It feels like we have been waiting for this one since launch. At The Game Awards 2025, NetEase Games finally gave the people what they wanted: Deadpool is officially joining the roster of Marvel Rivals. In a night packed with massive announcements like No Law and 007 First Light, Wade Wilson still managed to steal the show with a reveal trailer that was equal parts action and meta-commentary.
While we didn’t get a full gameplay deep dive, the cinematic trailer set the stage perfectly. It seems the Collector sent Deadpool to clean up a mess left behind by Gambit and Rogue, but in typical fashion, he decided to make things infinitely worse. Here is everything you need to know about his arrival.
Release Date: Night at the Museum
Get your chimichangas ready because you won’t have to wait long. Deadpool drops on January 16, 2026, kicking off Season 6: Night at the Museum. This timing puts him right after the current mid-season update (Season 5.5), which just introduced Rogue to the lineup. It’s a smart move by NetEase to keep the momentum rolling into the new year with their most requested character.
The new season theme, “Night at the Museum,” hints at a new map location—likely the Collector’s Museum shown in the trailer. Expect destructible exhibits, alien artifacts, and plenty of places for Wade to hide (or get blown up).
Gameplay Speculation: Guns, Katanas, and Regen?
Although the trailer was cinematic, we can make some educated guesses about his kit based on the footage and his comic origins. He was shown dual-wielding pistols and using his signature katanas, which almost certainly locks him into the Duelist role. In a game dominated by movement and burst damage, Deadpool will likely function as a high-sustain flanker.
The biggest question mark is his healing factor. Will it be a passive ability that kicks in out of combat, or an active skill similar to Wolverine’s? Given the chaotic nature of Marvel Rivals, a self-resurrection mechanic (perhaps as an Ultimate?) isn’t out of the question. Imagine killing him only for him to pop back up with a fourth-wall-breaking quip.
The Elsa Bloodstone Tease
Deadpool wasn’t the only hunter shown in the trailer. The final moments gave us a brief but unmistakable glimpse of Elsa Bloodstone, the monster hunter. While not confirmed for the Season 6 launch day, it is highly likely she will be the mid-season hero (Season 6.5?), similar to how Rogue followed Gambit.
Conclusion
Marvel Rivals has had a killer first year, but adding Deadpool feels like the moment the game truly takes the training wheels off. His chaotic energy is a perfect fit for the destructible environments and team-up mechanics. January 16 can’t come soon enough—just make sure you don’t touch the exhibits.
FAQs
When does Deadpool release in Marvel Rivals?
Deadpool will be available on January 16, 2026, at the start of Season 6.
Is Deadpool free to play?
Yes, all characters in Marvel Rivals are free to unlock, though you may need to complete challenges or progress through the season pass to access him immediately.
What role will Deadpool be?
While not officially confirmed, his kit of dual pistols and swords strongly suggests he will be a Duelist (DPS) character.
Who is the other character teased?
Elsa Bloodstone, a famous monster hunter from the Marvel universe, was teased at the end of the trailer.
What is the new map?
The trailer took place in the Collector’s Museum, which is expected to be the new map for Season 6.