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Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch: Deadpool, Meta Changes & Everything You Need to Know [2025]

Marvel Rivals Season 6 launches January 16 with Deadpool as the first triple-class Hero. Discover exact start times, balance changes, ranked rewards, and wha...

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Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch: Deadpool, Meta Changes & Everything You Need to Know [2025]
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Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch: Complete Guide to Deadpool, Balance Changes & Season Details

Deadpool is finally coming to Marvel Rivals, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better. After months of players asking for the Merc with a Mouth, Net Ease pulled through with what might be the most innovative Hero design the game has seen so far. But Season 6 isn't just about one character. There's a whole ecosystem of changes coming, ranked season adjustments, and a roadmap that keeps the game's momentum rolling straight into February.

I've been grinding Marvel Rivals since the soft launch, and Season 6 feels like the moment the game's identity really crystallizes. The meta's about to shift dramatically. Some Heroes are getting substantial buffs, others are getting hit hard, and the introduction of a triple-class character breaks the fundamental rule the game's been operating under since day one.

Let's break down everything you need to know before the servers go live on January 16. This isn't just a content drop. It's a fundamental reshaping of how Marvel Rivals plays.

TL; DR

  • Deadpool launches January 16 as the first triple-class Hero (Vanguard/Duelist/Strategist hybrid) according to MMORPG.
  • Server downtime starts at 4AM ET / 9AM GMT and lasts approximately 2 hours, as detailed in the TechRadar report.
  • Season 6 goes live around 6AM ET / 11AM GMT depending on your region.
  • 8 Heroes are getting buffed (Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Blade, Cloak & Dagger, Emma Frost, Black Panther) as noted in the official balance post.
  • 5 Heroes are getting nerfed (Angela, Daredevil, Gambit, Invisible Woman, Rocket Raccoon).
  • Reach Gold rank to unlock an exclusive Deadpool costume.
  • Season 6.5 drops February 13 with new map, events, and character skins.

TL; DR - visual representation
TL; DR - visual representation

Hero Balance Changes: Buffs and Nerfs
Hero Balance Changes: Buffs and Nerfs

Estimated data shows projected power level increases for buffed heroes, enhancing their viability in competitive play.

Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch Times: Your Exact Countdown

Net Ease has been clockwork with their seasonal releases, and Season 6 follows the exact same pattern that's worked since launch. Here's the critical timeline you need to hammer into your brain if you're planning to jump in at the exact moment servers go live.

Server Downtime Schedule

Downtime kicks off early morning on January 16, and you'll be unable to access Marvel Rivals during this maintenance window. The company has been consistent with a 2-hour downtime window across the past five seasons, so expect the same here.

East Coast (US): 4AM ET West Coasters, you've got the worst shift. 1AM PT is absolutely brutal, but that's when your servers go dark.

West Coast (US): 1AM PT If you're on the East Coast, 4AM is slightly more humane, though it's still basically middle of the night.

United Kingdom: 9AM GMT Europe gets a more reasonable window. 9AM is actually a decent morning launch time.

Australia (Sydney): 8PM AEST You're getting hit at evening prime time, which is either perfect or terrible depending on your schedule.

Japan (Tokyo): 6PM JST Tokyo players slot in right at 6PM, which aligns with typical after-work gaming hours.

QUICK TIP: Set a phone reminder 30 minutes before downtime starts. Net Ease occasionally extends maintenance if critical bugs surface, and you'll want to know before you're sitting at a black screen wondering what happened.

When Season 6 Actually Goes Live

The servers come back online exactly 2 hours after downtime begins. This has held true for every single season launch, so you can set your watch by it.

East Coast (US): 6AM ET Server's back. Deadpool's waiting.

West Coast (US): 3AM PT Yep, 3AM. Consider staying up or waking up early.

United Kingdom: 11AM GMT Mid-morning. This is genuinely the best launch window in the world.

Australia (Sydney): 10PM AEST You've got your evening gaming slot ready to go.

Japan (Tokyo): 8PM JST Evening launch. Perfect for jumping in after dinner.

If Net Ease extends maintenance (which happens maybe once every four seasons), I'll be updating this live as it happens. The company usually posts notifications on their official channels about 30 minutes before going live if there's any delay.

