Marvel Rivals, the action-packed 6v6 hero shooter, features a layer of in-game items that have intrigued and, in some cases, puzzled its growing player base: Collectables. These unique items are discoverable within the game, but their precise purpose and long-term value have sparked considerable discussion. Let’s delve into what we know about these enigmatic items, how players can acquire them, and their current function within the game’s ecosystem.
What Exactly Are Collectables?
At their core, Collectables in Marvel Rivals are items steeped in the rich lore and expansive universe of Marvel. Each one represents a significant artifact, object, or relic pulled directly from the comics and various storylines.
Players might encounter digital renditions of items like the infamous Darkhold, the ancient Celestial Codex, the mystical Spider-Totem, or even a Hydra-themed Hive Statue. Unlike equipment or crafting components found in other games, these items are purely narrative and thematic, offering players a tangible connection to the game’s source material.
How to Acquire These Lore-Filled Items
Collectables aren’t typically found lying around the battlefield. Instead, they are earned through various forms of player engagement and progression:
- Achievements: Completing specific in-game challenges or reaching particular milestones can award Collectables.
- Battle Pass: Progressing through the seasonal Battle Pass tracks often unlocks Collectables as rewards at certain tiers.
- Events: Participating in limited-time special events hosted by the game can also be a source for obtaining unique Collectables.
Once acquired, these items don’t appear in your loadout. Instead, they are stored within the player’s inventory, which can be accessed via the store tab within the game’s main menu.
100% Win Rate Smurfs
For only 16,99 €
Their Current Function (and Limitations)
This is where the nature of Collectables becomes a topic of debate within the community. As of the current state of Marvel Rivals, Collectables serve primarily a cosmetic and narrative role:
- Lore Display: Players can view detailed 3D models of the Collectables they own within their inventory. Each item comes with associated lore or flavor text, providing snippets of background information related to the Marvel universe.
- Purely Cosmetic/Narrative: It’s crucial to understand what Collectables do not do. They have absolutely no impact on gameplay, do not provide stat boosts, unlock abilities, or offer any in-match utility. They cannot be used during gameplay sessions.
- No Trading or Crafting: Unlike systems in some other multiplayer games, Collectables in Marvel Rivals currently cannot be traded with other players. Furthermore, they do not function as crafting materials, nor do they unlock cosmetic items like exclusive skins, emotes, or player icons.
This lack of practical in-game utility beyond serving as digital display pieces and lore entries has led to discussions among players.
Examples You Might Find
As mentioned, Collectables are drawn from across Marvel lore. Examples found in early seasons include:
- Darkhold: The infamous book of dark magic, often associated with Doctor Strange and other mystical characters.
- Celestial Codex: An artifact tied to cosmic entities and the lore surrounding symbiotes.
- Spider-Totem: Representing the mystical connection that empowers spider-heroes across the multiverse.
- Thread of Fate: An object linked to the Norns, powerful beings who weave the destiny of individuals and the universe.
- Hive Statue: A relic associated with the villainous Hydra organization and the entity known as Hive.
Each offers a brief narrative snippet for lore enthusiasts to appreciate.
Community Reactions and Future Hopes
The player base of Marvel Rivals holds differing views on the value of Collectables. Some players who are deeply invested in Marvel’s lore appreciate these items as fun nods to the universe and enjoy viewing them in their collection.
However, a significant portion of the community views them critically, sometimes labeling them as “useless” or questioning their inclusion if they don’t offer tangible in-game benefits, likening them to non-functional digital tokens.
Despite the current limitations, there is a segment of players who remain hopeful that NetEase, the game’s developer, may introduce additional functionality for Collectables in future updates. Speculation includes the possibility of allowing them to be exchanged for cosmetics, currency, or other in-game rewards down the line, although this remains purely speculative.
Summary
In summary, Collectables in Marvel Rivals are story-driven, cosmetic items earned through achievements, Battle Passes, and events. They serve as digital trophies and lore artifacts, viewable in your inventory with accompanying descriptions.
Currently, they have no impact on gameplay, cannot be used for crafting or trading, and do not unlock cosmetics. Whether their utility will expand in future updates remains an open question, making them, for now, primarily a feature for lore enthusiasts and dedicated collectors.
Written by:
Christian