Marvel’s Avengers is an action-adventure game developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix. Based on the popular Marvel superhero team the Avengers, it allows players to control several iconic Marvel characters including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, and the Hulk. The game was first announced at E3 2019 and launched in September 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia.

What platforms is it available on?

Marvel’s Avengers is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Google Stadia. There are enhanced versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S that take advantage of the more powerful hardware in those consoles. Cross-platform play is supported so players on different systems can play together online.

What are the key features of the game?

Some of the major features and gameplay elements of Marvel’s Avengers include:

Open world environments to explore
Cinematic story campaign featuring an original Avengers storyline
Cooperative gameplay for up to 4 players during missions
Competitive multiplayer modes
Variety of enemy types from the Marvel universe
Customizable gear, skills and outfits for each hero
RPG progression system to upgrade heroes
Regular content updates including new heroes, missions, enemies, events, and locations

Why is it so popular?

There are several reasons why Marvel’s Avengers has proven to be such a popular game:

Strong appeal for Marvel fans who want to play as their favorite superheroes
High quality visuals and combat that really make you feel like an Avenger
Satisfying progression system and compelling loot grind
Engaging multiplayer for teaming up with friends
Continued support from the developers with new heroes and content
Massive Marvel universe to explore with characters, locations, and storylines
Accessible for casual gamers but with depth for hardcore players
Available on all major gaming platforms so wide audience can experience it

The combination of fulfilling superhero fantasy wish fulfillment along with strong gameplay systems has helped make Marvel’s Avengers a big commercial and critical success.

Gameplay

Overview

Marvel’s Avengers features various gameplay systems and mechanics that come together to create an exciting superhero action experience. At its core, it is an action-adventure game with a strong focus on melee combat. Players can switch between controlling any of the playable Avengers members, each with their own unique movesets, abilities and playstyles.

The levels range from more linear, story-driven sections to open world hubs that provide more freedom to take on side activities. While playing solo, you can bring along AI companions to assist you. The game really shines in 4-player co-op, where teams of Avengers can work together to take down enemies and complete missions.

There is also a progressions system involving gear, skills and ability upgrades that allows you to customize your heroes. Various difficulty options are available to cater to players of different skill levels. Overall, Marvel’s Avengers offers diverse gameplay modes and systems to allow players to enjoy being Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Combat

Combat in Marvel’s Avengers is dynamic and made to truly embody the power fantasy of being an Avenger. Each hero has their own unique fighting style and abilities that can be customized. Cap throws his shield and bashes foes with melee combos. Iron Man blasts enemies with his repulsors and unibeam. Hulk smashes everything in sight with devastating blows. Combat is fast-paced and flows between light and heavy attacks, ranged and melee damage, and various power moves.

The varied enemy types, like , drones, turrets, and supervillains require you to use strategy and coordinate with your team. Environments are destructible and can be used against enemies. Combos, parries, and dodging create skill-based depth. Overall, combat is designed to make you feel like a badass superhero capable of taking down legions of foes.

Characters

At launch, Marvel’s Avengers featured Kamala Khan’s Ms. Marvel, Steve Rogers’ Captain America, Thor Odinson, Bruce Banner’s Hulk, and Tony Stark’s Iron Man as playable heroes. Each has their own unique moveset tailored to their powers and abilities. Ms. Marvel utilizes polymorph abilities to enlarge her fists and legs to hit enemies. Cap combines his iconic shield with hard-hitting melee attacks. Customization like gear, skills, and outfits further diversify how each hero plays.

More playable heroes have been added since launch like Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye, T’Challa as Black Panther, and Clint Barton as Hawkeye. Upcoming heroes include Spider-Man, Winter Soldier, She-Hulk, War Machine and Captain Marvel. Overall, fans can enjoy playing as their favorite Avengers in new ways.

Missions

There is a variety of mission types in Marvel’s Avengers offering diverse gameplay scenarios. Story missions advance the main narrative campaign in specific locations. Faction missions for SHIELD and Inhuman allies move side stories forward. Villain sectors feature boss battles against notable foes. Vaults are complex dungeon-like activities requiring teamwork. Drop zones and threat sectors are optimized for quick co-op action.

Objectives range from defeating waves of enemies, destroying specific targets, defending allies, traversing environments, surviving timed challenges, and defeating a final boss. Most missions can be played solo or cooperatively with others. Weekly challenges add new twists and rewards. Having so many mission types keeps gameplay feeling fresh.

