Explore every episode of the podcast Friends & Rivals: A Marvel Rivals Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What If... We Started A Rivals Podcast? | Friends & Rivals 1 | 06 Feb 2025 | 02:02:50 | |
Hello Rivals! In the first episode of Friends & Rivals, Nick & Josiah introduce themselves, the podcast, and talk about their general thoughts on the first few months of the game. The Friends talk Magik in this week's hero spotlight, and look at Ultimate energy costs in the Reddit Take of the Week. ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: 4 Duelist Subtypes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tcKmxozK64&t=33s Energy Chart Reddit Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1hrzcfs/a_chart_showing_the_energy_needed_for_each_heros/ ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Dr. Strange and Loki Lagged the Multiverse? | Friends & Rivals 2 | 13 Feb 2025 | 01:44:19 | |
Hello Rivals! In this episode of Friends & Rivals, Nick & Josiah battle the common cold and rapidly changing Rivals news, and analyze the Rivals team's balance philosophy through the example of the season 1 balance changes. Dr. Strange is this week's hero spotlight, and die while yelling "Pyuuuuurreee Chaaaooooss" in this week's Reddit Take of the Week. ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News Dev Talk 10 - Mid Season Rank Adjustment: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250210/40954_1210988.html Dev Talk 11 - Nevermind on that Rank Adjustment: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250211/40954_1211177.html Main Topic Season 1 Balance Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250108/41548_1205103.html Reddit Take(s) of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1ijy9tb/scarlet_witchs_ult_is_designed_to_fail/ ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Were Still Talking About The Season 1.5 Update? | Friends & Rivals 4 | 28 Feb 2025 | 02:27:24 | |
Hello Rivals! For Friends & Rivals episode 4, Nick & Josiah talk about their goldfish, and are still hyped about the Human Torch and the Thing. They talk all about the new characters, map, and balance changes that came with the Season 1.5 update, and look at the woes of solo-vanguard players in the Reddit Take of the Week. ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News Twitch Drops - https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1892620400648958396 Banner & Magik Punk Skins - https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1894092472474624493 Main Topic Hero Hot List: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Season 1.5 Balance Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250213/41667_1211717.html Reddit Take(s) of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1ixejtt/the_only_one_tank_epidemic/ ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... It's Clobberin' Time? | Friends & Rivals 3 | 20 Feb 2025 | 01:50:11 | |
Hello Rivals! In this episode of Friends & Rivals, Nick & Josiah get buried beneath an avalanche of Season 1.5 update news, and spread the hype for the new characters coming to the game: Human Torch and The Thing. For this week's Reddit Take of the Week, we talk about all those Duelist insta-locks that maybe might be hiding that they really want to be Vanguards? Also, what is the "Rubber Band Theory?" ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News Dev Talk 12 - Update on the Update on the Seasonal Rank Adjustments: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250213/40954_1211758.html Dev Vision 4 - Season 1.5 Update: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250217/40954_1212302.html Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park - Map Reveal: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250217/40955_1212166.html Season 1.5 Balance Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250213/41667_1211717.html Main Topic Human Torch and the Thing Previews: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250217/40955_1212156.html Reddit Take(s) of the Week: ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... There's Four Types of Duelists? | Friends & Rivals 7 | 21 Mar 2025 | 02:23:07 | |
It's another week, and another episode of Friends & Rivals! In episode 7, and Nick & Josiah have a light news week, and start Friends & Rivals' first main topic series! What is there to learn by breaking down roles into different subtypes? This episode looks at Duelists and their different types. Invisible Woman sneaks into the Hero Spotlight, and there's the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Spider-Man and Iron Man Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1901747874343588218 Rivals Invitational Information: https://www.marvelrivals.com/match/20250312/41547_1218453.html Disney+ Asia Pacific Free Avengers Spray Instructions: https://www.videogamer.com/guides/how-to-get-free-avengers-spray-in-marvel-rivals/ March 13th Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250311/41548_1217779.html March 13th Balance Changes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250311/41667_1217797.html Main Topic: TDT's Marvel Rivals Role Sub-Types! Great series, we'll cover one role each week. Go give TDT a Like and Subscribe! Duelists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tcKmxozK64 Vanguards :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg0Q9FS44eM Strategists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgA3EzAH9Ps Corrections & Updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO8uMF8v1iw Reddit Take(s) of the Week: Vanguard Team Ups: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1jee21n/all_tanks_should_have_a_teamup_with_another_other/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Konshu Guides My Aim? | Friends & Rivals 6 | 14 Mar 2025 | 02:24:39 | |
It's Friends & Rivals episode 6, and Nick & Josiah cover a bunch of news, and talk through their philosophies on picking characters, both to main as well as in a specific match. Cloak & Dagger take the stage for this week's Hero Spotlight, and of course, there's the Reddit Take of the Week, with the addition of a new mailbag segment! ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Loki and Storm Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1899113167222935887 Disney+ Asia Pacific Free Avengers Spray Instructions: https://www.videogamer.com/guides/how-to-get-free-avengers-spray-in-marvel-rivals/ March 13th Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250311/41548_1217779.html March 13th Balance Changes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250311/41667_1217797.html Main Topic: Cozy Rivals' Hero Counter Guide for Season 1.5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MTy961Mjhw Reddit Take(s) of the Week: Konshu Guides My Aim: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1j8m05k/some_of_yall_were_created_in_a_lab_or_something/ Crosshair Settings Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqmmeE7NBsc ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... You Shouldn't Flame Rocket? | Friends & Rivals 5 | 07 Mar 2025 | 02:12:24 | |
