Marvel Rivals is rolling out a special celebration to mark the anniversary of its first Closed Alpha, and it’s packed with treats for both veterans and newcomers alike. Dubbed Galacta’s Gift, the event will run alongside the return of the Season 0 battle pass—available for a limited window—just as fans are gearing up for the mid-season debut of Ultron in Season 2. Here’s everything you need to know, laid out straight from the battleground.

Dear Rivals,

A year ago, Marvel Rivals entered Closed Alpha – and now we're celebrating how far we've come with a special surprise for our community! 🌟 Galacta's Gift is live, and so is the return of the original S0 Battle Pass for a limited time!

Full details here >>… pic.twitter.com/jQ41DsT2q7

— Marvel Rivals (@MarvelRivals) May 13, 2025

A Look Back: Why We’re Celebrating

It was in December 2024 that Marvel Rivals first opened its doors to a select group of players for Closed Alpha testing. Those early sessions gave rise to today’s fast-paced 3v3 hero shooter, where classic Marvel characters trade quips and superpowers in dynamic arenas. NetEase Games has been rolling out seasons steadily, adding fresh faces like Emma Frost in Season 2, and teasing heavy hitters such as Ultron, who’s set to crash the party as a Strategist sometime this summer.

But before the next big villain arrives, the studio wanted to tip its hat to the community that’s supported it from pre-launch onwards. Thus Galacta’s Gift: a week‑long celebration filled with earn‑by‑playing rewards, and a chance to snag that elusive Season 0 gear many missed the first time around.

What Is Galacta’s Gift?

Starting May 15 and running through May 29, Galacta’s Gift turns every match played into progress toward exclusive anniversary rewards. You don’t need to grind any special challenges—just log in, jump into your favorite modes, and watch the goodies stack up in your locker.

Key Rewards

• Anniversary Nameplate: A sleek new border for your player card, featuring cosmic motifs inspired by Galacta herself.
• Sprays: Two limited‑edition sprays, including a celebratory “1 Year Strong” design and a playful Galacta portrait.
• Chrono Shield Cards: Use these to give yourself a little extra MVP flair when you clutch that round.
• Costume Coin: Perhaps the crown jewel of Galacta’s Gift: this one‑time token lets you unlock any of the original 33 costumes released at launch in December 2024. Note that it applies only to the outfit skins; emotes, sprays, and MVP screens from those bundles are not included.

These items are spread across the event’s free track, so everyone who logs on while Galacta’s Gift is live will earn them—no premium pass required.

The Return of Season 0 Battle Pass

For those who joined Marvel Rivals after February 2025, Season 0 flew under the radar. Now, for the first time since its March 2025 sunset, the Season 0 battle pass will be purchasable again—at a special anniversary rate of 590 Lattice (down from its original price).

What’s in Season 0?

• New Costumes for heroes like Captain Marvel, Spider‑Man, and Thor that were never offered again after season’s end.
• Exclusive Emotes that capture each hero’s personality in animated form.
• Legendary Sprays and border styles that show you’ve been around since day one.

If you missed grabbing these items in that brief first run, now’s your shot—just don’t dilly dally. The pass will only be in the store from May 15 to May 29, matching the Galacta’s Gift timeframe.

What’s Next: Mid‑Season Mayhem with Ultron

While you’re busy unlocking skins and stacking nameplates, NetEase hasn’t forgotten the gameplay side of things. The mid‑season update to Season 2 will introduce Ultron as the game’s first dedicated Strategist, blending ranged offense with team buffs and battlefield control.

• Strategist Toolkit: Ultron’s drone swarms can pester enemies from afar, while his Tactician Protocol grants shields or speed boosts to allies.
• Teamed‑Up with Iron Man? Leaks suggest an unlockable ability where Tony Stark’s tech uplinks to Ultron’s drones, enhancing their targeting and firepower.

Expect dev insights and perhaps a test server run in June, with an official release sometime before July. Whether you’ll love or hate facing off against Al’s greatest creation remains to be seen—but it’ll shake up the meta for sure.

How to Make the Most of Galacta’s Gift

1. Log In Daily. Even a single match each day moves you closer to the top tier of rewards.
2. Mix Up Modes. Experiment with 3v3 Team Deathmatch, Extraction, and Control to keep things fresh—and to stay warmed up for Ultron’s inevitable arrival.
3. Track Progress. The event screen will show which freebies you’ve unlocked and what’s still waiting.
4. Plan for Lattice. If you want both the Costume Coin and the Season 0 pass, budget for the premium track (590 Lattice for the pass, plus any Lattice you need if you’re short). Consider grabbing seasonal bundles or offers to top up.

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Looking Ahead: More Throwbacks on the Way?

NetEase has hinted that Season 0 isn’t the last battle pass to make a comeback. Future reissues will come at a 20% premium over their original prices, and they’ll stay around for at least two full seasons—so if you miss out, you’ll have a second chance before they retire again.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, Galacta’s Gift is a festival of nostalgia and cosmetics, giving everyone something to chase as Marvel Rivals gears up for its next big villainous twist. Load in, lock on, and let the anniversary fun begin!