Marvel Rivals is rolling out a heartfelt nod to its earliest adopters and giving longtime players a second chance to snag some of the game’s rarest cosmetics. Starting May 15 and running through May 29, the developers at NetEase Games will relaunch the Season 0 Battle Pass—albeit with a twist—and accompany it with a celebration of the hero shooter’s Closed Alpha anniversary. Here’s a look at what’s coming, why fans are talking, and what it all means for the state of Marvel Rivals.

Why Season 0 Matters

When Marvel Rivals launched its initial Season 0 Battle Pass back in December 2024, it introduced a suite of exclusive challenges and rewards that quickly became coveted status symbols. Players who completed the pass earned unique character skins, emotive sprays, and other vanity items that distinguished early adopters from the broader player base. Over the months, whispers of “I wish I’d unlocked that” and “Those skins look amazing” spread through forums and Discord channels—especially among gamers who joined slightly later, during Season 1’s debut.

• Legacy Cosmetics
  Season 0’s cosmetics weren’t just another set of color swaps. They included meticulously designed outfits that captured fan-favorite moments—like Iron Man’s stealth armor or Captain Marvel’s retro flight suit. Once the season ended, those skins were retired, giving them an aura of exclusivity.
• Community Sentiment
  For many in the Marvel Rivals community, those skins signify dedication and early support. Fans shared screenshots, traded tips on how to breeze through the pass, and even created highlight reels showing off their unlocks. The return of Season 0 felt, to some, like reliving a formative chapter of the game’s ongoing story.

The Return: What’s New (and What’s Not)

NetEase’s announcement confirms that from May 15 to May 29, players can purchase the Season 0 Battle Pass for 590 Lattice—the in-game currency. Here’s what to expect:

• No Free Track
  Unlike its original launch, there won’t be a free progression path this time around. Everything resides behind the paid track, meaning those 590 Lattice unlocks all of the Season 0 challenges and rewards. This decision ensures that only those who invest in the pass can access the content, preserving the sense of exclusivity for early birds.
• Full Cosmetic Suite
  Every skin, spray, nameplate, and avatar border that debuted in Season 0 will be available for unlocking. If you missed that month-long push at the game’s inception, here’s your shot to fill those gaps in your vault.
• Potential Future Revivals
  The developers hinted that old battle passes might return periodically—each time at a higher price point than before. This approach balances nostalgia with in-game economy considerations, rewarding long-term fans willing to invest in past content.

Galacta’s Gift: Celebrating a Year of Closed Alpha

Coinciding with the battle pass revival is Galacta’s Gift, an event commemorating one year since the Closed Alpha first welcomed players. Launching on May 15, this event invites fans to log in and play matches to earn a suite of free rewards:

1. Nameplates and Sprays
   Earn a rotating selection of decorative items simply by completing matches and daily missions.
2. Costume Coin
   Perhaps the most buzzed-about reward, the Costume Coin lets you obtain one of the game’s original 33 skins—completely free. This is a major goodwill gesture, especially for those who couldn’t commit to the Season 0 Battle Pass back in December.
3. Additional Bonuses
   Beyond the coin, players can earn XP boosts, currency bundles, and special anniversary badges to commemorate their participation.

By combining a paid revival of Season 0 with a free entry point via Galacta’s Gift, NetEase is catering to both pay-to-play and free-to-play demographics, ensuring broad engagement during this celebratory window.

Looking Ahead: Ultron and Beyond

While the Season 0 Battle Pass and Galacta’s Gift dominate the immediate conversation, the community’s eyes are also fixed firmly on Ultron, the next major villain strategist character coming mid-season in Season 2. Details remain scarce, but leaks and hints suggest:

• Strategist Role
  Ultron will join the roster as a strategic controller, wielding an array of drones and energy blasts to manipulate the battlefield.
• Mid-Season Update
  Alongside his arrival, players expect balance tweaks, map rotations, and possibly a fresh batch of themed cosmetics.

The promise of new gameplay mechanics and another character drop keeps the momentum rolling well beyond the current promotional cycle.

Fresh Skins for Namor and The Punisher

To sweeten the pot further, on May 15 Marvel Rivals will release brand-new skins for Namor and The Punisher. Though specifics on designs remain under wraps, dataminers suggest:

• Namor’s outfit may draw inspiration from classic comic arcs, possibly featuring ornate Atlantean armor.
• The Punisher’s skin could lean into a noir aesthetic or pay homage to a celebrated graphic novel run.

These additions ensure that both old and new players have plenty of reasons to jump back into the fray.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re a seasoned Duelist who tormented your rivals during Season 0 or a newcomer eager to bulk up your collection, mid-May is shaping up to be a lively period for Marvel Rivals. Here’s how to make the most of it:

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Final Thoughts

Marvel Rivals’ decision to revive the Season 0 Battle Pass—alongside a free event celebrating its Closed Alpha anniversary—strikes a balanced chord between nostalgia and accessibility. Longtime players get another chance at the exclusive cosmetics they once chased, while newer fans gain generous free rewards to start their collections. With Ultron looming on the horizon and fresh skins for fan favorites on the way, the game’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. If you’ve been on the fence, mid-May is the perfect moment to dive back in, claim those elusive skins, and see what the future holds for Marvel Rivals.