Marvel Rivals reached the top-selling position on Steam in the US and hit number three globally following the launch of a new batch of swimsuit skins in its in-game shop. The cosmetic update drove a surge in sales on the platform, placing the free-to-play title above competitors like Counter-Strike and Helldivers 2, as well as newly released titles such as Madden NFL 27 and Hell Let Loose: Vietnam.
Quick Facts
- Platform: PC (Steam)
- New Additions: Swimsuit Special costumes for Scarlet Witch, Magik, Storm, and Black Cat
- Acquisition Methods: Direct purchase for Black Cat and Storm; "Pop & Win" gacha mechanics for Scarlet Witch and Magik; event pass for Star-Lord and Winter Soldier
How Players Unlock the New Swimsuit Outfits
The new summer costumes vary in how they are obtained. Outfits for Black Cat and Storm are available as direct purchases in the in-game shop. Meanwhile, costumes for Scarlet Witch and Magik require players to use "Pop & Win" gacha mechanics, where in-game currency is spent to pop balloons that unlock bundle items. Additionally, an event pass offers bathing suit outfits for Star-Lord and Winter Soldier.
Pricing for the individual outfits sits around $15 to $20. While the items are purely cosmetic and help fund ongoing development for the free-to-play game, the release has driven a massive spike in player spending on Steam.
Storm Skin Upgraded Following Community Uproar
The release of Storm's swimsuit outfit drew immediate community pushback due to its initial classification as an Epic skin lacking special visual and sound effects, unlike higher-tier Legendary cosmetics given to other characters. Players raised concerns online regarding how characters of color receive legendary items.
NetEase Games responded on social media by confirming that Storm's swimsuit costume will be upgraded to Legendary status for free in a future update, adding an all-new lobby animation and updated MVP animation while keeping its current price of $16. The studio also stated that more Legendary tier costumes for Storm are scheduled to release throughout the year.