Marvel Rivals: All Game Modes Explained in Season 9.5

Since the beginning of Season 0, Marvel Rivals has received a plethora of new game modes. From Splatoon-inspired spin-offs to a Zombies special themed around Blade, NetEase has delivered some really creative gameplay experiences. But if you’re wondering what is available right now, here are all the Marvel Rivals game modes for Season 9.5.

Editor’s Note: Last updated on September 3, 2026, to include the latest game mode details.

All Marvel Rivals Core Game Modes

In Marvel Rivals Season 9.5, the core game modes remain Quick Play and Competitive. The types of objectives in both are similar, but as the name suggests, Competitive is basically the Ranked mode of Marvel Rivals. Here are the core objective types in the game:

Domination

• Map(s): Birnin T’Challa, Hell’s Heaven, Krakoa, and Celestial Husk

Domination is one of the most common game modes in all of hero shooters. Call it King of the Hill in TF2 and Control in Overwatch 2 or Apex Legends; the objective remains the same. However, unlike the other games, you must win 2 out of 3 sets in Marvel Rivals to get a victory.

The Domination game mode in Marvel Rivals is played on a mirrored map. Once the round starts, teams must capture a point in the center of the map. When both teams stand in the area, the capture progress stops until one team is eliminated or pushed outside.

Once a team captures a point, the score progresses by 1% every 1.2 seconds. This will continue until the bar reaches 100%. If the enemy team contests the area while a team is winning, the game will go to Overtime. Until a contesting team leaves, the Overtime bar will continue.

Since Domination is all about bunkering down and controlling the central space, heroes such as Magneto and the Punisher excel in this game mode.

Convoy

• Map(s): Arakko, Spider-Islands, Midtown, Yggdrasill Path, Museum of Contemplation, and Thebes

The Convoy game mode in Marvel Rivals is like the classic Payload in Team Fortress 2 or Escort in Overwatch 2. Just like in those games, teams assume the role of attack and defense. The defenders will have a timer that they can utilize to set up defenses, while attackers prepare to escort a convoy to the other side of the map.

After 30 seconds, the match starts as the attackers are released to capture a vehicle. The defenders can linger around the Convoy to recapture it and send it backwards. If the attackers manage to regain control and surround the vehicle, the Convoy will roll forward. Depending on the number of attackers, the speed will increase.

There are two checkpoints on the map that the attacking team must guide the convoy past. Once the vehicle crosses those checkpoints, it will no longer roll back. Since this mode is all about controlling and anchoring the moving payload, heroes such as Hela and Peni Parker are great for shutting down support around the convoy. The latest Convoy map added to the game is the Thebes map in Marvel Rivals.

Convergence

• Map(s): Hall of Djalia and Symbiotic Surface, Central Park, Heart of Heaven, Shin-Shibuya, and Lower Manhattan

Although Convergence’s format is similar to Convoy’s, there is an interesting twist. In this game mode, the play area is divided into three regions. The attacking team will have to progress with the Convoy to score points. Each region will be secured once you have scored 33%, 66%, and 100%, respectively.

Once you secure a post, as an attacking team, you can leave anytime, and the Convoy will not move behind. If you have played Hybrid in Overwatch 2, this is the familiar version in Marvel Rivals. The latest Convergence map, Lower Manhattan in Marvel Rivals, has been added to the map pool.

Marvel Rivals Arcade Game Modes

Apart from the standard game modes, Marvel Rivals also features more arcade-y experiences that are all about enjoying the combat. There are no competitive stakes involved or unnecessary pressure from teammates.

Instead, these modes are all about having fun. In the past, NetEase has delivered some incredible experiences, such as Jeff’s Winter Splash LTM in Marvel Rivals. But in Season 9.5, here’s everything on offer:

Conquest

• Map(s): Ninomaru

Conquest is essentially Marvel Rivals’ team deathmatch. In this mode, two teams of six battle to be the first to reach a target score of 50 points by securing eliminations. However, a kill alone isn’t enough; fallen enemies drop purple coins that must be physically collected to update the scoreboard.

This “kill-and-confirm” mechanic prevents long-range snipers from dominating the match from afar and forces teams into chaotic, close-quarters skirmishes to secure their points.

Each coin becomes more valuable throughout the match. Once your team reaches the 50-point mark, you will win. You can also win the game by scoring more points than the enemies before the timer runs out. This is the perfect mode to practice the best Marvel Rivals characters.

18 vs. 18 Annihilation and Bounty Annihilation

• Map(s): Grand Garden, Shenloong Arena

Just as it says on the tin, the 18 vs 18 Marvel Rivals game mode features a total of 36 players. TDM rules apply, meaning the goal is to secure as many kills as possible. The action takes place on the biggest map in the game: Grand Garden. If you simply want to test your duelling edge, there’s no better experience to jump into than Annihilation.

The 18 vs 18 Bounty Annihilation puts a spin on the classic mode; players need to secure kills as well as take control of rotating objective areas. Think of this mode like a combined version of Domination and TDM. The recently introduced Shenloong Arena was built for this mode.

Doom Match

• Map(s): Sanctum Sanctorum

Almost every Marvel Rivals game mode requires coordination between teammates. The only exception to that rule is Doom Match, which is a Free-For-All experience, meaning every hero on the map is an enemy. 8 to 12 players are pitted against each other in this mode, and the first to secure 16 eliminations is crowned the winner.

Despite being named after Victor Von Doom, the game mode doesn’t actually star the iconic villains. Hopefully, this will change once the official Marvel Rivals x Avengers collaboration kicks in.

Free Fight

Free Fight is composed of all the objective types and their respective maps. In fact, it’s almost the same as Quick Match, except for one major difference. Unlike other game modes, duplicate heroes are permitted in Free Fight. This means you’ll come across team comps with three Jeffs, or five Deadpools in Marvel Rivals. The possibilities are bizarre and limitless.

All Marvel Rivals Limited-Time Modes

NetEase Games continues to introduce limited-time modes during every season. The Marvel Rivals: Age of Ultron PvE mode introduced in Season 9 just ended. So, here are all the limited-time modes in Marvel Rivals as of Season 9.5:

Marvel Rivals Blood Hunt PvE Mode

Marvel Rivals Blood Hunt mode has become the most popular PvE mode available in the game. It was first introduced in Season 7.5 and has been extended until October 9, 2026. Players can team up to defeat a horde of zombies and classic villains like Dracula, Kingpin, etc, from the Marvel universe.

And that wraps up our guide on all Marvel Rivals game modes in Season 9.5. Which is your favorite mode on the list? Let us know in the comments.