This week on Friends & Rivals episode 5, Nick & Josiah go back to the regular episode format and talk news, stats that will help you win games but won't show up on the scoreboard, and look at Psylocke in the return of the Hero Spotlight! The friends also go to Reddit to discuss the typical strategist experience of people walking out of your heals in the Reddit Take of the Week. ----------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News Clone Rumble Event Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkt5tBHyzI8 Cloak & Dagger and Venom Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1897074632806572074 PC Gamer Article About Devs not Trolling Dataminers: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/asked-point-blank-if-theyre-trolling-dataminers-with-fake-characters-marvel-rivals-dev-scoffs-and-says-theyd-rather-spend-our-time-developing-the-game/ Reddit Take(s) of the Week: (Not family friendly) https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/FXkBklzu8Y https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/9Ss1rIz33o ------------------------------------------------ Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... There's Four Types of Vanguards? | Friends & Rivals 8 | 28 Mar 2025 | 02:32:56 | |
Happy Friday, It's Friends & Rivals Episode 8! This week Josiah & Nick talk news, and continue the sub-roles series by talking about 4 vanguard sub-roles. Namor makes his presence known in our hero spotlight, and we try to keep our family-friendly rating. Finally, there's the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag with a special appearance by the NightGobbler! --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Black Panther & Moon Knight Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1904186597807141064 March 27th Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250325/41548_1222027.html PCGamer on Character Curveballs: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/marvel-rivals-devs-like-throwing-in-curveballs-to-make-the-roster-more-interesting-meaning-well-probably-get-more-characters-like-squirrel-girl-and-jeff-the-land-shark/ Main Topic: TDT's Marvel Rivals Role Sub-Types! Great series. Go give TDT a Like and Subscribe! Vanguards :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg0Q9FS44eM Corrections & Updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO8uMF8v1iw Cozy's Vanguard Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPtd5p6doj0 Hero Spotlight: (Please click responsibly) Namor Before/After: https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/black-panther-2-star-confirms-namors-bulge-was-edited-out/tpa221129pkjza The Rivals Devs Said "I said the real Namor.": https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1hsc5da/who_has_the_worst_skin_and_why_is_it_namor/ Reddit Take(s) of the Week: When You Ban Namor: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1jfhibu/pov_when_you_ban_namor_art_by_me/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Emma Frost Carries You to... Diamond? | Friends & Rivals 11 | 18 Apr 2025 | 02:22:47 | |
It's Episode 11 and Josiah and Nick talk hanging out IRL, First Impressions on Season 2, and do a deep dive on all the balance and team up changes for Season 2. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Discord Emma Frost Quest: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1910754817435226122 Twitch Drops: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1909984818902814759 Peni Parker & Dr. Strange Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1911796798563250676 Season 2 Preview: Balance Post Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250401/41667_1223995.html --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Spend Over 2 and a Half Hours Talking About Season 2 and Somehow There's Still Even More to Cover? | Friends & Rivals 10 | 10 Apr 2025 | 02:40:23 | |
Double digits for Season 2! It's Friends & Rivals Episode 10! Nick and Josiah throw out the normal episode template to get as much time as possible to talk through all the changes coming to Season 2 this week. Krakoa, Emma Frost, new Team-Ups, Ranked changes and Battlepasses, it's all here! --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Marvel Unlimited Promo: https://x.com/MRivalsHub/status/1909295408683036708 Twitch Drops: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1909984818902814759 Emma Frost & Star-Lord Skins: https://x.com/MRivalsHub/status/1908023527720030717 Season 2 Preview: Dev Vision 5: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250402/40954_1224468.html Kraoka: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250401/40955_1223993.html Emma Frost: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250401/40955_1223991.html Balance Post & Team Ups: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250401/41667_1223995.html Battlepass Skins: https://x.com/MRivalsHub/status/1908207851555660275 Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250401/41548_1223996.html --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... There's Three Types of Strategists? | Friends & Rivals 9 | 04 Apr 2025 | 02:38:06 | |
Time's up, let's do this! It's Friends & Rivals Episode 9! This week Josiah & Nick talk news, and finish off our sub-roles series talking about the 3 Strategist sub-roles. It's pure chaos in the hero spotlight as the friends talk Scarlet Witch, and then to finish there's the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Mac n' Cheeks Pickup Bundle: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1905077649191628883 Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1906723295933665782 The Rivals Ad in Question: https://preview.redd.it/slowly-getting-outjerked-by-marketing-v0-mv1lqewzkure1.png?auto=webp&s=5e40cd58bc6de045a95894956de4d38be0aad833 Main Topic: TDT's Marvel Rivals Role Sub-Types! Great series. Go give TDT a Like and Subscribe! Strategists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgA3EzAH9Ps Hero Spotlight: p2mg's Top 500 Scarlet Witch Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ-tcK5Rg6I Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1jmpzui/whos_in_your_opinion_the_most_difficult/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Didn't Play Certain Heroes? | Friends & Rivals 14 | 09 May 2025 | 02:31:02 | |
