NetEase Games has revealed the midseason update for Marvel Rivals, titled Season 9.5, launching on August 7, 2026. Headline additions include a major technical overhaul to reduce storage space alongside the arrival of a new playable Vanguard hero, Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood.

Creative Director Guangguang announced that Season 9.5 implements a comprehensive texture compression system designed to shrink installation files across all platforms without lowering visual quality. Once the repackaged update installs, PC players will free up approximately 40GB of storage space, while PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S console owners will recover roughly 15GB.

Joining the hero roster is villainous Vanguard Parker Robbins, voiced by WWE wrestler Damian Priest. The Hood utilizes dual hitscan pistols in his human form, channeling dark magic through his cloak to generate protective barriers for allies. His abilities allow him to enter a demonic state, culminating in an ultimate transformation into a Gun Demon capable of firing piercing rounds through enemy shields while granting extra health to nearby teammates.