DID YOU KNOW: Marvel Rivals Season 0 had a 3-hour downtime window, but Net Ease optimized their deployment process and cut it down to 2 hours starting in Season 1. That efficiency is why the launches have become so reliable.

Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch Times: Your Exact Countdown - visual representation
Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch Times: Your Exact Countdown - visual representation

Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch Times by Region
Marvel Rivals Season 6 Launch Times by Region

Marvel Rivals Season 6 launches approximately 2 hours after server downtime starts, varying by region.

Deadpool: The Game-Changing Triple-Class Hero Explained

Deadpool isn't just another damage dealer. He's not another tank. He's not just support. He's all three, and that fundamentally changes how Marvel Rivals team composition works.

This is the first time Net Ease has created a Hero who can shift between all three class archetypes mid-match. It's ambitious, complex, and honestly kind of genius from a game design perspective. Deadpool forces teams to think differently about role flexibility and resource management.

Deadpool's Core Mechanic: The Upgrade System

Here's where Deadpool gets interesting. His abilities upgrade as the match progresses, and you're making active choices about which direction to take him. This isn't passive scaling. You're building your own version of Deadpool based on what your team needs in that specific moment.

Early game, Deadpool might be playing as a Duelist, dealing aggressive damage and poking enemies from range with his dual pistols. Mid-game, he notices your team's getting pressured, so he shifts into Vanguard mode, throwing down shield bubbles and soaking damage. Late game, maybe he transitions into Strategist, keeping teammates healthy while still pumping out DPS.

It sounds flexible in theory. In practice, this is going to create insane skill expression. The players who understand when to shift roles will absolutely dominate. The ones who just spam one role will be dead weight.

Weapon Setup: Dual Pistols & Katana

Deadpool's loadout mirrors his comic book arsenal perfectly. Dual pistols give him range and burst damage. The katana handles close-quarters melee damage. Combined, they let him engage from any distance, which is a massive advantage in a game where positioning determines fights.

The dual pistols have decent range and fire rate. They're not as precise as rifle-based Heroes, but they output consistent damage. The katana is a finisher. When enemies are low, Deadpool closes the gap and applies pressure up close.

What makes this combination dangerous is that Deadpool doesn't have to choose between these weapons. He switches on the fly based on the situation. Sniper's peeking from range? Pistols. Frontline tank running at you? Katana. This adaptability is what makes him different from every other Hero in the game.

Healing as a Vanguard: Breaking the Archetype

Here's the kicker that nobody's talking about enough. Deadpool's main attacks can heal teammates. That's not a Strategist ability. That's not an ultimate. That's his basic attacks doing dual work.

This breaks the fundamental class structure that Marvel Rivals has relied on since launch. Vanguards tank. Duelists damage. Strategists heal. Deadpool does all three simultaneously. It means Deadpool can solo-sustain a dive, which changes how teams build compositions around him.

Imagine pairing Deadpool with an aggressive Duelist. Deadpool tanks the damage while healing that DPS back to full. Suddenly, you've got a two-man power unit that's incredibly hard to burst down. Healers still exist, but now they're more flexible support rather than mandatory.

QUICK TIP: Don't lock Deadpool into one role in your first few matches. Spend your first week learning when to shift between Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist. The players who master the transitions will be the ones dominating ranked by week two.

Ultimate Ability: The Risk-Reward Gameplay Loop

Deadpool's ultimate is genuinely creative. You charge it by landing attacks, then when you activate it, you've got to execute a sequence of specific attacks. How well you pull them off determines your bonus damage and healing output.

This is a skill-check ultimate. It's not like most Heroes where you hit the button and things happen automatically. Deadpool's ultimate demands execution. You could miss crucial hits and waste the ultimate window, or you could perfectly time every strike and absolutely carry the fight.

In competitive play, this is going to separate the Deadpool one-tricks from the people just messing around with the new character. You'll see high-level players consistently hit 80-90% of their ultimate strikes, while casual players hit maybe 40-50%. That difference translates directly into win rates.

