News

The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo Is a Great Looking Performance EV - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:00
I've spent some time sat in the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, and it's a gorgeous car.
The Porsche Taycan Is One of the Best Performance EVs I've Driven, but Not for the Reason You Think - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:00
After spending some time with the impressive Taycan, its range and charging speed impressed me more than its speed and performance handling.
Samsung Will Reportedly Make iPhone Image Sensors at Texas Facility - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:11
Apple's deal with the South Korean company means that Sony won't be sole image sensor maker for the iPhone 18.
The Right Blade Can Make All the Difference. These Are the 6 Best Chef's Knives in 2025 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 12:00
Your kitchen deserves a mighty chef's knife but what style and size is best? We tested more than a dozen Western, Japanese and hybrid knives to find the best blades in 2025.
ChatGPT Is Getting a Big Upgrade. Here's What's New With GPT-5 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 13:00
The new large language model is rolling out to all ChatGPT users.
Shake Up Your Diet With Clear Whey Protein to Get Closer to Your Fitness Goals - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 14:00
This popular powder is adding to the protein craze because it’s refreshing and sweet.
Starlink Teases ‘Community’ Discount for Shared Satellite Access. Here’s How It Works - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 14:05
For $60 a month, Starlink may let you share a satellite dish with your neighbors.
Want to Lose Fat and Gain Lean Muscle? Body Recomposition Is the Trick You Need to Try - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 14:15
Losing fat while gaining muscle is tricky, but with body recomposition you can do it.
Today's Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Aug. 8, #1511 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:00
Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for Aug. 8, No. 1,511
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Aug. 8, #319 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:00
Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug. 8, No. 319.
Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 8, #789 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:00
Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Aug. 8, #789.
Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 8, #523 - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:00
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for Aug. 8 No. 523.
Roblox Rolls Out System to Spot Child-Endangerment Chat Messages - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:17
The AI system has detected and reported 1,200 cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children this year.
Installing the Latest iOS 26 Public Beta? Here's My Honest Advice About Waiting for Now - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:24
The second public beta of iOS 26 is out, but it's still prerelease software. It's good to be cautious.
An Electrician Warns: Never Plug AC Units or These Other 6 Devices Into Extension Cords - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 16:30
Extension cords can make it easier to reach an outlet, but certain devices shouldn't be plugged into them.
The next Batman movie will start filming in early 2026 – but it's got nothing to do with The Dark Knight's debut in James Gunn's DCU - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:17
  • Principal photography will begin on the next Batman movie in early 2026
  • It's got nothing to do with the superhero's eventual debut in the DC Universe
  • Cameras will start rolling on the long-gestating sequel to The Batman instead

It's been three and a half years since The Batman was released in theaters – and after numerous setbacks and delays, there's light at the end of the tunnel for its long-awaited sequel.

Today (August 7), Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) confirmed filming will finally get underway on The Batman Part II in early 2026. The entertainment giant confirmed the news in a shareholder letter that accompanied its Q2 2025 earnings report.

The reveal is the second piece of good news that's arrived recently. In late June, Matt Reeves, co-creator of the DC comic book franchise known more widely as The Batman Epic Crime Saga, announced the film's script had been completed. At the time, Reeves, who directed The Batman and who'll helm its follow-up, took to Instagram to post an image of the finished screenplay alongside co-writer Mattson Tomlin.

Before this pair of relief-inducing announcements, fans had grown increasingly concerned about the fate of Reeves' next Batman film. There were reasons why the superhero flick was trapped in development hell, including issues that had impacted Reeves' private life.

A post shared by Matt Reeves (@mattreevesla)

A photo posted by on

However, while many fans sympathized with Reeves over said personal problems, others were growing increasingly frustrated with the amount of time it was taking to get The Batman 2 off the ground. It was left to James Gunn to placate those individuals in mid-June, with DC Studios' co-CEO telling fans that The Batman Part II hadn't been canceled and that they should "let him [Reeves] do this thing" – aka, give him space to finish co-penning its script.

