Loot Boxes May Arrive in Marvel Rivals as ‘Mysteries’ According to Datamine

Marvel Rivals might be heading into controversial territory as dataminers uncover evidence of loot boxes, potentially arriving in Season 4 or later.

The discovery comes from RivalsInfo on X (formerly Twitter), who found references in the game’s code to something codenamed “Mysteries.” While the name might sound harmless, the mechanics described line up almost perfectly with traditional loot box systems – randomized rewards that can be unlocked through box-opening logic.

The timing of this find is particularly interesting. Season 4 is set to launch on September 12, 2025, yet there is no guarantee that loot boxes will make their debut on that exact date. Instead, it seems more likely that the groundwork for such a system is being quietly reintroduced in the background, leaving open the possibility that players will encounter it in a future update.

Datamined strings include terms such as “cosmic mysteries number” and “BOX_OPEN_HISTORY_CHANGE,” which strongly suggest the return of an older loot box-style framework. Screenshots provided by RivalsInfo even show how the logic might have appeared during internal testing, underscoring that this is not mere speculation but an intentional feature being tinkered with by developers.

What remains unclear, however, is the business model. Will these “Mysteries” be locked behind real-world payments, or will they also be earnable through gameplay? Other free-to-play titles often strike a middle ground, offering both paid and free acquisition routes, though the balance between the two can dramatically shape player satisfaction. If NetEase decides to monetize the feature aggressively, high-tier rewards could end up hidden behind gambling-like mechanics, echoing some of the most criticized aspects of the broader gaming industry.

Loot boxes are no stranger to controversy. Many regulators and players view them as manipulative, designed to exploit psychological triggers that encourage repeat spending. The backlash has been so strong in some regions that loot boxes are treated like gambling, with legal restrictions or outright bans in certain countries. If Marvel Rivals pushes forward with this system, it risks igniting a similar wave of criticism, especially since the community has already been wary of monetization strategies in online titles.

Still, there’s a chance that vocal pushback could change the course. Developers have reversed course before when fan reactions made it clear that a feature was more trouble than it was worth. For now, all eyes are on how NetEase communicates these changes. Transparency around rewards, drop rates, and alternative ways to earn them could make the difference between Mysteries being tolerated or outright rejected by the fanbase.

One thing is certain: whether introduced in Season 4 or later, the idea of loot boxes in Marvel Rivals has already sparked debate, and players will be watching closely to see how the studio handles it. The community’s response could determine whether “Mysteries” become a permanent fixture or vanish before they even officially launch.