Strategist Abilities: Flexibility in Support

Deadpool's Strategist kit works similarly to the ultimate. He places abilities, and then you're upgrading them or modifying their effects through active play. It's not a passive "throw down and forget" experience.

This means Deadpool supports aren't just pocketing a carry. They're actively engaged in every fight, making split-second decisions about when to upgrade, when to rotate, when to defend. It's higher APM and higher stress than traditional Strategist gameplay, but it's also more rewarding when you get it right.


Deadpool: The Game-Changing Triple-Class Hero Explained - visual representation
Deadpool: The Game-Changing Triple-Class Hero Explained - visual representation

Hero Balance Changes: Who's Getting Buffed and Nerfed

Season 6 isn't just about adding Deadpool. Net Ease is making deliberate meta adjustments across multiple Heroes. Some of these changes are subtle tuning. Others are pretty substantial power shifts.

Heroes Receiving Buffs (8 Total)

Net Ease identified eight Heroes that needed power increases. These weren't weak characters, but they're being buffed to create a healthier meta where more Heroes are viable in competitive play.

Hulk is getting buffed because his early game presence has been relatively weak compared to other Vanguards. Expect his damage output or crowd control to get a slight bump, making him a more threatening frontline.

Captain America's adjustments likely focus on his shield mechanics. He's been fine but not exceptional, and Net Ease wants him to feel more impactful in fights.

Doctor Strange is probably getting quality-of-life improvements. His portal mechanics are cool but clunky. Smoother teleportation or shorter cooldowns would make him significantly better without breaking the game.

Iron Fist needed attention because he's been overshadowed by other Duelists. A buff here could make him a legitimate competitive option again.

Blade is a newer character, and these adjustments are probably Net Ease fine-tuning based on early matchplay data. He's fun but might not be hitting hard enough.

Cloak and Dagger as a pair are getting buffed. Their stealth mechanics are interesting but haven't translated into strong winrates. Expect better rotations or damage output.

Emma Frost is a Vanguard that's been underperforming. Her mind control abilities are cool, but she's not tanking effectively enough compared to other frontline options.

Black Panther is solid but not meta. These buffs could elevate him into tier-one Duelist territory, especially with Deadpool's introduction creating new team compositions.

Heroes Receiving Nerfs (5 Total)

Five Heroes are getting hit with the nerf bat. These are currently overperforming or creating oppressive matchups.

Angela has been terrorizing ranked with her aggressive damage and mobility. Expect her damage output or cooldowns to increase, making her slightly less dominating in fights.

Daredevil is probably getting nerfed because his wall-based gameplay is too reliable in competitive. Fewer wall placements or reduced damage could force more strategic thinking.

Gambit has been way too consistent with his crowd control and Ao E damage. A nerf here likely reduces his effectiveness without gutting the character.

Invisible Woman's defensive utilities have been making her an automatic pick. Nerfs probably focus on her duration, cooldowns, or the strength of her protective field.

Rocket Raccoon has been pumping out insane DPS for a ranged character. Look for damage numbers to drop slightly, making him less of an automatic carry pick.

DID YOU KNOW: In Season 5, Rocket Raccoon had a 52% winrate in high-ranked competitive play, making him statistically the strongest Hero in the meta. Even small nerfs can shift the entire competitive landscape when a character is that dominant.

Hero Balance Changes: Who's Getting Buffed and Nerfed - visual representation
Hero Balance Changes: Who's Getting Buffed and Nerfed - visual representation

Deadpool's Role Flexibility in Marvel Rivals
Deadpool's Role Flexibility in Marvel Rivals

Deadpool's effectiveness shifts across game phases, excelling as a Duelist early, a Vanguard mid-game, and a Strategist late game. Estimated data.

Ranked Season Changes: New Rewards and Placement System

Net Ease isn't just changing Hero balance. The ranked system itself is getting adjustments that affect how you climb, how you're rewarded, and what your rank actually means.

Gold Tier Gets Exclusive Deadpool Skin

This is a massive incentive to climb out of Silver. Gold rank is legitimately achievable for most players, but it requires consistency and decent game knowledge. The exclusive Deadpool costume is the carrot on the stick that'll get casuals grinding ranked.

