Introduction

Apocalypse is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and coveted characters in Marvel Strike Force, standing out for his game-changing abilities and strategic importance. As one of the most anticipated and iconic characters in the game, his arrival marked a major milestone, offering players the chance to unlock a character of unparalleled strength and influence. For those aiming to unlock this powerhouse, following a detailed Marvel Strike Force Apocalypse Saga Guide is crucial to navigating the complex process efficiently and effectively.

Apocalypse’s potential has made him a pivotal figure in team compositions, with his skills and versatility allowing him to dominate battles in a way that few other characters can. His introduction not only provided a new challenge for players but also shifted the meta, forcing players to rethink their strategies and character lineups. Initially, acquiring Apocalypse was a daunting task that demanded a considerable investment of both time and resources.

Players needed to focus on building and leveling up a large roster of specific characters, many of which required substantial effort to farm and upgrade. This made unlocking Apocalypse seem like an overwhelming goal for many, particularly those in the mid-game phase who might not yet have had the resources or roster depth to take on such a challenge.

However, recent updates have significantly streamlined the process, making it more accessible and achievable to a wider range of players, especially those who are transitioning from mid-game to the later stages of the game. These updates have adjusted character requirements and provided additional opportunities to acquire the necessary resources, reducing the barriers to unlocking Apocalypse for those who may not have been fully prepared initially.

This guide is designed to walk you through the essential steps of the Apocalypse Saga, offering strategic advice, tips, and insights to help you unlock this powerhouse character as efficiently as possible. Whether you’re just starting the journey or are already working your way through the Saga’s stages, this guide will provide valuable information to maximize your progress.

It will delve into the structure of the Apocalypse Saga, explaining the different stages and the specific character requirements needed to progress through them. By understanding how to approach each stage strategically, you can optimize your efforts and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Additionally, the guide will provide in-depth tips on managing your resources effectively, from focusing on key characters to balancing your gear and upgrades.

You’ll learn which characters are essential for unlocking Apocalypse and how to prioritize your roster to ensure the smoothest and most efficient progression through the Saga. With careful planning and the right approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your time and resources. By following the insights provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock one of the most powerful characters in the game with a carefully crafted, well-optimized strategy that will set you up for success.

Apocalypse Saga Overview

The Apocalypse Saga is a multi-part event in Marvel Strike Force that culminates in unlocking Apocalypse, one of the game’s most formidable and influential characters. The Saga is divided into five distinct parts: the Pestilence Saga, the Famine Saga, the War Saga, the Death Saga, and finally, the Apocalypse Saga. Each of these parts focuses on different challenges and team requirements, culminating in the unlock of Apocalypse himself.

Except for the final Apocalypse Saga, each individual Saga revolves around a specific Horseman and requires players to assemble and utilize their respective Horseman teams to participate in the event. The final Apocalypse Saga, however, requires all four Horsemen, alongside their teams, as well as additional characters to complete the event’s more challenging stages.

To accommodate players at various stages of progression, the Apocalypse Saga offers three difficulty levels: Hard, Heroic, and Apocalyptic. Completing the Heroic difficulty unlocks a “Baby Apocalypse”, a less powerful version of the character, at gear tier 16 with ISO-8 Blue level 4. As players progress through the Apocalyptic difficulty, they unlock the remaining Yellow Stars and Red Stars, upgrading Apocalypse to his full potential as “Big Boy Apocalypse” at gear tier 17 with ISO-8 Blue level 5. This progression ensures that players can work toward obtaining the most powerful version of Apocalypse while also making incremental gains along the way.

Each difficulty level has specific gear tier and ISO-8 requirements. These have been updated to offer more flexibility in team composition, allowing for more diverse strategies. Previously, players were required to invest heavily in a set roster of 23 specific characters. However, the updated requirements now allow players to use characters that share the same origin as the required Horsemen or any MSF Original characters for later missions. This update significantly reduces the resource investment needed and allows players to focus on building characters that are useful in other game modes, enhancing their overall roster for more long-term success.

Unlocking the Horsemen

To begin the journey toward unlocking Apocalypse, players must first acquire each of his four Horsemen. These characters act as essential prerequisites for progressing through the various stages of the Apocalypse Saga, with each Horseman tied to a specific chapter of the event. The process of unlocking these powerful characters involves strategic team building, careful resource management, and adapting to the specific requirements of each individual Saga.

Since the Horsemen are critical to unlocking Apocalypse, planning ahead and prioritizing which characters to focus on will significantly impact the speed at which you can progress. Let’s take a closer look at each Horseman and how to efficiently unlock them early in the game, ensuring a smoother journey toward acquiring one of the most powerful characters in Marvel Strike Force.