Thankfully, The Batman 2's troubled road appears to be coming to an end. Indeed, with the film not set to hit theaters until October 2027 – its revised launch date was one of six big stories that broke over the 2024 holiday season – there's plenty enough time for Reeves and company to shoot the DC Universe (DCU) adjacent movie, and complete its likely lengthy post-production phase.

Speaking of the DCU, Gunn and Peter Safran's rebooted cinematic universe got a major update in February, which included news on whether The Batman Epic Crime Saga would be folded into it. There's been some movement on The Brave and the Bold, the Batman film that was announced as part of the DCU Chapter One line-up in January 2023, too. For the latest on that big-screen offering, check out my DCU Chapter One guide.

For more on Reeves' next project starring the world's greatest detective, read my dedicated guide on The Batman Part II. Oh, and remind yourself what happened in The Penguin – aka The Batman's first spin-off – and how it might set up the sequel film's story by reading my ending explainer on The Penguin.

The Batman and The Penguin are available to stream on HBO Max (US and Australia), Sky/Now TV (UK), and more of the world's best streaming services where you live.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong was a no-show once again at the Nintendo Indie World Showcase, but here's everything else that was announced - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:39

The Nintendo Indie World Showcase for August has officially wrapped, and those 15 minutes were jam-packed full of announcements for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

While we didn't see the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, there were plenty of other indies to get excited for, including several metroidvania-style games, a new debut project featuring Celeste's pixel artist, and multiple titles that are available starting today.

In case you missed it, here's everything that was announced during the latest Indie World Showcase.

Mina the Hollower

(Image credit: Yacht Club Games)

From the developers of Shovel Knight, Mina the Hollower is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 31, 2025.

In this game, you play as Mina, a renowned Hollower, on a quest to save a cursed island. It's an action-adventure experience that shares the same pixel art style and music as Yacht Club Games' previous games, featuring environmental hazards, monsters, and a customizable gear set.

A demo is available today.

Well Dweller

(Image credit: Kyle Thompson)

Well Dweller is a dark fairytale, metroidvania-style game from the creator of Crypt Custodian and Islets, featuring 2D platforming, sidescrolling mechanics, and scary-looking boss fights.

Announced for Nintendo Switch and releasing in 2026, you play as Glimmer, a tiny bird armed with a matchstick, who must burn the wicked queen to save his family before they become part of her royal gown.

On your journey, you'll meet new characters and reunite all your sheltered siblings, snatched from the nest one night in a turn of events that lead to the coming of an unlikely, little hero.

Neverway

(Image credit: Coldblood Inc)

Neverway is a debut game developed by Coldblood Inc., a studio co-founded by the pixel artist behind the award-winning Celeste and TowerFall, and featuring an original soundtrack by Disasterpeace.

"After quitting her dead-end job, Fiona starts over on a farm and becomes the immortal herald of a dead god," the game description reads. "Make friends, fight through horrors, and pay off your debt in Neverway, a nightmarish life sim RPG."

The game is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2026.

Herdling

(Image credit: Okomotive)

Herdling is a brand new game from Okomotive, the creators of the acclaimed FAR games and the publishers of Firewatch.

In this adventure, you set out on a grand alpine expedition with a herd of mysterious beasts called Calicorns. As you ascend the mountain path, you'll encounter eerie dangers, obstacles, and beautiful views.

It's your mission to guide and protect the Calicorns while avoiding dangers and solving environmental puzzles.

Described as "an emotional, wordless tale of trust, survival, and companionship during a great crossing through a fallen world", Herdling is heading to the Nintendo Switch and PC on August 21, 2025.

Is This Seat Taken?

(Image credit: Wholesome Games Presents)

Available on Nintendo Switch today, Is This Seat Taken? is a cozy puzzle game where you must play seating matchmaking with multiple characters in social situations.

