Marvel fans, brace yourselves – the ever-lovable, ever-rocky Ben Grimm, better known as The Thing, smashed his way into Marvel Rivals on February 21, 2025.
This wasn’t just any update – his arrival anchored the much-anticipated mid-season refresh for Season 1, unofficially dubbed the “Season 1.5” patch. And he didn’t come alone. His fiery counterpart, the Human Torch, blazed in alongside him, officially completing the core Fantastic Four lineup in the game – at long last.
The Thing’s Debut: A Game-Changer Date
Strategically dropped during the second half of Season 1 – known as “Eternal Night Falls” – The Thing’s launch was more than symbolic. It was a synchronized global release. At precisely midnight UTC on February 21, 2025, players everywhere, regardless of platform, could finally shout “It’s Clobberin’ Time!” and mean it.
Fantastic Four: Fully Assembled
The release of both The Thing and the Human Torch was a long-awaited event for fans of Marvel’s first family. With Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman already on the roster, their arrival completed the puzzle. At last, the Fantastic Four stood united within Marvel Rivals – opening the door to exciting new team dynamics, iconic synergy plays, and nostalgic squad loadouts.
The Thing’s Impact: Strategy Reinvented
Ben Grimm didn’t just show up – he changed the game. As a high-durability Vanguard, The Thing excels at soaking up damage, holding down objectives, and making life miserable for enemy teams trying to push through choke points. His kit is built for frontline brawling and disruption, offering a refreshing shift in how players approach team comps and tactics.
Whether you’re a competitive tactician or a casual clobber enthusiast, The Thing forces you to rethink your lineup and counterplay options. His brute strength isn’t just thematic – it’s meta-defining.
A Defining Moment for Marvel Rivals
Bringing in The Thing and the Human Torch wasn’t just another content drop – it was a milestone. It showed Marvel Rivals is serious about honoring its source material while constantly evolving its gameplay. The completion of the Fantastic Four felt like a promise kept, and the energy it brought to both casual and ranked matches was unmistakable.
This was more than just an update – it was a moment. One that cemented Marvel Rivals as a living, breathing celebration of Marvel’s legacy.