It's Episode 14, and Josiah and Nick talk a bit a news, spend time discussing what leads them to avoid playing certain heroes, The game from last week returns, under the new name "Armed & Dangerous", and appropriately, this week is the Winter Soldier hero spotlight, just in time for Thunderbolts*. To wrap up, of course, there's the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Behind the Music - Impending Dooms: https://youtu.be/Jb7w0UfEKsQ?si=5EhMYaVI_LVIvJ0X Rocket Raccoon and Squirrel Girl Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1919769130162348367 Marvel Rivals Art Book: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-a-deeper-look-marvel-rivals-visual-style-with-this-new-art-book/1100-6531342/ Reddit Takes of the Week: Galacta Isn't Annoying: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1kaombx/i_dont_think_galactas_very_annoying/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... This Week Had as Much News as a Release Week ? | Friends & Rivals 13 | 02 May 2025 | 02:32:42 | |
In Episode 13, Nick fights the plague as he and Josiah have a season's worth of news to cover this week. The friends make their first tier lists, which rank heroes by how fun they are to play, and then they actually play a new game on the podcast (name still TBD). Finally, there's a special hybrid Mailbag Take of the Week segment that fills in some more info from the Invisible Woman spotlight in episode 7. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes 04/25: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250422/41548_1229365.html Black Panther & Winter Soldier Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1918124554741858630 Dr. Strange and Thor Skin Fixes: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1917262606630543404 Hellfire Gala Moments Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxYtch8gyss Dev Talk 13: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250426/40954_1230856.html Balance Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250428/41667_1231266.html Patch Notes 05/01: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250429/41548_1231611.html Main Topic: Josiah's Tier List: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heroes-tier-list-15484095-2/5072211 Nick's Tier List: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heroes-tier-list-15484095-2/5072213 --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... This is Difficult? | Friends & Rivals 12 | 25 Apr 2025 | 02:22:04 | |
It's Episode 12 and Josiah and Nick talk through Difficulty star ratings, Loki manipulates the Hero Spotlight, and The Oblivion Remake jeopardizes the podcast. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Giant Size Brain Blast: https://youtu.be/oOzsmite59I?si=rmXXaqFeNI8q0yWC Art Vision Vol. 1: https://youtu.be/JaNAqe180Hc?si=jt4oPbQuyjFjP7k0 Behind the Music: https://youtu.be/393jRkdljfw?si=YnF8WK3f0ZN42pHU Loki and Hela Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1914333304897090033 Main Topic: Nick's Over the Top Difficulty Opinions: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eowj30jSNL2_yB-lXLrOp5cqM1-ayNnr_4ZFSizscpI/edit?usp=sharing Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/wcabLkbdLs --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Made the Ultimate Tier List? | Friends & Rivals 15 | 16 May 2025 | 02:57:34 | |
Behold! Episode 15! This episode came out a bit late because Nick got sick (again), and in the meantime, NetEase released a bunch of news! Josiah and Nick cover the news, make the Ultimate Tier List, and talk Emma Frost in the Hero Spotlight (blame Josiah), and as always, there's the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes 5/8: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250507/41548_1232829.html Dev Talk Vol. 14: https://www.marvelrivals.com/devdiaries/20250513/40954_1233900.html Patch Notes 5/15: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250514/41548_1234188.html Art Vision Vol 2: https://youtu.be/QiPB4RfCjNI?si=4klVnJ8BY92weCHj The Punisher and Namor Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1922336146412953612 Main Topic: Nick's "Research": https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fhRsWh6Wp6LuS0CJEG2ar9lchJalG31SKcTnrvVwPhs/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Tierlist: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heroes-tier-list-15484095-2/5122528 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1kj2u68/why_does_emma_frost_need_to_reload_her_brain/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Vanguard Ultimates Have Roles? | Friends & Rivals 16 | 23 May 2025 | 02:32:13 | |
It's Episode 16, and Josiah starts it off with some news of his own, while Nick walks uphill both ways in flip flops. This week is a light news week before the Season 2.5 news, the friends start a new series on their takes on Ultimate ability roles and subroles, Peni Parker digs into the hero spotlight, and in the Mailbag segment, NightGobbler meets his ultimate rival... --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes 5/22: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250520/41548_1235575.html Adam Warlock & Scarlet Witch Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1924482716243791974 Main Topic: Ultimate Roles & Subroles Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fEWQxI8v3rTK_3F7Q5wdJEuUwJA_KvZ9n0EFRy90iIU/edit?usp=sharing Hero Spotlight: CoolGuy's Peni Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZHh8r-j4yw Reddit Take of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... It's the Age of Flying Poke Comps? Season 2.5 News Extravaganza! | Friends & Rivals 17 | 29 May 2025 | 02:25:09 | |
