Marvel Rivalshas officially revealed a Winter Soldier costume based on the newThunderboltsfilm, the latest in a sequence of tie-ins with other major Marvel media. As a hero shooter based on the rich comic book universe,Marvel Rivalshas had no shortage ofopportunities for fun crossovers. With the Winter Soldier getting his biggest role in a while thanks to the new filmThunderbolts, it’s no surprise that he’s also getting special treatment in-game.
A new trailer available on theMarvel RivalsYouTubechannelshowcases theThunderbolts*Winter Soldier skin and confirms its release on May 1at 7 PM PT/ May 2 at 2 UTC. The skin highlights Bucky’s more monochromatic outfit in the film and tweaks his hair and face to resemble MCU actor Sebastian Stan in the role. In celebration of the film’s premiere, the Winter Soldier’s new in-game look arrives just ahead of the Hellfire Gala: Moments event, which starts on May 2.
Marvel Rivals Highlights Bucky’s Thunderbolts* Look
The Winter Soldier Isn’t Trying To Stand Out
Within the high-stakes world of the MCU,Thunderboltshighlights a relatively grounded (and dysfunctional) group of antiheroes, and the in-game skin reflects the less fantastical approach to the film’s costumes. Equipped with the darker prosthetic arm of recent MCU projects and a relatively low-profile tactical outfit,The Winter Soldier looks quite a bit like hisThunderboltscounterpart in the newMarvel Rivalscostume.
The skin should be available through thestore tab in-game. Unlike a previousCaptain America: Brave New Worldtie-in, no theatrical promotion has been announced for the new Winter Soldier look, so nabbing a ticket for the film won’t provide much help. As for the Hellfire Gala event on the following day,completing missions will provide a free Wolverine - Patch costume, so there’s still something to get for free this week.
Thunderbolts Is A Cool Marvel Rivals* Crossover
Two Of Marvel’s More Exciting Projects Teaming Up
While the grounded visual style ofThunderbolts*has some precedent in other MCU films likeCaptain America: The Winter Soldier,it’s neat to see some subtler options make their way intoMarvel Rivals. Themaximalism of the gamecan be a lot of fun, but it also makes anything that isn’t quite as over-the-top stand out in a good way.
After a string of inconsistent MCU releases,Thunderboltsis also getting some nice buzz, so the tie-in could be a pleasant boost on both ends of the equation.Marvel Rivalshas done a lot to re-energize long-time Marvel fans and bring in some new ones, and I’d love it ifThunderboltsends up feeling comparably refreshing. Either way, I can’t complain about seeing Bucky rock a new look inMarvel Rivals, even if I wish it could come as a perk for buying a movie ticket.