"Your mission is to organize groups of people according to their preferences," the trailer description reads. "Whether it’s the cinema, a crowded bus, a wedding reception, or a cramped taxicab, every setting introduces new characters with specific tastes.

"A party guest with a sensitive nose won’t be happy sitting next to a stranger who’s wearing too much cologne. A sleepy passenger won’t be happy trying to nap on the bus next to someone listening to loud music. It’s all about reading the room to find the perfect placement!"

Little Kitty, Big City

(Image credit: Double Dagger Studio)

Little Kitty, Big City was released last year for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, but today's announcement comes in the form of The Picture Purrfect update, which is arriving later this year.

With this free content update, a cat customizer has been added, along with new areas to explore, new and familiar friends to meet, and additional photo mode options.

Content Warning

(Image credit: Landfall)

After first releasing on PC and taking the livestreaming space by storm in 2024, Content Warning is officially heading to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.

This online co-operative hit combines action roguelike mechanics with horror, tasking you with filming "scary stuff" with friends to try and go viral on SpöökTube.

Every run in the Old World lasts for three days; the more scary the stuff you film, the more you go viral. Ad revenue from your SpöökTube videos also allows you and your teammates to upgrade your gear to film better videos and survive more easily.

Ball x Pit

(Image credit: Kenny Sun)

Ball x Pitt is a brick-breaking, ball-fusing, base-building survival roguelite, inspired by games like Vampire Survivors. Featuring a low-poly, pixel art style, there'll be over 60 randomized balls to equip that can be used by ricocheting them off hordes of enemies.

Each level will offer new challenges and boss fights, characters to meet, and riches to earn that can be used to expand your homestead.

Ball x Pitt launches on October 15, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. It's also coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in Fall 2025.

A free demo is available now.

Ultimate Sheep Racoon

(Image credit: Clever Endeavor Games)

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon is an adorable eight-player, bike-racing party game where you and your friends build courses and race against obstacles and dangerous traps.

It's coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in Winter 2025.

Glaciered

(Image credit: Studio Snowblind)

Glaciered is an action-adventure game developed by Japanese indie studio Studio Snowblind.

Set 65 million years in the future, the world has frozen over, caused by the Everwinter, and the oceans have been sealed under a thick layer of ice. New species dwell under the glacier-covered seas called Tuai, descended from birds and successors of the dinosaurs.

You play as a Tuai who explores the underwater world, fighting marine creatures with real-time, dynamic combat to protect the new Ice Age.

Glacieredis launches on Nintendo Switch 2 as a timed console exclusive this winter. The game is coming to Steam, with a "Q3 2025" release window.

Winter Burrow

(Image credit: Pine Creek Games)

This cozy woodland game from Pine Creek Games will find you surviving the harsh winter and rebuilding your childhood burrow as a mouse. Gather, craft, bake, meet the locals, and try to stay warm.

Winter Burrow launches on Nintendo Switch this winter.

Undusted: Letters of the Past

(Image credit: Toge Productions)

In Undusted: Letters of the Past, you play as Adora, who returns to her childhood home after her mother’s passing. While tidying the abandoned house, she uncovers and restores old mementos, and fragments of a forgotten past slowly come back together.

"Leave no item undusted, and awaken memories long buried in dust to find meaning in the present."

The game launches on Nintendo Switch in October 2025. A PC release is also planned.

Tiny Bookshop

(Image credit: Neoludic Games)

Tiny Bookshop is a cozy, narrative management game where you must stock and run your tiny second-hand bookshop with different books and items, and set up shop in scenic locations.

You can customize your shop with collectible items like plants and candles, recommend the right book to the right customer, befriend Bookstonbury's quirky cast of characters and help them out, stock your shelves, and more.

Tiny Bookshop rolls onto Nintendo Switch and PC today.

Caves of Qud

(Image credit: Freehold Games)

The award-winning Caves of Qud is officially heading to Nintendo Switch in late 2025.