Episode 17 is here with all your news for Season 2.5! Nick and Josiah devote the entire episode to talking Dev Vision, Patch Notes, Skins, Events, Auto Chess!? And of course, Ultron himself! Also in this episode: The Armed & Dangerous Season 2.0 Championship, and of course the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag to wrap it all up. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: Chat: Ambulances (Not an Affiliate Link): https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/paramed-international/product-77756-922261.html News: Dev Vision Vol 6: https://www.marvelrivals.com/m/devdiaries/20250522/40954_1236193.html Arrako Map Reveal: https://youtu.be/_DCOXD7X7yA?si=1E4q5AG97T-2yjst Patch Notes 5/30: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250523/41548_1236397.html Groot and Ultron Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1926035478089736547 Twitch Drops: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1927379387181134180 Main Topic: Ultron Reveal: https://youtu.be/YUSbKQO674w?si=ydpImoKLetNzdS2P Hero Spotlight: CoolGuy's Peni Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZHh8r-j4yw Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1kwqfgc/honestly_i_do_feel_bad_about_this/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1kwhjxi/whats_the_ult_you_hate_the_most/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Were All Wrong About Ultron? | Friends & Rivals 18 | 06 Jun 2025 | 02:50:41 | |
It's Episode 18 and Nick and Josiah lose track of time talking through all their first impressions of this half-season, as well as pouring over the balance patch changes in what is probably the most impactful balance patch the game has seen. There's also some news with Ultron's Battle Matrix coming this week, and the friends draft Armed & Dangerous teams to pit against each other in the new mode. Finally there's a comment edition of the mailbag and Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Wolverine & Jeff Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1929583882556326074 Patch Notes 6/5: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250603/41548_1238163.html Ultron's Battle Matrix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVIUnElubKk Balance Patch: Hero Hotlist for Season 2.0: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Balance Post: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250522/41667_1236166.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/ikH0EOJHA3 --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Vanguards Have Counters? | Friends & Rivals 34 | 26 Sep 2025 | 02:41:43 | |
It's Episode 34 and Josiah and Nick have a new series for everyone. The Friends talk through a pretty heavy news week, and then get into the Vanguard portion of the "Parry This! You Filthy..." counters series. After that, it's time for a Thor Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, Reddit Take of the Week, and a Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250924/41548_1261216.html K'un-Lun: Heart of Heaven Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkTmJp0dcUA Shou-Lao's Blessing Event: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1nojpzg/dragons_blessing_trailer/ New Accessories: https://youtube.com/shorts/FjS9S1bnF20?si=S22fIuYDzf5DHn9o Hela Skin: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1970533620856045829 Main Topic: Reddit Take of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... It's Summer at the End of September? | Friends & Rivals 33 | 20 Sep 2025 | 02:32:27 | |
Episode 33 is coming at you from wherever Nick and Josiah now both live, as the friends talk through news, including the summer special 2.0, they give their first impressions of Season 4, and there's a Blade hero spotlight! To wrap things up, there is, as always, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week & Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Invisible Woman & Punisher Skins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqhko6Wfmmw Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250917/41548_1259811.html Technically Speaking: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1968336644832108787 Iron Man Skin Code: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1968314259026100694 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1nf2xmb/bruh_she_just_came_out/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Wolverine Has No Business Getting Lifesteal? | Friends & Rivals 24 | 18 Jul 2025 | 02:48:00 | |
For Episode 24, Josiah comes back with a vengeance. The friends talk about the Summer Special event, an emergency balance patch to kill Wolverine, other news, Season 3 first impressions, and the season 3 balance patch and hero hot list. And of course, there's the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: Podcast Patch Notes: https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod/status/1943028936440713557 News: Blade Asset Leak: https://x.com/X0X_LEAK/status/1944800260070453539 Psylocke & Loki Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1944792781093839289 Summer Special Pass: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1945166473913360598 7/17 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250715/41548_1247283.html Main Topic: Hero Hotlist: http://marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Season 3.0 Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250701/41667_1244328.html Wolverine Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250715/41667_1247346.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1lz21vp/the_games_intended_team_composition/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Nick's Wife Says "Haha Phoenix Go Weeee"? | Season 3 Deep Dive! | Friends & Rivals 23 | 10 Jul 2025 | 02:16:35 | |
It's Episode 23, and Josiah sounds a bit different... This week its all about season 3 and the new hero, map, accessories system, customization options, battlepass, and everything else. There's also an especially chaotic Armed & Dangerous, and the only true tierlist is discussed in the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Dev Vision Vol 7: https://youtu.be/J0_hbNp251M Map Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUvBdR0HUqw 7/11 Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250704/41548_1244963.html Balance Post: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250701/41667_1244328.html 2.5 Hero Hotlist: http://marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Twitch Drops: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1942238179702063460 Battlepass Skins: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1lr1brm/season_3_all_battle_pass_skins/#lightbox Swimsuit Skins Concept Art: https://x.com/RivalsAssembled/status/1942352955484639324 Main Topic: Phoenix Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsWg4h7Eiss Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1lv2wfo/only_tire_lost_that_matters_babysitting/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Josiah Has to Endure Mr. Fantastic All Season? | Friends & Rivals 22 | 04 Jul 2025 | 02:00:02 | |
