NetEase has announced that Season 9 of Marvel Rivals will launch on July 10, introducing the new strategist hero Jubilee and setting the stage for the arrival of The Hood. According to the developer’s latest livestream, the update also features a narrative shift involving the antagonist Apocalypse and the addition of a new convoy map, Thebes, arriving later on July 23.
How does Jubilee change the meta for Strategists?
Jubilee arrives as a Strategist, a class focused on support and healing, but with a unique offensive twist. Her mobility is bolstered by an ability to hover in mid-air, which serves as a defensive tool to avoid incoming damage while maintaining line-of-sight for healing bubbles. Her Ultimate ability provides significant crowd control, capable of knocking back multiple opponents, a feature highlighted in her reveal trailer where she pushes enemies toward the map boundaries for environmental kills.
What is the significance of the new narrative developments?
The game’s lore is expanding with the introduction of Apocalypse as a central figure in the upcoming season. In the recent cinematic, Apocalypse is shown delivering a monologue regarding his quest for power before being attacked by an unseen assailant. NetEase confirmed that Jubilee’s involvement in this conflict is rooted in her backstory as one of Apocalypse’s “Horsemen of Famine.” Her motivation stems from a desperate attempt to save her son, Shogo, who remains trapped in a dragon form, leading her to seek aid from the villain.

What content is scheduled for the mid-season update?
While the season begins on July 10, the developer has confirmed a secondary update for later in the month. Thebes, a new map designed for the convoy game mode, is scheduled for release on July 23. Furthermore, the roster is expected to expand again in early August with the debut of The Hood.
Did you know?
Her appearance in Marvel Rivals as a Horseman of Famine highlights the game's willingness to adapt established comic book storylines into its own unique hero-shooter framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Marvel Rivals Season 9 start?
Season 9 is scheduled to begin on Friday, July 10.
What class is Jubilee in Marvel Rivals?
Jubilee is a Strategist, meaning she functions primarily as a healer with offensive capabilities.
When is the new map, Thebes, coming out?
Thebes will be added to the game’s map rotation on July 23.
Who is the next hero after Jubilee?
NetEase has indicated that The Hood will join the hero roster in early August.
Stay tuned for more updates on hero balancing and patch notes as the season progresses. Have you tried Jubilee in the test servers yet? Let us know your favorite team compositions in the comments below. For a deeper look at how the game stacks up against other titles in the genre, read our full review of Marvel Rivals here.