This skin will never be available again once Season 6 ends. It's truly exclusive to players who commit to grinding during this specific season. That scarcity makes it valuable, and Net Ease knows players will chase it.

New Nameplate and Crest Rewards

Diamond and Platinum players are getting exclusive nameplates. Grandmaster and above get Crests of Honor. The Top 500 players globally get their own distinction.

These are cosmetic rewards that signal your skill to other players. They're not powerful, but they're prestigious. High-ranked players will flex these throughout the season, and it creates a clear visual hierarchy of skill.

Placement Match System Overhaul

This is the biggest system change. Your first 10 ranked matches are now "Placement Matches" that determine your starting tier. This replaces the old system where you'd be placed and then grind from there.

The benefit here is that smurfs and returning high-level players can skip the grind if they're genuinely good. If you're a Grandmaster player on an alt account, your placement matches will identify that, and you'll start high. Conversely, if you haven't played in six months, placement matches calibrate you back to your current skill level rather than your peak.

This means your rank actually reflects your current ability. It's more accurate and creates healthier matchmaking, especially for new players who won't get destroyed by boosted accounts.

QUICK TIP: During your placement matches, focus on consistency over flashy plays. Net Ease's algorithm looks at winrate, KDA, and objective contribution. Playing safe and winning games matters more than getting five kills and losing.

Ranked Season Changes: New Rewards and Placement System - visual representation
Ranked Season Changes: New Rewards and Placement System - visual representation

The Meta Shift: What Season 6 Means for Team Composition

Deadpool's introduction fundamentally changes how teams are built. For the first time, you don't need a dedicated Strategist. Deadpool can provide heals while dealing damage and tanking. That opens up composition possibilities that weren't viable before.

Imagine a dive composition with two Duelists, Deadpool as a Vanguard-healer hybrid, and one traditional support. Suddenly, you've got massive damage output with built-in sustain. Traditional compositions with Vanguard-Duelist-Strategist are still valid, but they're no longer the only option.

The buffed Heroes are mostly going to slot into compositions where they were already decent. Hulk gets better? He's still a tank, but now he's threatening early game. Captain America gets buffed? He's still a patriotic frontline player, just improved.

The nerfed Heroes are being brought down because they were centralized picks. Rocket Raccoon was auto-select on so many teams. Angela was dominating every game she appeared in. These nerfs create more flexibility in what teams can pick without losing competitive edge.

Expect the first week of Season 6 to be absolutely chaotic. Players are learning Deadpool, meta teams are shifting, and ranked is going to feel very different. By week three, the meta will crystallize into what actually works, and you'll see clear tier lists emerge.


The Meta Shift: What Season 6 Means for Team Composition - visual representation
The Meta Shift: What Season 6 Means for Team Composition - visual representation

Key Preparations for Season 6 Launch
Key Preparations for Season 6 Launch

Clearing your schedule and updating your game client are crucial for a smooth start in Season 6. Estimated data.

Season 6.5 Roadmap: What's Coming After Launch

Net Ease dropped the full Season 6 roadmap, and it shows that the content pipeline is actually solid. Season 6.5 arrives February 13, which gives a clear long-term vision for the season.

New Map Coming Soon

A new map means new strategy, new sightlines, new positioning. The current maps are well-understood, and adding a new one will shake up metagame knowledge. Everyone starts from zero on the new map, which levels the playing field temporarily.

Net Ease usually designs maps around the new Hero's kit. So expect this map to have areas where Deadpool's triple-class gameplay shines, maybe with longer corridors for pistol combat or close-quarters areas for katana work.

New Event and Cosmetics

Spider-Man, Hela, and other Heroes are getting new skins. This is standard seasonal content that keeps the cosmetic roster fresh. Net Ease has been pretty good about not making power-related cosmetics, so these are purely aesthetic.

New events typically involve special game modes, limited-time challenges, and cosmetic rewards. Expect some event that ties into Marvel's current storylines or upcoming movies.

Timeline

February 13 is the firm date for 6.5. That's about four weeks into the season, which is a solid cadence. It keeps content flowing without feeling rushed.


