Friends & Rivals: A Marvel Rivals Podcast

This week we've got the Summer Event, first impressions of season 8.5, Armed & Dangerous, a Balance Post, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260617/41548_1304600.html

Main Topic:

Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260609/41667_1303507.html

Hero Hotlist: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/ETyIqxKllc

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1...

This week is all about season 8.5, with news, Cyclops, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZhekPruzrE

Patch Notes: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/2064784768160366869

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1u2d0w3/hot_take_i_think_characters_getting_over_nerfed/

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1tyjipz/how_do_you_keep_this_guy_alive/

https...

This week is the calm before the season 8.5 storm, and we're continuing our combat preferences series with the second half of duelists. We've also got an Adam Warlock hero spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, and several Reddit Takes of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260602/41548_1302533.html

Main Topic:

Alignment Chart: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-characters-167212/6290928

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1tpz0vg/rivals_has...

This week we've got news including a new Doom Match map, we've got a Black Cat hero spotlight, and we're continuing our series, talking about the combat preferences of various heroes. This week, it's the first half of Duelists.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Alchemax Headquarters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8gyiobtcL4

Update on Cheaters: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20260525/40955_1301465.html

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260527/41548_1301784.html

Main Topic:

Alignment Chart: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel...

This week we're talking first impressions of Season 8 and taking a look at the Hero Hotlist and Balance Post. We've also got Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/2057129351330595035

Main Topic:

Hero Hotlist: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/index.html

Balance Post: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260512/41667_1299947.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1tg5...

It's season 8 news all episode as we talk Devil Dino, Cyclops, Battlepass, and everything else. We've also of course got a Jurassic edition of Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision Vol 17: https://youtu.be/VuEkzblXrMc?si=-LQ5cV4ynyeGR6yZ

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260513/41548_1300144.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1tc7m8y/meet_jeff_i_mean_both_of_them/

...

This week we're doing a fun one, as we tierlist character's willingness to help you move a couch. We've also got a White Fox hero spotlight, the 5oth Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260506/41548_1299168.html

Main Topic:

Who Would Help You Move Tierlist: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-characters-167212/6207950

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/6e6w1...

This week we're talking about the Avengers mode news, we've got a Elsa Bloodstone hero spotlight, and we're starting a new series, talking about the combat preferences of various heroes. This week, it's vanguards.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Lego Herbie: https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/the-fantastic-four-herbie-76339

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260429/41548_1298495.html

Main Topic:

Alignment Chart: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-characters-167212/6182790

Hero Spotlight

Lego Elsa Bloodstone: https://www.reddit.com/r...

This week we're covering our first impressions for 7.5 and the balance changes & hero hotlist. Justice for Thing and Rogue!

This week is your last chance to sign up on discord for the year membership to patreon giveaway! Just share us on social media somewhere and post it in the giveaway channel on discord.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Blood Hunt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd8xPgLCQkw

Hellfire Gala: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2046967273550717245

Magik & Gambit Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals...

This week we cover all the season 7.5 news! Listen to us talk through all the changes as you play the new content and get murdered by Black Cat through a portal.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6JC-ciabRg

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260415/41548_1296163.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1slpdco/in_light_of_black_cats_kit_reveal/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm...

This week Nick and Josiah talk Strategist Love Languages, Armed & Dangerous, a Daredevil Hero Spotlight, Mailbag, and the Reddit Take of the Week

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260408/41548_1295135.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1oxaa4z/despite_his_blindness_daredevil_can_still_see/

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1qbiisy/today_i_failed_my_team_by_thinking_the_enemy/

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Support...

This week Josiah and Nick talk Duelist Love Languages, Armed & Dangerous, a Punisher Hero Spotlight, and the Reddit Take of the Week

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Referenced Links:

News:

New Map: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChBE64P3Ams

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260331/41548_1293956.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1s9remt/balance_patch_notes_for_april/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button<...

If you like Balance Patches, we've got them for you. This week Nick and Josiah talk through not one, not two, but three sets of balance changes that came to Season 7.0. There's also a discussion on Season 7.0 first impressions, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260325/41548_1292836.html

Balance 1: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260316/41667_1291227.html

Balance 2: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260319/41667_1292065.html

Balance 3: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260325/41667_1292877.html

<...

It's time for Season 7 and for our heroes to go back to school! Josiah and Nick talk through all the hype for the new Season 7 content.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu8_U1mWGZA

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260318/41548_1291772.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1rwk76j/rivals_endless_balancing_circle/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm...

This week, Nick and Josiah talk through the love languages of Vanguards. What do each of them need from you? There's also news, Armed & Dangerous, a Gambit Hero Spotlight, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260310/41548_1290394.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1rjxf2v/fun_fact_gambit_has_been_top_4_most_banned/

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1rqquew/why_hulk_have...

