Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Unveils First DLC Featuring Phoenix Cyclops

During San Diego Comic Con, Arc System Works and Sony Interactive Entertainment shared some thrilling updates about the upcoming fighting game, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. The highlight? The announcement of the first DLC character, Phoenix Cyclops, set to drop in fall 2026.

This version of Cyclops comes from a storyline where the Phoenix Force, famously associated with Jean Grey, is fragmented by Iron Man, with one piece taking over this optic-blasting X-Men. Following this event, he and the Phoenix Five take on villainous roles.

“Unleash devastating Optic Blasts, relentless close-range pressure, and the cosmic flames of the Phoenix Force. Scott Summers brings the heat to Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls this Fall!” reads the announcement.

We also got a glimpse of the game’s intro movie, which boasts an anime-style opening that certainly impresses. Animated by Sanzigen Studio, known for titles like BanG Dream! and Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers, the intro features the theme song “Stronger As One,” available on music platforms today.

Significant story details were revealed as well. The main antagonist of Marvel Tokon will be the Champion of the Universe, also known as Tryco Slatterus, a lesser-known character. In this version, the Champion is fixated on mastering “every fighting style across the cosmos.” The single-player mode will follow five captains, who lead pre-built four-character teams, as they attempt to defeat the Champion.

Additionally, there will be crossover skins between Insomniac’s Wolverine game and Tokon, with the fighting game featuring Wolverine’s Battle Reborn suit.

This information was shared during the “Behind the Battle” panel at SDCC, moderated by fighting game commentator and streamer Sajam, alongside game producer Takeshi Yamanaka, localization director Amber Seitz, and senior product development manager Michael Francisco.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a collaboration between Arc System Works, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Marvel Games. The game was first announced during a Sony State of Play showcase last June and is set to launch on August 6 for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC. An open beta will take place this weekend, allowing players to experience 16 of the 20 characters, along with casual and ranked matches, training mode, local versus, lobbies, a tutorial, and the first three chapters of the story mode.

As for gameplay, Marvel Tokon is a four-versus-four tag fighter. Players start each match with two of their four characters unlocked, with the remaining characters becoming available by meeting specific conditions, such as breaking a wall or losing a round. A unique aspect of this game compared to other tag fighters, like the classic Marvel vs. Capcom series, is that all characters on a team share a single health bar. This allows players to focus on one character without needing to switch mid-fight, although they may choose to change their point character to adapt to matchups or to throw off their opponent.

From previous early-access sessions, it’s clear that Marvel Tokon incorporates mechanics from Arc System Works’ earlier titles. It features systems from Guilty Gear Strive, including a wall break mechanic, and offers beginner-friendly elements from Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, such as autocombos. While some early-access players found the gameplay restrictive, Arc System Works has announced adjustments based on feedback from closed beta tests.

However, a significant issue surrounding the game is its unavailability in numerous countries, with limited access in regions unable to sign up for the PlayStation Network. The open beta, starting at 3 a.m. EDT on July 24 and running until 2:59 a.m. EDT on July 26 for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, will provide insight into how players feel about the game.

Marvel Comics is fully committed to the fighting game scene this August.