Friendly Marvel Rivals Meet-Ups Inspire New Non-Combat Map
Marvel Rivals is introducing its first non-combat map — a lively Times Square setting where up to 100 players can gather, dance, and enjoy casual activities like beachball without engaging in battles.
If I could host a party anywhere in the Marvel universe, I’d choose Dr. Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum. That grand mansion of arcane mysteries, overflowing with ancient tomes and bizarre relics, sounds like the perfect venue for conversations that might escalate into mild magical chaos.
According to Netease, “many players have been hosting spontaneous meet-ups in the Sanctum Sanctorum when they should technically be fighting each other.”
These in-game social gatherings have clearly made an impression. In response, Netease decided to create an official social play area — Times Square — where 100 players can gather peacefully without tearing each other apart.
Though the developers present it as a direct response to fan enthusiasm, it’s likely a plan long in the making, simply dressed up as fan service. After all, Netease aren’t exactly handing out extra cookies just for fun.
Author’s Summary
The unexpected rise of peaceful meet-ups in Dr. Strange’s Sanctum led Netease to unveil a 100-player, non-combat Times Square map that celebrates community inside Marvel Rivals.