square will rotate clips from Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Watching for two continuous minutes unlocks an exclusive spray.
• Twitch Drops: Between August 7 and September 4, viewers can earn the Elsa Bloodstone - Will of Galacta costume through eligible streams.

Hero and Map Revisions

The update addresses several mechanical bugs affecting character synergies. Engineers resolved a glitch where Cloak & Dagger remained vulnerable to Emma Frost’s control effects while in their Frozen Haven state. Additionally, Rocket Raccoon’s Repair Mode charges will no longer refill abnormally after using the Planet X Pals ability. Namor's Monstro Spawns have also been recalibrated to stop targeting Rocket Raccoon's Vitality Acorns.