Morgan Le Fay


The Pestilence Saga revolves around Morgan Le Fay, a pivotal character that players must unlock early in their journey to Apocalypse. Historically, this Saga required the Darkhold team, but the updated event requirements now allow players to use any five Mystic characters, including Morgan Le Fay. This change has given players more flexibility in building their team, reducing the reliance on a specific set of characters.

One highly effective strategy for progressing through the first nodes is to use the Extreme X-Men team, as they fulfill both the Mystic and Hero tags required for the initial stages of the Morgan Le Fay event. This approach allows players to acquire Morgan Le Fay early without the heavy resource investment typically needed to develop the Darkhold team. By maximizing team synergy with the Extreme X-Men team, players can optimize their resources and unlock Morgan Le Fay with greater efficiency, setting a solid foundation for future Horseman events.

Rogue


Next, the Famine Saga centers around Rogue, another crucial Horseman required for unlocking Apocalypse. Much like Morgan Le Fay, the event’s requirements have been broadened, allowing players to use five Mutant characters, including Rogue, to progress through the Saga. The original requirement for the Unlimited X-Men team has now been replaced with a more flexible approach, making it easier for players to mix and match characters.

For Rogue’s event, the same Extreme X-Men team that worked for Morgan Le Fay can be reused here, as it meets both the Mutant and Hero tags needed for the first four nodes of the Rogue event. This strategy allows players to save time and resources by reusing a team already optimized for the previous Horseman. The synergy between the Extreme X-Men team and the Mutant characters required for the Famine Saga makes it one of the most efficient methods for unlocking Rogue early, advancing through the event quickly, and ensuring players are prepared for the next stages of the Apocalypse Saga.

Archangel


The Death Saga, which focuses on Archangel, presents a similar scenario where the updated requirements offer more flexibility. Instead of being forced to use the Death Seed team, players can now progress through the event using five Mutant characters, including Archangel.

This gives players a chance to utilize existing characters they may have already built up, reducing the need for additional investments. Once again, the Extreme X-Men team proves to be a highly effective choice, as it covers both the necessary Mutant and Global tags for the first four nodes of the Archangel event. By leveraging the same team that worked for both Morgan Le Fay and Rogue, players can continue to maximize their resources and efficiently unlock Archangel, keeping their momentum going as they prepare for the final Horseman, Red Hulk.

Red Hulk


The War Saga, which focuses on Red Hulk, is the final Horseman event in this sequence. The updated requirements for this event have shifted away from the Gamma team, now focusing on Bio characters. Players must use Red Hulk along with four other Bio characters to progress through the War Saga. A highly effective team for unlocking Red Hulk consists of Void Knight, Spider-Man (Pavitr), and Ghost Spider, along with Red Hulk, which fulfills the Bio tag requirements and can clear the first four nodes of the event. However, Node 4 in the Red Hulk Saga presents a particularly difficult challenge.

This node features a pre-taunting Bishop, a speed-boosting Spider-Man 2099, and a charge-generating Spider-Weaver, which can make it extremely difficult to keep Red Hulk alive. To overcome this challenging node, it is recommended to substitute Carnage and Red Goblin for two of the Bio characters. This composition ensures that Void Knight and Red Goblin will take the brunt of the attacks, allowing for quicker takedowns and increasing your chances of survival against the tough enemy combination.

By focusing on these efficient team compositions and strategies, players can unlock all four Horsemen early in their Marvel Strike Force journey. This approach not only prepares them for the Apocalypse Saga but also provides a solid foundation for tackling various game modes. Remember to prioritize leveling and gearing these characters to ensure success in their respective Sagas and future challenges. With the right strategy, players can unlock Apocalypse efficiently and position themselves for success in the game’s toughest challenges.

Apocalypse Saga Nodes

The Apocalypse Saga is the final and most challenging part of the journey to unlock Apocalypse in Marvel Strike Force. It consists of eight nodes for each difficulty (Hard, Heroic, and Apocalyptic). The requirements for each node have been updated to allow for greater flexibility in team selection, making it easier for players to complete the event without being tied to specific character groups. Players will need to have completed all previous Horsemen Sagas on Heroic difficulty with three stars to access Hard difficulty, and further completion of Hard difficulty with three stars is necessary to unlock Heroic difficulty. The Apocalyptic difficulty adds an extra challenge and requires higher gear levels and ISO-8 to proceed.