It's Episode 22, and Josiah needs to catch a plane! It's a simpler episode this week, recorded in the dead of night. The friends talk some early season 3 news (before all the season 3 talk next week) and tierlist the characters they're looking forward to playing more of in season 3. Sebastian pulls night shift with Armed & Dangerous, and there's an especially cringe inducing edition of the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Egg Teaser: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1939700458332811560 Captain America & Spider-Man Skins: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzmOSSiSPbVnVu3ZAyDx2w/community?lb=UgkxlOK06V8nI5m7dj4h8zEZ4euC4ZxUlfgc Podcast Patch Notes: Jeff vs. the X-Men: https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/s/ejRH7mFYAW Main Topic: Josiah's List: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heroes-ranked-season-1-jan-2025-17807243/5278513 Nick's List: https://tiermaker.com/list/marvel/marvel-rivals-heroes-ranked-season-1-jan-2025-17807243/5278516 Reddit Take(s) of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/9xhkLsUPu8 https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/s/9e2IrhqQ9W --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... There Are 2.2 Billion Bald Eagle Feathers? | Friends & Rivals 21 | 27 Jun 2025 | 02:45:45 | |
For Episode 21, Nick and Josiah decide Rivals is too fun and decide to ruin it. There's some news, the friends talk "How to Lose More and Have Less Fun". There's also a bot vs bot edition of Armed & Dangerous, a Moon Knight Hero Spotlight, and of course, the Reddit Take of the Week. e--------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Where's Blade: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1935752026949906458 Thor and The Punisher Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1937527233532379555 6/26 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250624/41548_1242746.html Main Topic: Death And Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/@Deathandgaming TDT How To Lose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsJ04gy4Gfk Reddit Take(s) of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Strategist Ultimates Have Roles? | Friends & Rivals 20 | 20 Jun 2025 | 02:02:24 | |
It's Episode 20, and Nick and Josiah talk about all the mid-midseason news and changes. Bubble Pop, Balance Patch, and more. The Ultimate Roles series wraps up with Strategist Ultimate Roles, and Armed & Dangerous takes on a new form. And finally, there's the mailbag and Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Art Vision Vol. 3: https://youtu.be/R9z0uBUXfX8?si=FaxWIZ8haTPttSuc Twitch Drops: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1934642256088043971 Iron Fist and Moon Knight Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1934628159275614566 Venom Bubble Pop: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1934989421088051490 6/19 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250617/41548_1241163.html 6/19 Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250617/41667_1241167.html Main Topic: Ultimate Roles & Sub-Roles: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fEWQxI8v3rTK_3F7Q5wdJEuUwJA_KvZ9n0EFRy90iIU/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Reddit Take(s) of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1le85ko/fundamentals_of_marvel_rivals/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Duelist Ultimates Have Roles? | Friends & Rivals 19 | 13 Jun 2025 | 02:40:10 | |
Episode 19 is here, and Josiah and Nick are a bit chaotic this week as they talk through their ideas about Duelist Ultimates and the roles they fit into. There's also some news, an Ultron Battle Matrix inspired Armed & Dangerous, the Ultron Hero Spotlight, and as always, the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Invisible Woman & The Thing Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1932090456218726843 616 Vault: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1932467795167425006 Patch Notes 6/12: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250610/41548_1239460.html Main Topic: Ultimate Roles & Sub-Roles: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fEWQxI8v3rTK_3F7Q5wdJEuUwJA_KvZ9n0EFRy90iIU/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Reddit Take(s) of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1l8ihex/are_you_kidding_me_making_me_play_another_40/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1l6nvjr/i_like_ultron_matrix/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Angela Came in Like (a) Wrecking Ball? | Friends & Rivals 32 | 12 Sep 2025 | 02:50:22 | |
Episode 32 time, and Nick and Josiah talk about the newest hero coming to the game, Angela! Beyond the Angela hype, the friends cover more season 4 news, the season 4 balance changes, and of course Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250904/41548_1257695.html Main Topic: Hero Hot List: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Balance Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250904/41667_1257761.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1n98ku4/please_show_hulk_some_love/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... The Real EOMM Was the Toxicity We Made Along the Way? | Season 4 Info! | Friends & Rivals 31 | 06 Sep 2025 | 02:42:17 | |
Episode 31 is here, and with it is the Dev Vision for Season 4! Josiah and Nick talk through the Dev Vision and any other news from 9/3 or before, as well as chat about the Matchmaking video NetEase posted a week ago. And of course, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Season 4 Trailer: https://youtu.be/67FVMNGMFXU Dev Vision Vol 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRUcdKzw6nQ Main Topic: Matchmaking Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNoYjK-qmfF/?igsh=MWF4cTY0Zno3ejA5aA== Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1n2r6ci/its_not_all_its_cracked_up_to_be/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1n59nsz/one_of_the_wildest_things_ive_ever_read --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Play Games? | Friends & Rivals 30 | 30 Aug 2025 | 02:41:02 | |