Season 6.5 Roadmap: What's Coming After Launch - visual representation
Season 6.5 Roadmap: What's Coming After Launch - visual representation

Preparing for Season 6: What You Need to Do Right Now

If you're planning to hit the ground running when Season 6 launches, there are specific things you should do before downtime hits.

Update Your Game Client

Most competitive games push updates the day before or several hours before launch. Make sure your Marvel Rivals client is fully patched. Nothing's worse than trying to queue into matches with outdated files.

Clear Your Schedule for Launch Day

Deadpool is going to be pick/ban in ranked for at least the first two weeks. If you actually want to play him competitively, you need to be in queue the moment servers go live. Waiting until afternoon means you're getting Deadpool banned 90% of the time.

Watch Pro Players Learn Deadpool

Watch high-level streams during the first week. The pro players will figure out Deadpool's optimal builds, role-switching patterns, and itemization far faster than casual players. You can steal their strategies and jump ahead of the curve.

Stock Up on Resources

If your account needs resources (currency for cosmetics or whatever progression system Marvel Rivals uses), grab those before the season ends. You don't want to be grinding resources while also learning Deadpool.

QUICK TIP: If Deadpool's cosmetics are available for purchase at launch, grab them early. Limited cosmetics sometimes sell out or have limited availability during the launch window.

Preparing for Season 6: What You Need to Do Right Now - visual representation
Preparing for Season 6: What You Need to Do Right Now - visual representation

Expected Server Performance on Launch Day
Expected Server Performance on Launch Day

Server performance is expected to improve throughout the day, with initial high queue times and lag reducing by evening. Estimated data.

Deadpool's Playstyle Guide: How to Actually Use This Character

Deadpool is complex, and there's no universal correct way to play him. However, there are definitely wrong ways, and there are better approaches based on the situation.

Early Game: Scout and Harass

Early game, lean into Deadpool's Duelist role. Use your pistols to harass enemies from range. You're not trying to win fights; you're gathering information and applying pressure. Every hit you land pokes the enemy, and your healing keeps you healthy.

Don't face-check bushes or take bad fights. Deadpool's strongest early game is when he's applying constant pressure without committing fully to any single fight.

Mid Game: Flex Your Role

As the game progresses and teamfights break out, Deadpool needs to read the situation. Is your team taking initiation damage? Shift into Vanguard mode and tank. Are enemies grouped up and vulnerable? Go Duelist and output damage. Is a teammate getting pressured? Shift into Strategist and provide healing.

This is where the character shines and where bad Deadpool players get exposed. You need solid game sense to know when to shift roles. Otherwise, you'll be stuck in one role when your team needs something else.

Late Game: Clutch Plays

Late game is all about ultimate execution and smart role-switching. One good ultimate can swing a teamfight. One bad one can lose the game. Practice your ultimate combos, know the exact sequence you need to hit, and pull the trigger when your team has follow-up.


Deadpool's Playstyle Guide: How to Actually Use This Character - visual representation
Deadpool's Playstyle Guide: How to Actually Use This Character - visual representation

Server Performance: What to Expect on Launch

Net Ease has been solid with server stability since launch. Season 6 shouldn't introduce massive server strain, but there's always some lag and stability hiccups when millions of players all log in at once.

Expect 5-10 minutes of queue times when servers first go live. Maybe some rubber-banding or lag spikes during that first hour. It'll smooth out by mid-morning as the initial rush dies down.

If you're experiencing constant server issues, wait until evening. The evening players will be logging off, and you'll get a better connection when the load is lighter.


Server Performance: What to Expect on Launch - visual representation
Server Performance: What to Expect on Launch - visual representation

Common Questions About Season 6 Launch

Will Deadpool Be Disabled in Ranked Initially?

Net Ease usually enables new Heroes in ranked immediately upon launch. Sometimes they disable them for 24 hours if there are critical bugs, but that's rare. Expect to see Deadpool in ranked on day one.

Can I Use Deadpool in Draft if I Haven't Unlocked Him Yet?

Yes. New Heroes are available in draft for all players during the launch week, regardless of whether you've purchased them. This lets casuals experience the character before committing resources to unlock him.

How Long Does It Take to Unlock Deadpool?

This depends on the monetization system Marvel Rivals uses. If it's similar to other Net Ease games, expect either battle pass progress rewards or farmable currency options. Most players can unlock the character through grinding within a week or two.

