As a dedicated player of Marvel Rivals, I can confidently say that the thrill of collecting alternate skins for our favorite heroes and villains is one of the game's biggest draws—right after the adrenaline-pumping gameplay itself, of course. With an ever-expanding roster of characters, NetEase has consistently delivered on its promise to introduce new heroes and costumes at a remarkable pace. And, to make things even better, the microtransactions feel fair and far less predatory compared to some other titles in the genre. The latest Power of the Phoenix battle pass has truly divided the community's attention, offering a fascinating split: one side of the roster receives a dramatic Symbiote makeover, while the other dons Phoenix-inspired costumes. While seeing iconic characters like Spider-Man get the Venom treatment is undeniably cool, could anyone have predicted the wild, tail-centric twist NetEase had in store for Squirrel Girl?
The Marvel Rivals community has been buzzing with excitement over the new battle pass. Players were initially admiring the new Venomized skins, particularly the one for Spider-Man, which looks menacingly perfect. However, the real shockwave hit when they discovered the unique design choice for Squirrel Girl's new outfit. From the front, the skin maintains a deceptively cute appearance—her ears are Venomized, and even her trusty squirrel companion, Tippy-Toe, is covered in the black Symbiote goo. But this initial impression quickly led to a collective question: Where is the signature, toothy Venom mouth? It's a defining feature of the anti-hero, after all. For whatever creative reason, the developers made a decision that has left players both bewildered and intrigued. They placed the giant, snarling maw not on her face or torso, but on her giant, bushy squirrel tail.
Turning the character around in the game's menu reveals the startling truth. What was once a fluffy, cute tail is now a monstrous appendage boasting a full-fledged Venom mouth, complete with a lolling tongue and rows of sharp teeth. The community's reaction, perfectly captured in a Reddit post by user Kirbykoopa, has been a mix of horror, confusion, and reluctant admiration. The post referenced previous discussions where players questioned why female characters in Symbiote skins seemed to lack the iconic mouth, only to have Squirrel Girl provide the most unexpected answer imaginable. I have to admit, even I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this design. Is it genius or just plain bizarre?
Community reactions have been priceless. One player commented, "I read another comment on another post saying the tail had a mouth, and I was like 'oh, cool.' I was not prepared to see that second image." The sheer surprise factor is a testament to NetEase's willingness to take creative risks. Others have tried to rationalize the choice, suggesting that while it's definitely weird, it somehow works within the chaotic, comic-book spirit of both the game and Squirrel Girl's own unpredictable character. Another player summed it up perfectly: "Now I understand why that Squirrel Girl skin is a legendary. Goddamn." This single design decision has transformed a cosmetic item into a major talking point, proving that in 2026, Marvel Rivals continues to find ways to keep its player base engaged and surprised.
Let's break down what makes this skin and the current battle pass so significant:
-
Creative Boldness: NetEase could have played it safe with a standard Venomized look. Instead, they delivered something memorable and conversation-starting.
-
Character Alignment: Squirrel Girl is known for her unconventional power and victory against major villains like Thanos. A mouth on her tail is absurd, yet fitting for her lore.
-
Community Engagement: This skin has generated more organic discussion and social media buzz than a dozen standard legendary skins might have.
| Aspect | Player Sentiment | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Design Uniqueness | 🤯 Shocked, Amused, Confused | High viral potential on social platforms |
| Lore Friendliness | 🐿️ Debated, but generally accepted | Strengthens character identity |
| Battle Pass Value | 👍 Increased perceived value | Drives engagement and potential sales |
Looking at the broader picture, this move by NetEase is a smart one. In a market saturated with live-service games, retaining player interest requires constant innovation, not just in gameplay but in cosmetics—the very items that allow for personal expression. By giving Squirrel Girl such a distinctive and slightly unsettling legendary skin, they've ensured she won't be forgotten anytime soon. It raises an interesting question for the future: Will we see more wildly unconventional takes on classic comic book tropes? Could we see a Hulk skin where the Venom mouth is on his fist, or an Iron Man suit that's partially organic Symbiote? The possibilities are as vast as the Marvel universe itself.
Ultimately, the Power of the Phoenix battle pass, with its dual themes and Squirrel Girl's standout design, reinforces why Marvel Rivals remains a top contender. It respects the source material while having fun with it, and it isn't afraid to polarize opinions to create a memorable experience. As players, we might be unsure about a mouth on a tail, but we're definitely not bored. And in the fast-paced world of competitive gaming, that's a victory in itself. Here's to hoping the developers continue to surprise us with such bold and creative choices as we move further into 2026 and beyond.