This week, Josiah and Nick tier list characters' neutral games. There's also news about 2026 for Rivals, Armed & Dangerous, and the Mailbag & Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Rivals Rewind Video: https://fb.watch/FEEKG3hFp4/

2026 Roadmap: https://t.co/dRH2Lknx5z

Avengers Tie-In: https://t.co/pRoPQSFacf

Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2029225572354654346

Main Topic:

https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heros-tier-list-19190791/6003967

Reddit Take of the Week:

...

This week, Nick and Josiah talk through their seconds Rivals Quarterly, where they look back at seasons 4-6 and look forward to where the game is headed.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes (Last Week With Skin Pictures): https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260213/41548_1287282.html

6.5 Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021660509032886284

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1rcllna/when_they_lose_just_one_fight_and_send_you_to/

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals...

This week, Josiah and Nick talk through the Balance patch and their first impressions on season 6.5. There's also Armed & Dangerous, and some Reddit takes of the week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260213/41548_1287282.html

6.5 Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021660509032886284

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/CnMMujQZFJ

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/16iM8sF50h

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Support us on Patreon!<...

Starting off year 2 of Friends & Rivals, Nick & Josiah dive into all the Season 6.5 News, announcements and hype, while announcing the launch of the Friends & Rivals Patreon as well! There's also Armed & Dangerous, and several Reddit Takes of the Week

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021992706084667666

6.5 Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021660509032886284

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1r2hvj5/there_are_now_more_redhaired_women_than_blondes/

https...

This week marks 1 year of Friends & Rivals and Josiah and Nick take a walk back through the topics they've covered this year giving updates and thoughts on the various topics. There's also news with a new patch coming to the game, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

Thank you all for making this first year of Friends & Rivals a memorable experience :)

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260204/41548_1285429.html

Reddit Take of the Week:<...

This week Nick and Josiah look back on the 2025 Ignite Finals and try to learn some lessons from the Pros. There's also some news this week in Times Square, but you're not supposed to talk about it, and of course there's Armed & Dangerous, a Mailbag, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260127/41548_1284020.html

New Map: https://youtu.be/AWEtIaKvs5w?si=T55gfsttzv2Lpxnt

Rivals Ignite Finals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch...

This week is all about first impressions and the balance changes for Season 6. Josiah and Nick also bring some groovy news, Armed & Dangerous, a Mailbag, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260121/41548_1282950.html

Hero Hotlist & Balance Post:

Hero Hotlist: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/index.html

Balance Post: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20260113/41667_1281488.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals...

It's Deadpool time! Join Josiah and Nick as they talk all about Deadpool and Season 6 news this episode!

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision Vol 13: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011121065754239208

Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011468543229907198

Balance and Hero Hotlist: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011196704662388877

Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011528914854723941

Progression Updates: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011513649165439132

Twitch Drops: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011830923344421174

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com...

Josiah and Nick are back after a Christmas and Baby break! In this week's short reunion episode, the friends talk about balancing gaming with work and family. There's also a bit of rivals news before the big week next week, and a new year's edition of the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Adam Warlock & Phoenix Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2008569384034291792

January 8th Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260106/41548_1280416.html

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.denofgeek.com...

This week is all about season 5.5 and Rogue! Josiah and Nick cover all the news, and fill it in with Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Dev Vision Vol 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abvLlSjm2-0

Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1998800129524961417

Hero Hotlist & Balance Post: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1998452782026703180

Reddit Take of the Week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1pip3lj/wide_rogue_by_me_20_chars/

...

This week. Nick and Josiah leave it all to chance. Armed & Dangerous goes full random, Rocket Raccoon gets a hero spotlight, and the friends tier list the various team ups in the game. All with some news and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Rivals Anniversary Phase 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/slOfzyN6HXQ?si=wdONZgdla7Y5jfGR

Luna skin: https://youtube.com/shorts/r1KfUuqRgvM?si=BsJGcjHGaLDi0FBe

Psylocke Skin: https://youtube.com/shorts/Jo-oTkFog_w?si=07RJZ82LTJ7xpAdn

Happy Thanksgiving everybody, this week Josiah and Nick gather 'round the table with their own Rivals thanksgiving mashup. We've also got news about the Rivals Anniversary, Armed & Dangerous, a Mailbag, and a Magneto Hero Spotlight.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Grand Garden Trailer: https://youtu.be/-9NKTTnOsLc?si=M4W1-l-4ARuw73Fw

Anniversary Event: https://youtube.com/shorts/EBIqPZEeIOo?si= EaR6qSppQ8O6nGNv

Blade & Venom Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1993379313408729526

It's Episode 42 and Josiah and Nick are back to talk about the balance changes and their first impressions with season 5. There's also a Reddit Take of the Week, a Mailbag, and of course Armed & Dangerous.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Art Vision Vol. 5: https://youtu.be/-q_YpuRtWFE?si=SPdw3Han-aoESGEK

Dr. Strange and Magik Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1990502768352600107

Anniversary Video Announcement: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1989849726955737255

Main Topic:

Hero Hotlist: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/index.html

Guangguang finally blessed us with the Season 5 info 72 hours or less before it goes live. It's Episode 41 and Nick and Josiah scramble to talk through all things Season 5 before it releases. And of course there's Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week

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Referenced Links:

News:

Season 5 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXOUHb64164

Dev Vision Vol 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgH0wM59_Sk

Season 5 Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251112/41548_1270590.html

Battlepass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0...

