NetEase’s hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, has reached its lowest peak player count on Steam since its December 2024 launch. Recent data shows the game dipping to just under 152,000 concurrent players—a significant drop from its earlier peak of 644,000.
The downward trend began after Season 2: Hellfire Gala launched, with player numbers fluctuating between 150,000 and 200,000 throughout April and May. On May 6, the game hit a new low of 151,917 peak players.
It’s worth noting that these figures only reflect Steam’s PC player base and don’t account for console gamers. PlayStation tournaments, like the monthly PlayStation Cup, suggest a healthy audience on other platforms.
How Does Marvel Rivals Stack Up Against Competitors?
Despite the decline, Marvel Rivals remains one of Steam’s top-performing titles, currently ranking as the 13th most-played game. It trails behind heavyweights like Apex Legends, PUBG: Battlegrounds, and *Counter-Strike 2* but still outperforms Overwatch 2 in terms of Steam engagement.
That said, Overwatch 2’s full player base isn’t reflected in Steam data, as many users play via Battle.net or consoles.
Why Are Players Losing Interest?
Several factors could explain the shrinking player count. The initial hype from launch may have faded, with casual gamers shifting to newer releases. Additionally, ongoing balance issues and community frustrations—such as the recent support strike and ranked mode complaints—may be driving some players away.
Could Upcoming Events Revive the Game?
The Marvel Rivals Ignite tournament, set for late May, could reignite interest. With a $3 million prize pool, the competition is expected to draw significant attention, potentially bringing lapsed players back into the game.
For now, Marvel Rivals faces challenges, but major events and updates might be the key to turning things around.