Hard Difficulty:
Hard Difficulty is designed for players who have completed all Horsemen Sagas on Heroic difficulty with three stars. The gear tier requirement for this difficulty is Gear Tier 15. The nodes in Hard Difficulty require specific character types to progress. Node 1 demands Mystic characters, Node 2 requires Mutant characters, Node 3 is focused on Bio characters, Node 4 again calls for Mutant characters, Node 5 requires three MSF Original characters, Node 6 necessitates Morgan Le Fay, Node 7 needs both Rogue and Archangel, and finally, Node 8 requires Morgan Le Fay, Rogue, Red Hulk, and Archangel to complete.

Heroic Difficulty:
Heroic Difficulty follows the completion of Hard Difficulty with three stars. The gear tier requirement increases to Gear Tier 16. The node requirements are identical to those of Hard Difficulty, but completing this stage unlocks additional rewards and progress toward unlocking Apocalypse. Players must ensure that all Horsemen are at the necessary gear tiers and that their teams are sufficiently upgraded to meet the increasing difficulty levels.

Apocalyptic Difficulty:
To access Apocalyptic Difficulty, players must have completed all Horsemen Sagas on Apocalyptic difficulty with three stars. This highest difficulty tier requires characters to be at Gear Tier 17 and have Tier 2 Level 5 ISO-8. The node requirements are the same as in Hard and Heroic difficulty, but Node 9 is added, requiring Morgan Le Fay, Rogue, Red Hulk, and Archangel. This difficulty level presents the ultimate challenge, with higher stakes and significantly tougher enemy teams, testing players’ strategic skills and team-building abilities.

Key Considerations for Node Completion:
Team placement plays a vital role in navigating these nodes. Strategic character placement can significantly influence the outcome, especially when dealing with adjacency attacks or abilities that trigger based on position. For example, Red Hulk’s special attack benefits from specific placements that ensure it hits the enemy team optimally.

Another critical factor is target prioritization. Identifying and eliminating high-threat targets early on in battle can be a game-changer. Characters with passive damage abilities, such as Ghost Rider, who activate abilities upon the death of allies, should be prioritized, as well as those with healing or revival abilities like Hela or Adam Warlock. These characters can significantly disrupt the flow of the battle, so taking them out first reduces their impact.

Utilizing crowd control abilities such as stuns, blinds, and ability blocks can further tip the scales in your favor. For instance, Gambit’s blind can negate his stealth and offensive capabilities, reducing his threat level in certain situations. Managing ultimate abilities is another crucial aspect of the strategy. Knowing when to use these abilities can turn the tide of a battle. Saving Agatha Harkness’s ultimate to slow down enemies at critical moments or holding Red Hulk’s ultimate for the arrival of a new wave with vulnerable targets maximizes its impact, making it easier to clear waves effectively.

Node 7:
Across the different difficulty levels, Node 7 stands out as particularly challenging. It requires careful planning and execution, especially in Heroic difficulty, where character levels and gear play a significant role. In this node, players will face some of the toughest combinations of enemies, and adjusting team composition accordingly is crucial to overcome the challenge. Ensuring your characters have the proper upgrades and balancing offensive and defensive abilities will be key to success.

Node 8 and Showcase Mode:
Node 8 in Hard Difficulty acts as an introductory showcase for Apocalypse’s abilities. Players can safely use Auto-Combat to clear this node and get a feel for Apocalypse’s kit. In Heroic Difficulty, Node 8 functions similarly, providing a preview of Apocalypse’s power before the final battle. The node gives players a glimpse of the character’s immense potential and can be used to gauge how well your team performs against some of the toughest enemies in the game, offering a useful test before the final challenges.

While this guide provides a solid foundation for navigating the Apocalypse Saga nodes, players must be aware that the game constantly evolves with new character releases, balance updates, and shifts in the meta. It is essential to stay informed about the latest changes and adjust your strategies and team compositions accordingly. Prioritizing characters that provide value across multiple game modes will help ensure that you are not only prepared for the Apocalypse Saga but also set up for success in the rest of Marvel Strike Force. With the right preparation, strategic planning, and adaptability, players can successfully overcome the challenges of the Apocalypse Saga and unlock one of the most powerful characters in the game.

Character Recommendations

Efficiently unlocking Apocalypse in Marvel Strike Force relies on strategically building characters that offer value across multiple game modes. The updated Apocalypse Saga requirements and current game meta influence the selection of key characters. Below are recommendations for characters in each category:

Mystic Characters:
Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes) is a standout character with high utility across various game modes such as Arena, Dark Dimension, and Cosmic Crucible. His role in the Secret Defenders team further enhances his versatility. Scarlet Witch is another top-tier Mystic character who shines in multiple modes. After her recent rework, she is a valuable asset, especially as part of the A.I.M. team. Doctor Strange is a reliable choice due to his utility and ability to revive allies, making him a core member of the Defenders team.