It's Episode 40, and Josiah and Nick were caught empty handed waiting for the Dev Vision. So in the meantime, the friends return to their "Game-Life Balance" series, this time talking about Life. If you missed the Game Episode, you can find it at Episode 30. In addition, there's a Venom Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week and a Mailbag by Watercat.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Wolverine Skin: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1985738811167440934

11/7 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251105/41548_1269153.html

Reddit Take of...

For Episode 39, Josiah and Nick do some filthy strategist parrying to wrap up the Counters series. In addition, Josiah is under NDA, there's lots of skin news, and a Phoenix Hero Spotlight. Then of course there's Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week, and Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and Ironman Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1983187171872764175

Main Topic:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fEWQxI8v3rTK_3F7Q5wdJEuUwJA_KvZ9n0EFRy90iIU/edit?gid=474085679#gid=474085679

For Episode 38, Nick and Josiah are back to the "Parry This, You Filthy...!" series on counters, covering Duelists. There's also news on the new Marvel Zombies mode, an Angela Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the week & Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

New Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251015/41548_1264918.html

Cross Progression FAQ: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250924/40955_1261246.html

Jeff & Namor Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1980348292383805908

Marvel Zombies Mode! https://youtu.be/grjC63MftfI

Main Topic:

It's Episode 37 and Nick and Josiah are sick once again. It's a light news week, so most of the episode is spent on Season 4.5 first impressions, Armed & Dangerous, A Squirrel Girl Hero Spotlight (You're welcome, Marci) and the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Thor and Squirrel Girl Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1978114789915189694

Content Incentive Program: https://act.neteasegames.com/activity/3sSWwq?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbn1tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzcEJRa3ZwYXVEamxiWFE1AR57f-7edxwg4_8wITW8cMnJJ1ofXwvV6ikRxL7AUNXbZO42_p-nQJpF1iCuTg_aem_UHgUw_d-HIRj0Lhoah00QA<...

It's Episode 36 and Nick and Josiah cover all the new stuff coming to season 4.5, including Daredevil, the Jade Scrolls of K'un-Lun event, the Balance changes and the new Hero Hot List. Along the way, the friends also cover Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week, and Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

10/3 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250930/41548_1262803.html

10/10 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251003/41548_1263184.html

Main Topic:

Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20251001/41667_1263090.html

Hero Hotlist 4.0: https://www.marvelrivals...

Episode 35 sees a day no one ever thought would come. A Black Widow Hero Spotlight. Josiah and Nick talk all about our favorite sniper who isn't Hawkeye or Hela, and the friends also talk through the Season 4.5 Dev Vision Vol 10. At the time of recording, the character trailer for Daredevil hadn't come out yet. Next week will focus on Daredevil and the Balance changes for 4.5. There's also a Reddit Take of the Week, Armed & Dangerous with a special announcement, and a Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Emma Skin: https://twitter.com...

It's Episode 34 and Josiah and Nick have a new series for everyone. The Friends talk through a pretty heavy news week, and then get into the Vanguard portion of the "Parry This! You Filthy..." counters series. After that, it's time for a Thor Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, Reddit Take of the Week, and a Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250924/41548_1261216.html

K'un-Lun: Heart of Heaven Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkTmJp0dcUA

Shou-Lao's Blessing Event: https://www.reddit.com...

Episode 33 is coming at you from wherever Nick and Josiah now both live, as the friends talk through news, including the summer special 2.0, they give their first impressions of Season 4, and there's a Blade hero spotlight! To wrap things up, there is, as always, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week & Mailbag.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Invisible Woman & Punisher Skins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqhko6Wfmmw

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250917/41548_1259811.html

Technically Speaking: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1968336644832108787

...

Episode 32 time, and Nick and Josiah talk about the newest hero coming to the game, Angela! Beyond the Angela hype, the friends cover more season 4 news, the season 4 balance changes, and of course Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250904/41548_1257695.html

Main Topic:

Hero Hot List: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/

Balance Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250904/41667_1257761.html

Reddit Take of the Week:<...

Episode 31 is here, and with it is the Dev Vision for Season 4! Josiah and Nick talk through the Dev Vision and any other news from 9/3 or before, as well as chat about the Matchmaking video NetEase posted a week ago. And of course, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Season 4 Trailer: https://youtu.be/67FVMNGMFXU

Dev Vision Vol 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRUcdKzw6nQ

Main Topic:

Matchmaking Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNoYjK-qmfF...

It's Episode 30, and Nick is out of town. So for this travel edition of Friends & Rivals, they focus on the friend side of the name and take a detour to talk about their experiences with games and the friends we made along the way. But don't worry, the friends are still bringing your rivals content, with news, Armed & Dangerous, a Thing Hero Spotlight, and the Reddit Take of the Week.

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Referenced Links:

News:

Matchmaking Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNoYjK-qmfF/?igsh=MWF4cTY0Zno3ejA5aA==

Art...