Progression

Marvel’s Avengers features deep RPG mechanics that allow you to grow your heroes’ power over time. Defeating enemies and completing missions earns you gear that can be equipped. This gear boosts your heroes’ stats like strength, defense and Heroic energy. As gear level increases, so do your heroes’ overall Power level. You can eventually reach a soft power cap at the maximum gear level.

Each hero also has a skill tree that unlocks combo moves, passive bonuses, special attacks and other abilities using skill points earned from leveling up. Resources collected can be used to upgrade gear perks and stats. Completing daily and weekly challenges accelerates progression. Overall, Marvel’s Avengers gives you plenty of avenues to make your Avengers more powerful.

Story

Overview

The story campaign of Marvel’s Avengers follows an original narrative set in the broader Marvel universe. It showcases each of the core launch Avengers in an epic adventure against a rising global threat. The story combines action-packed superheroics with quieter character-driven moments.

While largely linear, players can take breaks between story chapters to explore open world hubs and select missions. The campaign lasts around 12 hours but leaves threads to continue in future content updates. Optional narrative elements like audio logs and backstory files add lore depth. Overall, the story aims to deliver an enjoyable blockbuster Avengers experience.

Main Campaign

The main campaign revolves around an A-Day celebration of the Avengers that ends in tragedy when a devastating accident kills many, outlaws superheroes, and allows the shadowy corporation AIM to take control.

Five years later, the Inhuman Kamala Khan discovers the truth about what happened and reunites the disbanded Avengers to take down AIM, its army of synthetic creatures called Synthoids, and leader MODOK. Each hero confronts their past as they come back together. It culminates in an epic final mission to stop AIM’s global takeover.

Key story moments include Kamala discovering her powers, the Avengers reassembling, beloved characters from the wider Marvel universe appearing, and the heroes learning to work together again while dealing with tensions and trauma from A-Day. It sets the stage for future stories.

Side Missions

Outside the main story path are various optional side narrative threads and missions. These allow you to spend more time with individual Avengers heroes and other Marvel characters while also expanding the lore and worldbuilding.

Examples include defending Inhuman settlements from attack, helping Black Widow uncover a personal mystery about her past, reconnecting with old SHIELD allies like Maria Hill, and investigating the whereabouts of former Avenger Hank Pym. More side content focusing on the wider Marvel universe is planned for the future.

Future Content Plans

Marvel’s Avengers story will continue to evolve and expand over time through free post-launch content updates. These add new narrative chapters that advance the overarching plot with new locations, missions, and heroes.

For example, the Operation Hawkeye update focused on Clint Barton and Kate Bishop dealing with the emergence of mutated Tachyon energy. The War for Wakanda expansion delved into Black Panther’s fight to free his homeland from Klaw’s control. Upcoming 2023 updates will further deepen the lore and stakes of the Avengers Initiative.

By continually updating the story over months and years, Marvel’s Avengers aims to realize an ever-growing Marvel saga. This long-term approach allows the narrative world and its characters to grow in exciting new directions.

Graphics and Performance

Visuals

Marvel’s Avengers leverages Crystal Dynamic’s proprietary Foundation Engine to deliver impressive graphical quality that brings the Marvel universe to life. The varied heroes, enemies, locations and effects are all rendered with a high level of detail and visual fidelity.

The game supports 4K resolution and HDR color on compatible systems like PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X for increased clarity and contrast. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, performance is boosted to 60 FPS at dynamic 4K resolution adding fluidity to the combat. Ray tracing support on PS5 and Xbox Series X further enhances shadows, reflections and other effects with realistic lighting.

Heroes like Iron Man and Thor appearing on screen with intricate outfits, flashing energy effects and detailed faces make you feel like you’re controlling the actual Avengers. Distant city skylines, natural environments, weather effects and more create lush backdrops. Destructible environments like crumbling walls or shattered glass add to the cinematic spectacle.

A range of accessibility options are available to optimize the visual experience like adjusting motion blur, camera shake, subtitles, text size and colorblind support. Overall, Marvel’s Avengers delivers a blockbuster comic book visual presentation.

Frame Rate

A key aspect of Marvel’s Avengers’ graphical performance is its frame rate, which refers to how smoothly animations and motion flow on-screen. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the game runs at a mostly stable 30 FPS in the default graphics mode which prioritizes higher resolution visuals.

The performance mode caps resolution at 1080p but increases the frame rate to 60 FPS resulting in much smoother combat and traversal, at the cost of some visual fidelity. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the baseline is 60 FPS with dynamic 4K resolution. Targeting higher frame rates makes actions feel instant and fluid which is crucial for a fast-paced action game.

