@XOXLEAK recently leaked information that the anticipated Black Panther skin will not be arriving in the Marvel Rivals store this week. Many expected it to release between March 21 and March 28, but developers have taken a different direction. Instead, the store will feature the Dracula-themed skin alongside the Steam Power Iron Man bundle. Previously, new Storm and Loki skins were introduced, but this time, the developers opted for a surprise twist.

Speculation suggests this move could be a response to leakers and data miners. Developers might be adjusting their release schedules to mislead leaks and keep upcoming content unpredictable. Season 2 is on the horizon, and developers could have major surprises in store alongside regular store rotations and skin bundles.

Spider-Punk 2099 Arrives in Place of Black Panther

Instead of the Black Panther skin, Marvel Rivals has introduced the Spider-Punk 2099 skin, set to release on March 20. This unexpected change has surprised many fans. However, Spider-Punk 2099 is not entirely new, as it was previously seen in the closed beta test. This unique and visually striking skin is arguably the best Spider-Man skin available in Marvel Rivals.

For players who prefer a distinctive aesthetic over humorous options like the Paper Bag Spider-Man, this skin is an excellent choice. Its punk-inspired design makes it stand out among other Spider-Man variants. While fans were eagerly waiting for the H skin teased recently, its arrival remains uncertain. For now, players can enjoy Spider-Punk 2099 and wait for future releases.

Steam Power Iron Man: A Unique Addition

March 20 also marks the release of the Steam Power Iron Man skin. Many consider this one of the best Iron Man skins in Marvel Rivals due to its distinctive design and model. It looks visually stunning in gameplay, making it a popular choice among players. The skin features a different aesthetic from traditional Iron Man suits, with blue lightning effects adding to its appeal.

For those looking to get this and the Spider-Man skin, upcoming events will offer free LCE currency, making these purchases more accessible. If you are a dedicated Iron Man player, this might be the best time to add this incredible skin to your collection.

Marvel Rivals Competitive Meta: Wolverine and Rocket Raccoon Shaping the Meta

The esports scene for Marvel Rivals continues to evolve, with new insights into the competitive viability of different characters. Wolverine has been highlighted as an essential pick for countering Groot. His aggressive playstyle and strong burst damage make him a top choice for dismantling tank-heavy teams.

On the other hand, Rocket Raccoon is emerging as a powerful counter to tank heroes. Players on Reddit have recently pointed out that Rocket’s primary fire can shred through One Guards like Groot faster than many DPS heroes. His mobility and ability to deal sustained damage make him a rising meta pick.

Some professional players suggest using Rocket against Doctor Strange, dashing behind him while his shield is up to force a difficult decision—either turn around to deal with Rocket or continue blocking the team’s attacks while being shredded from behind. This newfound effectiveness has changed how players perceive Rocket Raccoon, shifting him from an overlooked support hero to a key tank counter in competitive play.

Marvel Rivals: Potential X-Men Season

With the game’s evolving meta and content updates, leaks suggest that Marvel Rivals might introduce an X-Men-themed season. While data miners predict the arrival of characters like Emma Frost and Blade, new concept art for Beast has surfaced. Beast’s agile and strategic playstyle could make him a formidable addition to the game.

His potential role remains unclear—some speculate he could be a tanky strategist like Mr. Fantastic, while others believe he may lean towards One Guard status due to his durability. If Beast is introduced, it would mark a major shake-up for the game and provide new opportunities for team compositions.