It's Episode 30, and Nick is out of town. So for this travel edition of Friends & Rivals, they focus on the friend side of the name and take a detour to talk about their experiences with games and the friends we made along the way. But don't worry, the friends are still bringing your rivals content, with news, Armed & Dangerous, a Thing Hero Spotlight, and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Matchmaking Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNoYjK-qmfF/?igsh=MWF4cTY0Zno3ejA5aA== Art Vision Vol. 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt-JPu8CboQ 8/28 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250827/41548_1256311.html Deadpool Voice Interactions Leaks: https://x.com/x0x_leak/status/1960089802709356544?s=46&t=5OYjT6cIn5cSDIR2SqAKnw Daredevil Voice Interactions Leaks: https://x.com/x0x_leak/status/1960069422540066923?s=46&t=5OYjT6cIn5cSDIR2SqAKnw Hero Spotlight: True Vanguard's Thing Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UiRtQMT4jc Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1m3qc91/custom_lord_icons_that_i_made/? --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Our Episode Was a Solid Backline? | Friends & Rivals 29 | 21 Aug 2025 | 02:52:45 | |
For Episode 29, Nick and Josiah try to catch up a bit on hero spotlights in between prophetic high fives and community Armed & Dangerous games. Mantis and Luna both get hero spotlights this week before the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Throne of Knull: https://youtu.be/P44x3oxvhFY?si=S8T6Xmc0Ihk-kzLV Resource Rumble: https://youtu.be/pGfp8UJDpdg?si=yefRzNmxBg2-xB_e 8/14 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250813/41548_1253606.html Nvidia Hotfix: http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxp4BerNEDLEoa-eIOd6klSFJ4eUmR1341?si=hAKQyWhvEYUnf6Y8 NetEase Original Characters: https://mp1st.com/news/netease-green-light-marvel-create-original-characters-marvel-rivals Reddit Take of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Blade is as Difficult as Ice Skating Uphill? | Friends & Rivals 28 | 15 Aug 2025 | 02:26:22 | |
It's Episode 28 and Josiah and Nick talk through their first week of playing Season 3.5, as well as take a look through the balance updates for the 3.5 season. In addition, Armed & Dangerous turns into a face off as "There can only be one Blade." And there's the Reddit Take of the Week and mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: Chat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle News: El Capitan Announcement: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1955320030742319511 Rivals Assembled Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-_8Qj3spOM Cloak & Dagger and Winter Soldier Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1955328431203172619 Main Topic: Hero Hotlist 3.0: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/ Balance Post: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20250731/41667_1251097.html Mailbag/Reddit Take of the Week: https://youtu.be/nmD8grQ7fQA?si=C13YQRFHDP_ukZkk https://www.reddit.com/r/rivals/comments/1mj8xok/a_healing_received_stat_is_only_gonna_make_the/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... BLAAAAAAADEEE!? | Season 3.5 Deep Dive | Friends & Rivals 27 | 07 Aug 2025 | 02:38:31 | |
BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE!! He's finally awake! It's Episode 27 and Josiah and Nick are talking everything Season 3.5, from Blade, to the new Roadmap, Team Ups, the community toxicity protection updates, and everything in-between. The friends also talk through the results of the first community armed & dangerous game, and of course there's the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Dev Vision Vol 8: https://youtu.be/SgMriWER-6E?si=V_4_LoEElfkv4-dJ 8/8 Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250801/41548_1251405.html TDT Team-Up Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihtGemJ3GTE Main Topic: Blade Reveal: https://youtu.be/SJwI30KsqK8?si=nIelf6_pUk3BEFd5 Coolguy Blade Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji3coKt8m3Y Reddit Take of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Heroes Tilt Us by Simply Existing on the Other Team? | Friends & Rivals 26 | 01 Aug 2025 | 02:52:49 | |
Episode 26, a half a year into the podcast! This episode, Nick and Josiah keep it light before the 3.5 news next week by tierlisting which characters they hate seeing on the enemy team. There's also some news, Armed & Dangerous, and the long awaited return of the Hero Spotlight, featuring Jefferey the First of His Name of the Former Staten Island the Land Shark. And of course, a Reddit Take of the Week to wrap it up. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: 7/31 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250729/41548_1250384.html Magik & Black Panther Skins: https://x.com/marvelrivals/status/1950010981591241126 Rivals Poster Collection: https://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/4498/marvel-rivals-the-poster-collection-featuring-artw Loserfruit Fantastic 4 Cast Video: https://youtu.be/h45Sr1kafGU?si=898naCBOamnq-PBF Hero Spotlight: #1 Jeff Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwOyp5g8Rto&t=300s Reddit Take of the Week: https://x.com/RivalsAssembled/status/1949907726470914467 https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1mcs0u4/leave_magik_alone_shes_perfect_as_she_is/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1mckd1e/what_would_you_change_about_your_main/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Look Back at 7 Months of Rivals? | Quarterly Review | Friends & Rivals 25 | 25 Jul 2025 | 03:01:47 | |
Episode 25 this week is a quarter of a way to 100, and Nick & Josiah run out of time with a Friends & Rivals Quarterly Review! The friends talk news, a retrospective on 7 months of rivals and the current state of the game, dream about the future, and attempt the world's fastest Reddit Take of the Week in a (failed) attempt to stay under 3 hours. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Feige's Son is a Man of Culture: https://www.videogamer.com/news/mcu-boss-kevin-feige-reveals-marvel-rivals-finally-made-his-son-a-fan-of-marvel-after-years-of-trying/ Human Torch & The Thing Team-Up: https://youtu.be/JTWGY38WaLU?si=0pjMefaorUSU2IGH Fantastic Four: First Steps Skins: https://youtu.be/uX-pfN41eWU?si=z1E6_1pv8KA7XiU0 Instagram Filter: https://youtu.be/ddFircOzPOU?si=tA5sdK1EMtFkU9iM Summer Special Discord Quest: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1946638703826182266 Reddit Take of the Week: --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Duelists Have Counters? | Friends & Rivals 38 | 24 Oct 2025 | 02:43:13 | |