The game, which originally released on PC in 2024, is a science fantasy roguelike where players must chisel through thousands of years of civilizations, all while surviving a deeply simulated world of sentient plants, mutant kindred, and retrofuturist cataclysm.

Strange Antiquities

(Image credit: Bad Viking)

In Strange Antiquities, you play as the custodian of a store dealing in occult antiquities. It's up to you to find and identify arcane artefacts and use them to aid fellow townsfolk.

The cozy simulation game arrives on September 17, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC.

OPUS: Prism Peak

(Image credit: SIGONO)

OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative-driven adventure game that finds you in the shoes of a weary, middle-aged photojournalist who has left behind city life, only to find yourself stranded in an ethereal mountain inhabited by spirits.

You encounter a spirit girl who has no memory of who she is. As their journey unfolds, her presence offers a different angle that helps him see the world more clearly.

"To uncover the secrets of this mystical world and find your way back home, you must gather clues and unravel its secrets—with nothing but an old camera in hand.

"Tweak your camera’s aperture, shutter, and focus to capture what each spirit longs to see. Offer your photos to the sacred flame, and they will answer with guidance."

The game launches on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC this Fall.

Go-Go Town!

(Image credit: Prideful Sloth)

Go-Go Town! is currently an early access game on Steam and also offers a demo.

In this sandbox city builder, you landed the job of mayor of a crumbling city. Like similar city builders, you must build and manage everything in your town, assign workers, plot out zoning, and more until it's thriving.

You can play solo, but there's also an option for co-op.

The game is heading to Nintendo Switch in Spring 2026.

UFO 50

(Image credit: Moss Mouth)

In UFO 50, you can play a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, including platformers, shoot 'em ups, puzzle games, roguelites, and role-playing games (RPGs).

"As you journey through the library, make connections and learn more about UFO Soft, the fictional 80s company behind the games, as well as their expansive shared universe that includes sequels and recurring characters," developer Moss Mouth said.

The indie was released on PC in 2024, but is now available on Nintendo Switch.

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Nearly 90% of Iranians now use a VPN to bypass internet censorship – here's everything we know - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:40
  • Over 86% of Iranians now rely on VPNs to access blocked content, according to the latest Tehran E-Commerce Association's report
  • The report also ranks Iran as 97th out of 100 countries for internet quality
  • Iran outlawed the use of "unauthorized" VPNs in February 2024, de facto banning their usage without a legal permit

Nearly 90% of internet users in Iran rely on VPN services to navigate widespread internet disruptions, according to the latest report from the Tehran E-Commerce Association published on Sunday, August 3.

The report, which ranks Iran as 97th out of 100 countries for internet quality, also criticizes Iranian authorities for failing to address calls to improve national connectivity, the Iran International reported.

The use of the best VPN services and other circumvention tools, like Starlink, keeps rising despite a law enforced in February 2024 outlawing their usage without a legal permit.

Iran's internet crisis

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

"Our findings show that 93% of youth and 86% of the general public use VPNs," said Pouya Pirhosseinlou, head of the Internet and Infrastructure Committee of the Tehran E-Commerce Association, the Iran International reported.

Despite easing some internet restrictions like those against WhatsApp back in January, many websites remain filtered in Iran at the time of writing, forcing Iranians to find alternative ways to stay connected.

"Today, around 700,000 small businesses operate on Instagram. At least one million jobs are tied to that platform alone. Disruptions here directly hit people’s livelihoods," explains Pirhosseinlou.

Yet, via a reliable virtual private network (VPN), people in Iran can trick their local internet service provider and gain access to Instagram and other restricted platforms within seconds.

This surge in VPN usage may also contribute to worsening the precarious connectivity level of Iran's internet. Citizens' traffic is forced "through distant, inefficient routes and lowering speed," Pirhosseinlou explains, adding: "Even on unfiltered websites, users keep VPNs on –further degrading national internet performance."