Spider-Weaver, an MSF Original character, offers significant future relevance, particularly in Dark Dimension. Her synergy with the Tangle Web team, especially with the reworked Spider-Man Noir, adds to her value. Morgan Le Fay is indispensable for the Apocalypse Saga and highly valuable in other game modes, particularly Dark Dimension. She should be prioritized for Gear Tier 17. Valkyrie, another MSF Original character, guarantees long-term value as a key asset in Dark Dimension and a powerful member of the Bifrost team in Incursions.

Considerable Mentions:
Spider-Man (Noir) is a budget-friendly Mystic character with value in the Spider Society raid team. His Mystic and City tags offer versatility, making him a solid pick. Sersi and Icarus (Eternals) may have fallen off the meta but still offer value in various game modes if already built up.

Bio Characters:
Red Hulk is a mandatory character for the Apocalypse Saga and continues to be highly valuable in War. His team remains relevant in War, maintaining power. Void Knight is an excellent character for Arena, raids, Crucible, and War. As a core member of the Hive Mind team, he is an essential Bio character. Spider-Man (Pavitr) is a great choice for the Spider Society raid team and also performs well in Dark Dimension. Ghost Spider, another Spider Society team member, also holds potential value in Dark Dimension. The Leader offers strong synergy with the Cabal team, making him a valuable asset in Cosmic Crucible.

Considerable Mentions:
Red Goblin, Gwenom, and Carnage (Symbiotes) are excellent additions to the Hive Mind team, providing value in raids and other game modes. Titania excels in Cosmic Crucible, particularly when paired with Masters of Evil or the Cabal team. Captain America & Captain Carter (Out of Time) are solid choices for players prioritizing synergy with Black Knight and their War defense capabilities. Lizard contributes to the Superior Six team, a powerful force in the game.

Mutant Characters:
Rogue and Archangel are crucial for the Apocalypse Saga and offer value across various modes. Prioritize them as they fulfill requirements for both the Rogue and Archangel Sagas. Nightcrawler and Gambit are core members of the Extreme X-Men team and are essential for raids while being valuable in other game modes like Arena and Cosmic Crucible. Old Man Logan is one of the best characters in the game, even at lower star levels, making him a must-have for any roster.

Considerable Mentions:
Forge and Sunspot provide support and synergy for the Extreme X-Men team, increasing their effectiveness in raids. Miss Marvel (Hard Light) has value in Arena, particularly as a soft counter to Apocalypse. Omega Red is a solid choice for War and holds potential in Dark Dimension.

While these recommendations form a solid framework for character selection, it’s important to consider your roster, resources, and preferences across various game modes. Prioritize characters that bring the most value, as they will serve you well not only in the Apocalypse Saga but across other aspects of Marvel Strike Force.

Resource Management

Resource management is crucial for efficiently unlocking Apocalypse and his Horsemen in Marvel Strike Force. Players need to prioritize and allocate resources like gold, training materials, and T2 ISO-8 ions strategically to ensure optimal progress.

Gold should be primarily focused on upgrading the gear tier and levels of Apocalypse and his Horsemen. These characters require substantial gold investment to reach Gear Tier 17 and Level 90 or higher. Players should farm gold efficiently by participating in Gold Challenges and using Gold Orbs strategically. It’s important to limit spending on non-essential characters, particularly those outside of the core teams needed for the Apocalypse and Horsemen Sagas. Only invest in characters that offer significant value across other game modes to avoid wasting resources.

Training materials should be allocated to Apocalypse, the Horsemen, and any supporting characters necessary for their respective Sagas. Players should prioritize these characters to maximize their efficiency in completing the required nodes. Training Orb Fragments from events and offers should be used strategically to acquire the needed training materials for key characters. It’s also important to avoid using training materials on characters that will not be required for the Apocalypse and Horsemen Sagas or those with limited use in essential game modes.

T2 Level 4 ISO-8 ions are a significant bottleneck when unlocking Apocalypse, requiring 715,000 ions per character. Heroic difficulty in the Apocalypse Saga alone demands 16.4 million ions for the 23 necessary characters. To maximize T2 ISO-8 ion rewards, players should focus on completing the Apocalypse Saga (Hard), which rewards 1.2 million ions from Nodes 7 and 8, and the Apocalypse Saga (Heroic), which rewards 2.8 million ions from Nodes 1-4. The Horsemen Sagas (Apocalyptic) each provide 2 million ions through various nodes. Additionally, players should participate actively in Cosmic Crucible and War to earn weekly T2 ISO-8 ion rewards and make the most of monthly Milestone events, which also offer significant ion rewards.