For Episode 38, Nick and Josiah are back to the "Parry This, You Filthy...!" series on counters, covering Duelists. There's also news on the new Marvel Zombies mode, an Angela Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the week & Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: New Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251015/41548_1264918.html Cross Progression FAQ: https://www.marvelrivals.com/announcements/20250924/40955_1261246.html Jeff & Namor Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1980348292383805908 Marvel Zombies Mode! https://youtu.be/grjC63MftfI Main Topic: Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1o4s9h9/40gbs_in_8_months_is_crazy/ | |||
| What if... This Hero Spotlight Almost Makes Josiah Quit? | Friends & Rivals 37 | 17 Oct 2025 | 02:09:02 | |
It's Episode 37 and Nick and Josiah are sick once again. It's a light news week, so most of the episode is spent on Season 4.5 first impressions, Armed & Dangerous, A Squirrel Girl Hero Spotlight (You're welcome, Marci) and the Reddit Take of the Week and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Thor and Squirrel Girl Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1978114789915189694 Content Incentive Program: https://act.neteasegames.com/activity/3sSWwq?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbn1tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzcEJRa3ZwYXVEamxiWFE1AR57f-7edxwg4_8wITW8cMnJJ1ofXwvV6ikRxL7AUNXbZO42_p-nQJpF1iCuTg_aem_UHgUw_d-HIRj0Lhoah00QA Livestream Incentive Program: https://act.neteasegames.com/activity/3sSWwB?fbclid=IwY2xjawNboCdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzcEJRa3ZwYXVEamxiWFE1AR4u0YKrnxZYt7kgFlarZNoEgGWuRIonAOCIVwTd1E9kugNGPu6iDAoIjNkweA_aem_bdERfrms0PgNwD8waQQ88A Reddit Take of the Week: The Other Reddit Take was NSFPodcast Notes lol. --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What if... This is Advanced Darkness? | Season 4.5 Info! | Friends & Rivals 36 | 10 Oct 2025 | 02:29:45 | |
It's Episode 36 and Nick and Josiah cover all the new stuff coming to season 4.5, including Daredevil, the Jade Scrolls of K'un-Lun event, the Balance changes and the new Hero Hot List. Along the way, the friends also cover Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week, and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: 10/3 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20250930/41548_1262803.html 10/10 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251003/41548_1263184.html Main Topic: Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20251001/41667_1263090.html Hero Hotlist 4.0: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/index.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1nxkof2/im_sorry_when_you_what/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... Black Widow Could Actually Be... Good? | Friends & Rivals 35 | 03 Oct 2025 | 02:20:27 | |
Episode 35 sees a day no one ever thought would come. A Black Widow Hero Spotlight. Josiah and Nick talk all about our favorite sniper who isn't Hawkeye or Hela, and the friends also talk through the Season 4.5 Dev Vision Vol 10. At the time of recording, the character trailer for Daredevil hadn't come out yet. Next week will focus on Daredevil and the Balance changes for 4.5. There's also a Reddit Take of the Week, Armed & Dangerous with a special announcement, and a Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Emma Skin: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1973070341430706192 Dev Vision Vol. 10: https://youtu.be/RIrLxa_TgKU Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1nrxeks/so_much_free_stuff_thank_you_devs/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Have Balance? | Friends & Rivals 46 | 10 Jan 2026 | 01:13:56 | |
Josiah and Nick are back after a Christmas and Baby break! In this week's short reunion episode, the friends talk about balancing gaming with work and family. There's also a bit of rivals news before the big week next week, and a new year's edition of the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Adam Warlock & Phoenix Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2008569384034291792 January 8th Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260106/41548_1280416.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.denofgeek.com/games/marvel-rivals-creators-on-leveling-up-the-game/ | |||
| What If... Captain Falcon Was Also Kirby? | Season 5.5 News! | Friends & Rivals 45 | 12 Dec 2025 | 02:56:23 | |
This week is all about season 5.5 and Rogue! Josiah and Nick cover all the news, and fill it in with Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Dev Vision Vol 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abvLlSjm2-0 Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1998800129524961417 Hero Hotlist & Balance Post: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1998452782026703180 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1pip3lj/wide_rogue_by_me_20_chars/ | |||
| What If... We Surrendered Armed & Dangerous to Chance | Friends & Rivals 44 | 05 Dec 2025 | 02:42:37 | |
This week. Nick and Josiah leave it all to chance. Armed & Dangerous goes full random, Rocket Raccoon gets a hero spotlight, and the friends tier list the various team ups in the game. All with some news and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Rivals Anniversary Phase 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/slOfzyN6HXQ?si=wdONZgdla7Y5jfGR Luna skin: https://youtube.com/shorts/r1KfUuqRgvM?si=BsJGcjHGaLDi0FBe Psylocke Skin: https://youtube.com/shorts/Jo-oTkFog_w?si=07RJZ82LTJ7xpAdn Main Topic: Team-Up Tier List: https://tiermaker.com/list/random/all-marvel-rivals-teamups-through-season-5-18922709/5726567 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1pdgq17/55_patch_notes_just_dropped/ | |||
| What If... It's Friendsgiving & Rivals? | Friends & Rivals 43 | 28 Nov 2025 | 02:59:57 | |
Happy Thanksgiving everybody, this week Josiah and Nick gather 'round the table with their own Rivals thanksgiving mashup. We've also got news about the Rivals Anniversary, Armed & Dangerous, a Mailbag, and a Magneto Hero Spotlight. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Grand Garden Trailer: https://youtu.be/-9NKTTnOsLc?si=M4W1-l-4ARuw73Fw Anniversary Event: https://youtube.com/shorts/EBIqPZEeIOo?si= EaR6qSppQ8O6nGNv Blade & Venom Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1993379313408729526 | |||
| What If... Season 5 is So Great We Recorded this Twice? | Friends & Rivals 42 | 21 Nov 2025 | 02:35:45 | |
