Cyclops from Marvel Rivals is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

NetEase has revealed the exciting details for season 8.5 of Marvel Rivals, and the star of this midseason update is none other than Cyclops. He’s set to be a formidable opponent for anyone who crosses his path.

Cyclops is a Duelist who harnesses his visor beams for pinpoint accuracy, but he’s not just a rehash of Hawkeye. One of his standout abilities allows him to unleash a scattershot beam that ricochets between nearby foes, dealing significant damage. With two charges available, players can strategically integrate this ability into their regular attacks. Additionally, Cyclops boasts a mobility skill that lets him fire a laser blast while quickly retreating, making it ideal for swift maneuvers—think of it as a more vulnerable version of Elsa’s tactics, since Cyclops lacks any overhealth. However, this mobility skill comes with a lengthy cooldown, so players who get too aggressive may find themselves in trouble. Overall, despite his powerful abilities, Cyclops appears to be a well-balanced hero.

His ultimate ability is particularly noteworthy. If you’re familiar with Overwatch, you might see some similarities to Vendetta’s ultimate. Cyclops charges a beam of light and then fires it straight ahead and upward, causing it to explode after a brief delay, inflicting heavy damage on any character or object in its path (including Groot’s walls). While it may seem reminiscent of Overwatch’s mechanics, this move is significant for Rivals. Most characters have localized ultimates, which can be easily dodged by flying characters—even Iron Man’s strong pulse burst. Cyclops, however, poses a real threat to aerial opponents.

In addition to Cyclops, Marvel Rivals 8.5 introduces the K’un-Lun: Shenloong Arena map and a massive 18v18 mode called Bounty Annihilation. There’s also a new seasonal event featuring swimsuit costumes for a select group of characters, along with a summer-themed social spot called Hellfire Bay Beach, reminiscent of Times Square. From June 12-26, players can dive into the 616 vault to access costumes from past events that ran from July to September 2025, including the latest swimsuit designs.

Marvel Rivals 8.5 is set to launch on June 12.