This isn't the first time that the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association – an independent body that monitors and evaluates the internet situation in Iran – has placed Iran's internet among the worst worldwide. In another report dated January 2024, experts precisely blamed the President and Iranian officials' lack of knowledge for this "self-inflicted" situation.

Commenting on the latest findings, Pirhosseinlou said: "Even if we had America’s infrastructure, Iran’s internet would still be full of disruptions because of the current filtering.[..] Filtering equipment is inherently disruptive. It causes serious malfunctions across many emerging protocols and websites."

Using a VPN in Iran – all you need to know

Despite being increasingly a necessity, authorities have been actively working to prevent the use of Iranian VPN over the years.

For example, in 2023, Iran was second only to China for VPN censorship. This also occurred in 2024, when Iran topped the VPN censoring list across the country's official app stores.

Not only VPN-targeted blocking, though. The regime has even challenged the legality of using a VPN in the first place. In February 2024, Iran outlawed "unauthorized" VPNs, de facto banning their usage without a legal permit. Three months later, the government also resurrected an internet bill that could put VPN usage at risk even more.

Cybersecurity experts have also recently found a new spyware campaign mainly targeting Iranian Android VPN users via infected fake VPN apps.

For all these reasons, it is very important to choose a reliable, secure, and private service. I recommend checking TechRadar's up-to-date guide of the best free VPN on the market to download only the most secure freebie out there – Windscribe Free and Proton VPN Free are today's top picks.

TechRadar's reviewers also rank NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN as the best overall (in order) at the time of writing, but you'll have to pay for a subscription in order to use these services.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

This devious ransomware is able to hijack your system to turn off Microsoft Defender - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 11:43
  • Experts warn Akira is using SonicWall VPNs to deploy two drivers
  • One is a legitimate, vulnerable driver that allows the other one to be executed
  • The other one disables antivirus and endpoint protection tools

Akira ransomware has dominated the headlines recently due to its abuse of SonicWall SSL VPNs to gain initial access and deploy an encryptor.

However, while initial access is important, it is still not enough to infect a device, especially if it’s protected by an antivirus, or an endpoint protection and response solution (EDR).

Now, security researchers from Guidepoint Security believe they have seen exactly how Akira disables security solutions, which allows them to drop the ransomware.

A handful of targets

In a recent report, researchers from Guidepoint outlined how Akira is engaged in a bring-your-own-vulnerable-driver (BYOD) attack, using the initial access to drop two drivers, one of which is legitimate.

“The first driver, rwdrv.sys, is a legitimate driver for ThrottleStop. This Windows-based performance tuning and monitoring utility is primarily designed for Intel CPUs,” the researchers explained. “It is often used to override CPU throttling mechanisms, improve performance, and monitor processor behavior in real time.”

The second driver, hlpdrv.sys is registered as a service but when executed, it modifies the DisableAntiSpyware settings of Windows Defender within the system registry.

“We assess that the legitimate rwdrv.sys driver may be used to enable the execution of the malicious hlpdrv.sys driver, though we have been unable to reproduce the exact mechanism of action at this time," the experts said.

Multiple researchers have observed attacks coming from SonicWall SSL VPN’s, and since some of the instances were fully patched, they have speculated the threat actors could be exploiting a zero-day vulnerability.

However, in a statement shared with TechRadar Pro, SonicWall said that the criminals were actually exploiting an n-day vulnerability.

“Based on current findings, we have high confidence that this activity is related to CVE-2024-40766, which was previously disclosed and documented in our public advisory SNWLID-2024-0015, not a new zero-day or unknown vulnerability,” the company said.

“The affected population is small, fewer than 40 confirmed cases, and appears to be linked to legacy credential use during migrations from Gen 6 to Gen 7 firewalls. We’ve issued updated guidance, including steps to change credentials and upgrade to SonicOS 7.3.0, which includes enhanced MFA protections.”

