Marvel’s Avengers has had an interesting 2021 to say the least, though most would agree that it has been largely positive. While Spider-Man’s traversal and PlayStation exclusivity has certainly been a point of controversy, the War for Wakanda expansion brought some much-needed enemy and location variety to the game. The next-gen versions of the game play significantly better, too, and the MCU skins have been a massive hit with fans.
Marvel’s Avengers fans have good reason to be optimistic about the future, as content is confirmed to be coming to the game throughout 2022. While Crystal Dynamics has not revealed exactly what will feature on the game’s next roadmap, the past roadmaps give fans some indication of what can be expected from this new content. Further, some leaks and delayed updates provide more insight into what could feature, making it easy to imagine what comes next.
Marvel’s Avengers Leaked Heroes
Those that have kept up with the various leaks for Marvel’s Avengers will be aware that a DLC hero lineup has leaked for the game, with the Hawkeyes, Black Panther, and Spider-Man being a part of the original leaks. Four other characters were found, with evidence for Winter Soldier, She-Hulk, War Machine, and Captain Marvel present in the game’s files. Assuming that each of these characters is added to the game and plans have not changed, it is easy to imagine their spots on the roadmap and the order that they will be added.
A lot of dialogue where characters refer directly to Winter Soldier is present in Marvel’s Avengers’ files, with each of the game’s heroes having dialogue that sees them conversing with Bucky Barnes. As such, it makes sense that he would be added next. His addition has the potential to bring Hydra into the mix, and many would surely be happy to have a new enemy faction to face off against given how prevalent AIM has been thus far. With She-Hulk able to be introduced at any time, she could appear after Winter Soldier, bringing her speed and strength to the fight. Some extra bosses could be added alongside her, bringing some much needed diversity to the game’s lineup of boss encounters.
Another two-part Operation like the one seen for Clint Barton and Kate Bishop would make sense for War Machine and Captain Marvel. In the comics, the two are romantically involved, something that Crystal Dynamics could incorporate into its version of The Avengers. Captain Marvel’s Operation could also cap off the ongoing Kree storyline given her deep ties to the faction, finally giving players an ending to the story that the game has been telling from the start. If these four heroes do still come, a lot more story content could be in the works, which would surely please those that have stuck with the game.
Marvel’s Avengers Cloning Labs And Patrol Mode
Marvel’s Avengers have also been waiting a long time for two specific features. One of these mechanics is Cloning Labs. Prior to Marvel’s Avengers first raid being released, Cloning Labs were hyped up as the game’s endgame content. However, they were delayed indefinitely by Crystal Dynamics. According to the developer, Cloning Labs will be an activity where co-op is essential. Players will need to work together to complete puzzles in order to make progress.
For example, two Marvel’s Avengers players will need to stand on some buttons so that two others can progress into the next area. The group will be briefly split up and must work together with their partners to eventually get to the next section. Though fans have only gotten brief looks at the Cloning Labs, the concept is interesting, and many are eager to see what they will be like. While no new release date has been given, it can be assumed that the feature will be part of the 2022 roadmap.
The same can be said for Marvel’s Avengers’ Patrol mode, a mechanic that will work just like Destiny’s Patrols. Players will drop into a massive version of the Wasteland, with an open world-like approach taken to level design. They can complete smaller missions and loot the map for as long as they would like, extracting whenever they have had enough. While this sounds like a nice change of pace from what has been included in the game thus far, it too was delayed indefinitely - making the 2022 roadmap a great rime to reintroduce it.
Marvel’s Avengers Events And MCU Suits
Marvel’s Avengers has also had a few different events, and it would make sense for that to continue in the future. Things like the Red Room Takeover could return, but some special new events could feature as well. The debuts of the She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel MCU series offer great potential when it comes to events, as players could unlock the characters’ MCU outfits and some nameplates based on the shows by completing special event challenges.
It would also be great to see Crystal Dynamics branch out a bit. An Axis event could make the most out of the Marvel’s Avengers outfits that focus on evil versions of the heroes. A special story could focus on Superior Iron Man, Maestro Hulk, and Hydra Captain America. A Civil War event is another possibility, as is Marvel Zombies for Halloween. While tamer events like MCU tie-ins are a safer bet, there is still a chance that some more unique events appear on the roadmap.
Lastly, more MCU skins are all but guaranteed to appear on the next roadmap. Marvel’s Avengers has had a lot of success with outfits based on the franchise thus far, as the cosmetics have undoubtedly been the most popular costumes in the game. With Spider-Man: No Way Home just releasing, some MCU suits based on the wallcrawler’s latest appearance make sense. Alongside the Integrated suit and Black and Gold suit, the other Avengers will likely get new skins, as heroes like Thor have upcoming movies as well. While lots of playable content is hopefully added in 2022, fans can expect more MCU-themed cosmetics at the very least.
Marvel’s Avengers is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.