Planning ahead is essential for efficient resource management. Players should review the character requirements for each Saga and prioritize those who offer value in multiple game modes. Tracking progress regularly will ensure that resources are being accumulated effectively and characters are advancing as needed. Staying informed about game updates, character reworks, and new releases will help players adjust their resource priorities accordingly.

By following these resource management strategies, players can efficiently allocate gold, training materials, and T2 ISO-8 ions, ensuring steady progress toward unlocking Apocalypse and his Horsemen in Marvel Strike Force.

Apocalypse’s Kit and Abilities

Apocalypse is one of the most formidable characters in Marvel Strike Force, boasting a powerful kit that can dominate the battlefield. His abilities deal significant damage, disrupt enemy strategies, and enhance his Horsemen allies. Here is a detailed breakdown of Apocalypse’s abilities:

His Basic, “Cull the Weak,” deals piercing damage to a primary target with a 30% chance to apply Bleed. If the target has Trauma, Bleed is guaranteed. When Apocalypse is empowered, this attack gains +50% Piercing.

The Special, “Survival of the Fittest” (Cooldown: 3 turns), deals damage to all enemies while flipping Defense Up to Defense Down for 2 turns. This ability gains an additional +50% damage for each Horseman ally. If Apocalypse is empowered, it also clears Deathproof from all enemies.

Apocalypse’s Ultimate, “Great Destroyer” (Cooldown: 4 turns), deals damage to all enemies and drains while flipping Defense Up to Defense Down on 2 random targets for 2 turns. It applies Trauma to all enemies for 2 turns. If Apocalypse is empowered, this attack gains +100% damage.

The Passive, “Eternal Pharaoh,” provides a number of buffs. On spawn, Apocalypse gains Offense Up for 2 turns and applies Offense Up to all Horseman allies for 2 turns. On each turn, Apocalypse gains empowerment, up to a maximum of 3. While empowered, he gains +10% damage per empowerment, up to a maximum of +30% damage. When an enemy with Trauma is eliminated, all Horseman allies gain 1 Ability Energy. Additionally, when a Horseman ally uses a Special ability, Apocalypse applies +1 Offense Up to that ally, up to a maximum of +3.

Apocalypse’s Awakened Ability, “Famine’s Touch,” significantly enhances his “Survival of the Fittest” Special ability. When this attack crits, it applies Disrupted for 2 turns to the primary target. If Apocalypse is empowered, this attack will chain to 3 adjacent targets, dealing 75% of the original damage.

Apocalypse leads the Horsemen team, which consists of himself, Archangel, Morgan Le Fay, Rogue, and Red Hulk. His kit is designed to empower this team, granting them Offense Up, Ability Energy, and additional damage under specific conditions.

Key takeaways include Apocalypse’s role as a powerful attacker who excels at inflicting Bleed and Trauma, as well as his synergies with his Horsemen allies. His Awakened Ability adds significant utility and damage potential to his Special attack, and the strategic use of his Ultimate and empowered state can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Conclusion

To efficiently unlock and maximize Apocalypse and his Horsemen in Marvel Strike Force, players must take a strategic approach that includes prioritizing character development, managing resources effectively, and understanding Apocalypse’s powerful abilities and team synergy.

Start by prioritizing characters that offer value across multiple game modes. Key characters like Ghost Rider, Scarlet Witch, Red Hulk, Void Knight, and Old Man Logan provide utility in various modes, making them valuable assets beyond just unlocking Apocalypse. For players with more limited resources, Spider-Man (Noir) serves as a solid budget-friendly option to consider.

Resource allocation should focus on gold, training materials, and T2 ISO-8 ions, specifically directed toward Apocalypse, the Horsemen, and their essential supporting characters. T2 ISO-8 ions are the primary bottleneck in unlocking Apocalypse, so maximizing their acquisition through completing the Sagas, participating in Cosmic Crucible, War, and monthly Milestone events is critical for progress.

Understanding Apocalypse’s kit and his synergy with his Horsemen allies is essential for making the most of his abilities. His Bleed and Trauma effects can significantly weaken enemies, while his Awakened Ability further enhances his Special attack with Disrupted and chain damage to multiple targets. Timing his Ultimate ability to maximize damage output and disrupt the enemy team can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

By following this strategic approach, players can efficiently unlock and fully unlock the potential of Apocalypse and his Horsemen, turning their rosters into a formidable force in Marvel Strike Force.