Via BleepingComputer

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Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 live: Blade release time, downtime, and our preview impressions leading up to launch - Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 12:00

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 is now less than 24 hours away. Blade will be added alongside a massive update that refreshes ranked play and tweaks Hero balancing. Here's TechRadar Gaming's live coverage of the launch, including info on the build-up to downtime.

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 key info

Start time
Downtime
Blade info
Hero Balancing
Ranked Changes

Now that NetEase has revealed the full details for Marvel Rivals Season 3.5, we know that there's not long to wait before we get a whole host of new additions to the game. There's even a full roadmap for Season 3.5, detailing upcoming events, skins, and new maps and modes. It's regular updates like these that have kept Marvel Rivals ranked highly in our best PC games list since it launched.

I've now played hundreds of hours of Marvel Rivals and even got early access to the upcoming season. As such, I've played as Blade, testing out his unique abilities at the Practice Range. He's a powerful Duelist, and I could see him becoming a true contender in the coming days.

Here's everything you need to know about the launch of Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. I'll detail what's been announced as we move towards downtime. After that, you can follow my live impressions of the new season once Marvel Rivals is back online.

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 start time

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 will arrive after downtime expected to last 2-3 hours. As such, I've estimated the season's start time below:

  • East Coast (US): 7AM ET (August 8)
  • West Coast (US): 4AM PT (August 8)
  • United Kingdom: 12AM BST (August 8)
  • Europe (Central): 1PM CEST (August 8)
  • Japan (Tokyo): 8PM JST (August 8)
  • Australia (Sydney): 9PM AEST (August 8)
Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 downtime

(Image credit: NetEase)

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 downtime kicks off at the times below:

  • East Coast (US): 5AM ET (August 8)
  • West Coast (US): 2AM PT (August 8)
  • United Kingdom: 10AM BST (August 8)
  • Europe (Central): 11AM CEST (August 8)
  • Japan (Tokyo): 6PM JST (August 8)
  • Australia (Sydney): 7PM AEST (August 8)

Downtime is estimated to be 2-3 hours according to NetEase, and the last two seasons have followed that guidance. Hopefully, things go according to plan, though I'll be updating this page live on the day with any news of potential delays.

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Blade

(Image credit: NetEase)

Blade will release on August 8, 2025, in Marvel Rivals. He's the new Hero that's being added as part of Season 3.5. As a new Duelist, Blade primarily focuses on damage output. He has a block that reduces incoming damage, a dash strike ability, a shotgun ranged attack, and a katana for close range.

Interestingly, Blade is able to unleash his Ultimate using Dracula's Sword. This deals massive damage to foes in a small area, and can even be used on flying enemies. Blade is also being added to the Moon Knight and Cloak & Dagger Team, so he will be able to cloak himself and reposition while staying invisible to opponents.

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Hero balancing

(Image credit: NetEase)

A bunch of Heroes are being tweaked for Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. Below, you'll find a summary of who's being nerfed and who's receiving a buff. For the full details on each character, head to this Marvel Rivals blog post.

  • Hero balancing (buffs): Star Lord, Iron Fist, Spider-Man, Dr Strange, Groot, Thor, Adam Warlock,
  • Hero Balancing (nerfs): Black Panther, Wolverine, Magneto, Mantis, Cloak & Dagger
Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 ranked changes

(Image credit: NetEase)

Ranked Mode is changing quite a bit for Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. Here are the key points:

  • New Rewards: Blade- Emerald Blade costume (Gold), new frames for Diamond and Platinum, Crests (Grandmaster, Eternal, Celestial, Top 500)
  • Matchmaking: Players in Bronze, Silver, and Gold can queue for Competitive in any team size except 5-player teams. Players in Platinum, Diamond, and Grandmaster can queue for Competitive in teams of up to 3 players. Players in Celestial, Eternity, and One Above All can queue for Competitive in teams of up to 2 players
  • Surrender Trigger: In the first round, if a player disconnects and does not reconnect within 90 seconds, their team may vote to surrender. The required votes pass with 1 less than the current team members. (E.g., if 4 remain, 3 votes are needed.)
  • Disconnect Penalty and Compensation: If any player disconnects during loading, ban/pick phase, hero select, or within the first 70 seconds of a match, the match is deemed invalid. Point adjustments and compensations vary depending on the situation. See the table above.
  • Misc: Rank reward Nameplate Frames can now be displayed in more areas
Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 live coverage as it happensHello and welcome!