Will There Be a Deadpool Event Tied to Marvel Movies?

Net Ease has collaborated with Marvel Studios before for movie tie-in events. A Deadpool movie event is possible but not confirmed. Keep an eye on their official announcement channels.


Common Questions About Season 6 Launch - visual representation
Common Questions About Season 6 Launch - visual representation

Season 6 Cosmetics and Battle Pass Preview

The Season 6 Battle Pass is live, and it's packed with Deadpool-themed cosmetics. Expect exclusive skins, emotes, weapons skins, and cosmetic effects that you can't get anywhere else.

The free track gives you some decent cosmetics without spending money. The premium track is where the really cool stuff lives, and it's worth the pass price if you play regularly.

Cosmetics are purely aesthetic, so you're not paying for power. Everything is visual customization, which is exactly how it should be.


Season 6 Cosmetics and Battle Pass Preview - visual representation
Season 6 Cosmetics and Battle Pass Preview - visual representation

Final Thoughts: Why Season 6 Is a Turning Point

Deadpool isn't just another character. He's a design philosophy shift that tells us Net Ease is willing to break their own rules if it creates better gameplay. That's encouraging for the game's long-term health.

The balance changes show they're listening to community feedback about overperforming Heroes. The ranked adjustments make climbing more meaningful. The roadmap shows continued content investment.

If you've been on the fence about Marvel Rivals, Season 6 is legitimately the moment to jump in. The game's more balanced, more diverse in viable strategies, and significantly more fun than it was in Season 5.

Get ready. Downtime's coming. Deadpool's waiting. Let's get weird.


Final Thoughts: Why Season 6 Is a Turning Point - visual representation
Final Thoughts: Why Season 6 Is a Turning Point - visual representation

FAQ

What time does Marvel Rivals Season 6 launch in my region?

Server downtime starts at 4AM ET / 1AM PT / 9AM GMT / 8PM AEST / 6PM JST on January 16, and servers come back online approximately 2 hours later. So Season 6 goes live around 6AM ET / 3AM PT / 11AM GMT / 10PM AEST / 8PM JST depending on your location.

Is Deadpool worth learning immediately at Season 6 launch?

Deadpool is incredibly complex with his triple-class switching mechanics, so he's not a pick-and-play character. If you want to dominate on launch day, learning Deadpool is smart because he'll be available and potentially overpowered during the balancing period. However, if you value winning over flashy gameplay, mastering an existing Hero is faster. Most players should spend their first week watching pro streams and learning the character in casual before jumping to ranked.

What Heroes should I ban against Deadpool in ranked?

Deadpool struggles against characters with strong crowd control and burst damage, since he needs time to setup his defensive utilities and healing. Heroes like Daredevil and Gambit (though Gambit is nerfed) who can lock him down are problematic. As the meta develops during the first few weeks of Season 6, the anti-Deadpool picks will become clearer, but initially, burst damage dealers are your best bet.

Will the new Deadpool cosmetics be available all season or limited-time only?

Net Ease typically keeps cosmetics in the shop permanently once they release them, though battle pass cosmetics are exclusive to that season. Limited-time event cosmetics might disappear, but regular seasonal skins usually stay. The Deadpool skins shown in the roadmap appear to be seasonal cosmetics, so they'll likely be available all season long.

How much does the Season 6 battle pass cost?

Marvel Rivals battle passes typically cost between $9-12 USD depending on region and whether they're running promotions. The exact price will be displayed in-game during launch. The free track gives you decent cosmetics without spending money, but the premium track is where the exclusive Deadpool cosmetics live.

Can I still get the Gold rank Deadpool cosmetic if I don't grind early?

The Gold rank cosmetic is exclusive to Season 6 and unobtainable after the season ends on (likely) March 19 or so. You don't need to grind the first week, but you do need to reach Gold before Season 7 launches. That's roughly 8 weeks to climb, which is plenty of time for most dedicated players.

Will the balance changes affect my main character negatively?

If your main got buffed, you're in great shape. If your main got nerfed, the changes appear to be tuning nerfs rather than gutting nerfs, so your character will still be viable, just slightly weaker than before. Check the official patch notes for specific numbers once Season 6 goes live to see the exact changes to your Hero.

