Marvel Rivals’ Season 1 content plans are undeniably impressive, with one of the season’s many strengths being its three New York map additions. While one map is set to release in-season, two others are playable at launch. Players battle over a payload that features the Fantastic Four’s robot companion HERBIE in one of these two play spaces, while the other is exclusive to the free-for-all mode Doom Match and throws gamers headfirst into the Sanctum Sanctorum. Despite being tied exclusively to an arcade mode, the Sanctum Sanctorum is full of detail, including a glowing canine that many players may not be familiar with.
While the many artifacts littered throughout Doctor Strange’s home can be expected, as can the gigantic window with the Sorcerer Supreme’s logo and even the twisty exterior, it’s Bats the dog that could be the biggest surprise to those who have not read the character’s comics. After all, Bats has not appeared in Doctor Strange’s MCU films and is a relatively recent comic book addition, having only debuted seven years ago. In that time, though, he has clearly resonated with Marvel Rivals developer NetEase, potentially due to his poignant backstory.
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Bats The Dog’s Sad Story is a One-Two Punch
While many people can relate to losing a pet, it can be just as sad seeing a pet’s reaction to losing their owner, something that has been depicted before through media like Futurama’s “Jurassic Bark” episode. Unfortunately, this is exactly where the story of Bats – the ghost dog from the Sanctum Sanctorum – begins, as his owner of over a decade dies of a heart attack. This leaves an extremely old dog without the one person he has known for his entire life, and following two failed adoptions, Bats is left under the care of the Master of Mystic Arts.
Instead of leaving Bats as a regular old basset hound, Doctor Strange casts a spell that gives Bats the ability to talk, helping him to fit better into the magical side of the Marvel universe. The translation enchantment allows Bats to serve as a fun sidekick, boasting a sassy and judgmental tone that one would expect from someone who associates with Doctor Strange. Unfortunately, Bats’ first lifetime would come to an end shortly after he entered the care of Stephen Strange, as he was accidentally killed at the hands of another legendary Marvel figure: Loki.
How Bats Became a Ghost That Haunts the Sanctum Sanctorum
To be clear, Loki did not deliberately kill Bats. In fact, Bats’ death happened during a time when Loki had embraced his anti-hero status and was genuinely trying to help those around him, briefly replacing Doctor Strange as the Sorceror Supreme. Bats was only subdued with a light force blast from the God of Mischief during a heated discussion-turned fight with Doctor Strange, but because of his old age, Bats became agitated and had a heart attack due to the sudden stress. Sadly, Bats died from the same thing that killed his original owner, going out heroically after an attempt to protect Doctor Strange.
Donny Cates, the writer who introduced Bats in his 2017 run, shared that he got the inspiration for Bats from his pet cat Autumn passing away just before the run began.
Shortly after this exchange, Doctor Strange took back the role of Sorcerer Supreme, with Loki feeling guilty about what happened to Bats and searching for a way to fix his mistake. Loki’s last act as Sorcerer Supreme was to bring back Bats in his ghostly form after apologizing to Strange, making for a proper act of kindness from the Asgardian. Thanks to this act of magic, Bats was able to live on, becoming the wise-cracking old dog that Marvel Rivals fans can talk to in-game. With Marvel Rivals drastically increasing the popularity of Jeff the Land Shark, something that could see Jeff joining the MCU down the road, perhaps a future Doctor Strange film will put its own spin on the multiple lives of Bats the dog.
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!