It's Episode 42 and Josiah and Nick are back to talk about the balance changes and their first impressions with season 5. There's also a Reddit Take of the Week, a Mailbag, and of course Armed & Dangerous. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Art Vision Vol. 5: https://youtu.be/-q_YpuRtWFE?si=SPdw3Han-aoESGEK Dr. Strange and Magik Skins: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1990502768352600107 Anniversary Video Announcement: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1989849726955737255 Main Topic: Hero Hotlist: https://www.marvelrivals.com/heroes_data/index.html Balance Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/balancepost/20251112/41667_1270634.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1ozi1dt/i_wonder_where_black_widow_and_peni_would_be/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1oqg11x/all_the_skins_we_got_so_far/ | |||
| What If... We Go All in on Season 5? | Friends & Rivals 41 | 15 Nov 2025 | 02:43:38 | |
Guangguang finally blessed us with the Season 5 info 72 hours or less before it goes live. It's Episode 41 and Nick and Josiah scramble to talk through all things Season 5 before it releases. And of course there's Armed & Dangerous and the Reddit Take of the Week --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Season 5 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXOUHb64164 Dev Vision Vol 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgH0wM59_Sk Season 5 Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251112/41548_1270590.html Battlepass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EEYlg99xUk Times Square Map: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIpkjohfu3E New Accessories: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0e3Co91bEm4 Gambit Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4yvBw1sfko Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1oufykt/there_can_only_be_one_rogues_baby_made_by_me/ | |||
| What If... We Have Lives? | Friends & Rivals 40 | 08 Nov 2025 | 02:50:06 | |
It's Episode 40, and Josiah and Nick were caught empty handed waiting for the Dev Vision. So in the meantime, the friends return to their "Game-Life Balance" series, this time talking about Life. If you missed the Game Episode, you can find it at Episode 30. In addition, there's a Venom Hero Spotlight, Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week and a Mailbag by Watercat. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Wolverine Skin: https://x.com/MarvelRivals/status/1985738811167440934 11/7 Patch: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20251105/41548_1269153.html Reddit Take of the Week: | |||
| What If... Strategists Have Counters? | Friends & Rivals 39 | 31 Oct 2025 | 02:27:47 | |
For Episode 39, Josiah and Nick do some filthy strategist parrying to wrap up the Counters series. In addition, Josiah is under NDA, there's lots of skin news, and a Phoenix Hero Spotlight. Then of course there's Armed & Dangerous, the Reddit Take of the Week, and Mailbag. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, and Ironman Skins: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/1983187171872764175 Main Topic: Reddit Take of the Week: | |||
| What If... Rivals Put Maximum Effort Into the Season 6 Update? | Season 6 News! | Friends & Rivals 47 | 16 Jan 2026 | 02:20:59 | |
It's Deadpool time! Join Josiah and Nick as they talk all about Deadpool and Season 6 news this episode! --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Dev Vision Vol 13: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011121065754239208 Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011468543229907198 Balance and Hero Hotlist: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011196704662388877 Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011528914854723941 Progression Updates: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011513649165439132 Twitch Drops: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2011830923344421174 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1qcvgsi/why_is_hela_the_fashion_icon_that_emma_is/ | |||
| What If... Elsa Bloodstone is the Widow Rework We'll Never Get? | Season 6.5 News! | Friends & Rivals 51 | 14 Feb 2026 | 02:00:31 | |
Starting off year 2 of Friends & Rivals, Nick & Josiah dive into all the Season 6.5 News, announcements and hype, while announcing the launch of the Friends & Rivals Patreon as well! There's also Armed & Dangerous, and several Reddit Takes of the Week --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021992706084667666 6.5 Roadmap: https://twitter.com/MarvelRivals/status/2021660509032886284 Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1r2e3uf/black_widow_taking_a_huge_backseat_in_65/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1r23l1a/i_dont_want_more_gambling_netease/ https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1r26q50/please_hear_me_out_this_took_a_lot_of_work/ --------------------------------------------- Support us on Patreon! Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... It's Been a Year of Friends & Rivals!? | Friends & Rivals 50 | 07 Feb 2026 | 02:18:00 | |
This week marks 1 year of Friends & Rivals and Josiah and Nick take a walk back through the topics they've covered this year giving updates and thoughts on the various topics. There's also news with a new patch coming to the game, Armed & Dangerous, and the Reddit Take of the Week. Thank you all for making this first year of Friends & Rivals a memorable experience :) --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260204/41548_1285429.html Reddit Take of the Week: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelrivals/comments/1qrvl4u/the_new_skin_is_in_fact_002m_thicker_for_psy/ --------------------------------------------- Join the Friends & Rivals Discord! Email a question or comment: friendsandrivalspod@gmail.com Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsandrivals/ X: @FriendRivalPod (https://x.com/FriendRivalsPod) Podcast art by DarkRaiDraws (X: @DarkRaiRai) Edited by Arsenio J. Alvarez III (Instagram: @arsenio_alvarez_a3) | |||
| What If... We Learn from the Pros? | Friends & Rivals 49 | 30 Jan 2026 | 02:38:36 | |
This week Nick and Josiah look back on the 2025 Ignite Finals and try to learn some lessons from the Pros. There's also some news this week in Times Square, but you're not supposed to talk about it, and of course there's Armed & Dangerous, a Mailbag, and the Reddit Take of the Week. --------------------------------------------- Referenced Links: News: Patch Notes: https://www.marvelrivals.com/gameupdate/20260127/41548_1284020.html New Map: https://youtu.be/AWEtIaKvs5w?si=T55gfsttzv2Lpxnt Rivals Ignite Finals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42-Jh37g4v8 Reddit Take of the Week: | |||