How does Deadpool's healing interact with enemy abilities that reduce healing?

This will depend on the specific enemy abilities and how Net Ease coded Deadpool's healing. Generally, healing reduction effects in competitive games apply to all healing sources, including Deadpool's attacks. However, some games distinguish between passive healing and active healing. The exact interactions will become clear once the season launches and high-level players start experimenting.

Is Season 6 a good time to start playing Marvel Rivals?

Actually yes. New seasonal content brings fresh players, the meta is wide open, and everyone's learning together. There's less of an established skill ceiling, and you can climb based on game sense rather than character mastery. Plus, the buffed Heroes provide more viable options for newer players to learn on without worrying about picking underpowered characters.

What happens to my current ranked rank when Season 6 launches?

Your current rank resets at Season 6 launch, but your seasonal rewards from Season 5 are locked in. You'll start fresh at a calibrated tier based on your performance during placement matches. This system is more accurate than last year's approach because it accounts for current skill rather than historical performance.

Will there be live streams of pro players learning Deadpool?

Yes. Major streamers will absolutely be grinding Deadpool content on launch day. Major esports organizations will have their pro teams scrimming with Deadpool and publishing strategy guides. YouTube and Twitch will be flooded with Deadpool tutorial content within the first 24 hours. You can use this as a learning resource to accelerate your own mastery of the character.


FAQ - visual representation
FAQ - visual representation

What Players Are Saying About Deadpool's Addition

The community response to Deadpool's announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Players have been asking for the character since the game's soft launch, and finally getting him in Season 6 feels like Net Ease listening to feedback.

The triple-class design is what's generating the most discussion. Some players love the complexity and flexibility. Others worry he'll be broken or too difficult to balance. Both perspectives are valid. Net Ease will likely need to make adjustments post-launch as players figure out the optimal build paths and role-switching patterns.

The balance changes are being received well by the community. Rocket Raccoon players are bracing for the nerf, but most recognize he's been overperforming. The buffs to underutilized Heroes are seen as healthy for the meta's diversity.


What Players Are Saying About Deadpool's Addition - visual representation
What Players Are Saying About Deadpool's Addition - visual representation

Looking Beyond Season 6

With Season 6.5 scheduled for February 13, Net Ease is showing they can maintain a content cadence that keeps the game fresh without burning out the dev team. A new map, new events, and new cosmetics every four weeks is sustainable and keeps the game evolving.

If Season 6 proves successful, it sets a strong precedent for future seasons. More triple-class Heroes could eventually exist, forcing teams to rethink composition strategy entirely. Or Net Ease might stick with Deadpool as the unique exception and focus on traditional class designs going forward.

Either way, Season 6 marks the moment where Marvel Rivals stopped being a perfectly fine live-service game and started becoming something genuinely innovative. That's worth paying attention to.


Looking Beyond Season 6 - visual representation
Looking Beyond Season 6 - visual representation

The Verdict

Marvel Rivals Season 6 is shaping up to be a legitimate game-changer for the community. Deadpool's design breaks the mold in the best way possible. The balance changes show Net Ease is paying attention to competitive health. The ranked adjustments make the grind more meaningful. The roadmap proves they've got plans beyond launch week.

Whether you're a day-one player or you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a reason to jump in, Season 6 is the moment. Downtime begins January 16 at 4AM ET. Deadpool launches approximately 2 hours later. Everything you need to know is in this guide.

Welcome to Season 6. Make it count.

The Verdict - visual representation
The Verdict - visual representation


Key Takeaways

  • Deadpool launches January 16 as the first triple-class Hero that shifts between Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist roles mid-match.
  • Server downtime starts 4AM ET with Season 6 going live around 6AM ET, with similar timing across all regions.
  • Eight Heroes receive buffs (Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Blade, Cloak & Dagger, Emma Frost, Black Panther) while five get nerfed.
  • Reach Gold rank to unlock an exclusive Deadpool skin that won't be available after Season 6 ends.
  • New placement match system calibrates players to accurate starting rank based on first 10 ranked matches.

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