During demanding segments with many enemies on screen, the frame rate can occasionally dip but generally remains stable. Some animations like Iron Man’s flight can appear stiff at 30 FPS but look silky smooth at 60 FPS. Overall, players on new consoles or using performance mode get the optimal Avengers gameplay experience thanks to higher, more consistent frame rates.

Loading Times

Loading times refer to the pauses between gameplay when transitioning between missions or different areas. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, loading times average around 1-2 minutes which breaks up the pacing. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the super-fast SSDs cut these loading times down to just 10-15 seconds.

Heroes zapping in and out of War Zones is almost instant. Starting missions or retrying checkpoints happens seamlessly. Even fast traveling between far distant outposts in the open world takes mere seconds. This dramatically improves the gameplay flow and allows players to spend more time actually being Earth’s Mightiest Heroes rather than staring at loading screens.

Some minor graphical pop-in can still occur during scene transitions but this is common for large open world games. Support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X’s velocity architecture and direct storage APIs will likely improve streaming down the road. Overall, the next-gen consoles deliver significantly faster loading, creating a smoother and more immersive experience.

Multiplayer

Overview

While Marvel’s Avengers can be played solo, it really shines in its variety of multiplayer modes. These allow teams of up to four players to assemble online and combine their heroic strengths. Multiplayer dramatically enhances the experience through cooperative teamwork and friendly competition.

There are two main multiplayer components. Cooperative play lets you take on missions and objectives together. Competitive multiplayer offers unique gameplay modes to test skills against others. Multiplayer helps build connections between fans and keep gameplay feeling fresh. Avengers assemble!

Cooperative Gameplay

Cooperative play, or co-op for short, allows teams of 2-4 players to play together online. All the main campaign missions and post-game content can be played in co-op. Having four legendary Avengers fighting hordes of enemies creates amazing action spectacle.

Players can take on group challenges they may struggle with alone. Teammates can revive each other if downed to prevent mission failure or use synergistic ability combinations for maximum impact. Special multiplayer HARM challenges offer intense co-op-focused gauntlets to overcome as a squad.

Finding a co-op team is streamlined with matchmaking options for different mission types, though you can manually invite friends too. Better loot rewards incentivize replaying content cooperatively. Chatting online with fellow Marvel fans while assembling heroes adds to the social experience.

Competitive Gameplay

For players seeking to test their Avengers mastery against others, competitive multiplayer modes offer that opportunity. These niche modes provide a change of pace from the main co-op activities.

The primary PvP mode is Warzone, where two teams of four heroes face off to complete objectives. One Warzone variant is Attack/Defend where heroes take turns between attacking or defending key locations. Another option is Drop Zone which has movable capture points teams fight to control.

HARM Challenge Rooms also come in competitive flavors where teams try to achieve higher scores or times. Leaderboards drive competition to top the ranks. These PvP modes require smart coordination, quick reflexes, and skillful use of hero abilities to outplay opponents.

While not Avengers’ primary focus, competitive multiplayer broadens the range of content and provides some bragging rights. It’s ultimately most rewarding with organized teams, not casual matchmaking. Optional PvP diversifies the game.

Tips and Tricks

General Tips

Prioritize completing Iconic Mission chains to unlock special Hero Set gear for each Avenger. This can give major stat boosts.
Keep a lookout for strong gear perks like Valor, Might, and Proficiency that amplify damage, critical chance, and Heroic recharge rate.
Rotate between different heroes to keep their power levels even, rather than just maining one. A diverse roster is important.
Take time to customize gear, skills, and outfits to match your preferred playstyle for each hero. This investment pays off.
Pay attention to enemy attack indicators and learn to parry, dodge, and evade appropriately to mitigate damage.
Utilize covers and elevations to gain advantageous positions over enemies whenever possible.
Learn to combo ranged attacks, Heroics, takedowns, and intrinsic abilities together for maximum impact.
Complete the HARM training simulator to practice combat fundamentals and master counters, dodges, and parries.
Prioritize completing daily and weekly challenges to earn units, resources, polychoron, and other progression rewards faster.
Join a Strike Team to play with recurring teammates and get social interaction bonuses.

Character-Specific Tips

Ms. Marvel: Focus on combos and Embiggen abilities. Her polymorph beam is great for clearing groups of weak enemies in one big area attack. Use Healing Spirit to stay alive.

Iron Man: Use lasers and rockets to take out airborne enemies. Switch between Unibeam, missiles, and repulsors as Heroics. Prioritize might and precision for damage.

Hulk: Rage and Thunderclap help generate Heroic orbs quickly. Pour points into strength and resilience. Use grab/clap combos to stagger tougher enemies.

Black Widow: Invisibility and grappling hook provide excellent mobility. Use her pistols to build up status damage. Time parries well to counterattack.