(Image credit: NetEase)

We’re now just under 24 hours away from the launch of Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. We’ll get a whole new Duelist to try out, as well as a new event that features skins for Hela, The Thing and Black Widow as rewards. Join me as I break down the new season in the live build up to downtime.

When does downtime start?

Let’s kick things off by taking a look at when Marvel Rivals will be taken offline for maintenance. Downtime begins in Marvel Rivals at the following times:

  • East Coast (US): 5AM ET (August 8)
  • West Coast (US): 2AM PT (August 8)
  • United Kingdom: 10AM BST (August 8)
  • Europe (Central): 11AM CEST (August 8)
  • Japan (Tokyo): 6PM JST (August 8)
  • Australia (Sydney): 7PM AEST (August 8)
The Queen’s Codex event launches with the new season

(Image credit: NetEase)

The Queen’s Codex event will arrive with Season 3.5, and there’s free and premium rewards to earn. Over on the free side, The Thing finally gets a symbiote skin. You’ll need to purchase the Premium Pass to get the Queen in Black skin for Hela, and there’s an awesome Phoenix-themed Black Widow skin too.

New skins in the store

(Image credit: NetEase)

The following skins will be available to purchase in the store once the new season launches:

  • Blade - Polarity Edge Bundle
  • Blade - Emoji Bundle
  • Blade Dynamic Mood Bundle
Twitch Drops for Season 3.5

New Twitch Drops are on the horizon, Rivals!Watch your favorite streamers live to get a spray, nameplate, emote, and the cosmic and otherworldly "Will of Galacta" Mantis costume!Event Time:Starts: August 8, 12:00 PM UTC / 5:00 AM PT / 8:00 AM ETEnds: September 5, 9:00 AM… pic.twitter.com/TZ7nL35onUAugust 6, 2025

There’s a Mantis skin to earn in Season 3.5 through Twitch Drops. Watch 4 hours of eligible streamers on Twitch to get ahold of the Will of Galacta skin for Mantis. There’s other rewards to earn as well.

Blade joins the battle

(Image credit: NetEase)

Blade arrives as a new Hero in Marvel Rivals. He’s a Duelist that uses a katana and a shotgun, and can summon the blade of Dracula to trigger a devastating Ultimate. He can block incoming damage, and then dash towards enemies to get in close for the kill.

Doctor Strange gets a buff

(Image credit: NetEase)

Doctor Strange is finally getting a buff, hopefully bringing him back into contention against Emma Frost and Magneto. Here’s what’s changing:

  • Increase Daggers of Denak projectile charges from 8 to 10.
  • Reduce Cloak of Levitation cooldown from 15s to 12s.
New Team Up for Adam Warlock and Luna Snow

(Image credit: NetEase)

Luna Snow and Adam Warlock Team Up with Duality Dance. Luna Snow will get healing as she damages enemies. This adds a new level of self-healing for Luna, who would previously have to wait for her Ice Shards to gain health.

Twitch Drops for IGNITE

(Image credit: NetEase)

IGNITE mid-season Twitch Drops are now live. You can earn an awesome Star-Lord skin (from August 10) by watching 4 hours of eligible streamers. This one is available until September 6, so plenty of time to pick it up.

Goodbye for now

(Image credit: NetEase)

Those are the main things you need to know about Marvel Rivals Season 3.5. I’ll be jumping back on in the run up to downtime. From there I’ll be watching closely to see when the new update goes live, and then giving my impressions on what I’ve already played.

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