There is concern that a stagnant Overwatch 2 Season 21 could lead NetEase to become complacent, potentially reducing innovation and free-to-play monetization experimentation, whereas a strong showing by Marvel Rivals could push both games to improve.

Marvel Rivals Season 6 is shaping up to be stronger than Overwatch 2 Season 21 due to new content like Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone, plus expected PvE additions and a strong post-2025 momentum in Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals ended 2025 with a promise of a more ambitious 2026, including more PvE content and rapid character drops, signaling a higher trajectory than Overwatch 2, with Deadpool’s arrival as a major draw and Elsa Bloodstone as a niche but promising addition.

Despite concerns, the author wants Blizzard to maintain momentum with a strong Season 22 for Overwatch 2 and notes ongoing issues like Stadium mode and map updates, while recognizing that rivalry benefits the broader gaming community.

The competition between the two games benefits players and quality content, with Marvel Rivals offering free unlockables and event skins that could pressure Overwatch 2 to keep up.

Overwatch 2 Season 21 is criticized for lacking new heroes or maps, with concerns about the development cadence and stagnation in map updates.