Thor: Pin enemies against walls with Mjolnir then smash them. Use God Blast to control crowds. Master timing his intrinsic Warrior’s Fury state for huge damage spikes.

Captain America: Throw shield and use hand-to-hand combos. Aim Brooklyn Brawler’s shield toss to hit multiple foes. Use Steamroller to clear distances quickly.

Mission-Specific Tips

Defend the Helicarrier: Stay mobile and rotate between missile turrets to take out bombers and drones. Having a flier on patrol helps.

In Honor’s Name: During the final MODOK showdown, use team combos and have one person kite his beam attack.

…The Evil Shall Fall: When fighting Taskmaster, watch for cue when he goes unblockable and dodge immediately after.

To Tame a Titan: Have everyone focus fire on the Warbot’s legs to stagger it then unleash big damage up close.

Mayhem Over Manhattan: Use heroes with strong crowd control like Black Widow or Thor for the nonstop waves of enemies.

…From the Dark Depths: Stay elevated in the caverns and lure festering brood into concentrated kill zones for easier crowd management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the system requirements for Marvel’s Avengers?

Marvel’s Avengers has different PC system requirements depending on if you want to target 720p/30FPS, 1080p/30FPS, 1440p/60FPS or 4K/60FPS.

Minimum requirements are an Intel Core i3-4160 or AMD equivalent CPU, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 950/AMD 270 (2GB) graphics card and 110GB storage space. Recommended specs for 1080p/60FPS are an i7-4770K, 16GB RAM, a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 480 8GB GPU. 4K/60FPS requires an i7-8700K, 32GB RAM and an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT.

Console requirements are either an Xbox One/PS4 for 720p/30FPS or Xbox Series X/S/PS5 for 60FPS. PS5/Xbox Series X can also display up to 4K resolution. Overall, current-gen hardware is needed for the best experience.

How do I play the game online?

Marvel’s Avengers supports online multiplayer that allows playing co-op or competitively with others. To play online, you need an internet connection and an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscription.

You can play with friends by inviting them directly via your platform’s friends list and party system. Or use the in-game matchmaking to be paired up randomly with other players for different missions. Crossplay allows connecting across PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

How do I unlock new characters and abilities?

Completing main campaign missions unlocks the core heroes. Then additional post-launch heroes like Kate Bishop, Hawkeye and Black Panther can be unlocked by completing their respective narrative Operations.

Abilities are unlocked by earning skill points from leveling up heroes, then purchasing nodes in their skill trees. New combo moves, Heroic attacks, passive buffs and more become available as you progress down the trees.

Gear collected from missions, vendors and caches can also modify your abilities. So continually playing content and earning better gear makes your heroes stronger over time.

What are the different multiplayer modes?

There are cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. Co-op includes campaign missions, HARM challenges, drop zones and other PvE content where teams work together against AI enemies.

Competitive PvP modes include Avengers Initiative Warzone where teams face off in objective-based battles. There are also leaderboard-tracked HARM challenges for scoring.

How do I get help if I’m stuck?

If you ever get stuck on a mission or objective, there are resources to help:

View the “Mission Details” tab for tips specific to challenges you’re struggling with.
Matchmake with others online who can provide aid and revive one another.
Lower the difficulty which makes missions more manageable until you level up.
Watch YouTube guides that visually demonstrate how to beat certain areas.
Post on the Avengers subreddit or Discord where the community can provide advice.

So don’t feel afraid to ask for assistance. Avengers stick together!

Marvel’s Avengers delivers an exciting superhero experience that lets players embody Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in a massive adventure. Its strong blend of combat, progression, story, and multiplayer make it both an enjoyable single-player campaign and endless co-op playground.

The satisfying melee brawling and third-person shooting capture the fantasy of controlling legendary Avengers. Customizing their gear and skill trees to match your playstyle is engaging. Seeing familiar faces from the Marvel universe appear in an original story is a treat for fans.

Being able to play through the cinematic campaign solo or cooperatively with friends adds flexibility. Ongoing updates adding new heroes, villains, missions, and narrative chapters keep the world feeling fresh. The variety of content and multiplayer modes provide near endless replayability.

While Marvel’s Avengers has room for polish and improvements, the solid foundation is here. Crystal Dynamics continues working to add more content and features over time based on community feedback. This game-as-a-service approach means Avengers will keep evolving.

Marvel’s Avengers manages to stay faithful to the beloved superhero IP while also forging its own path. It succeeds at making players feel like the Avengers in a way no game has quite captured before. Anyone who loves Marvel or action games should find plenty here to enjoy. Excelsior!