How to play Marvel Rivals Closed Beta: Twitch drops & keys explained

Eager to play Marvel Rivals early? We’ve got everything you need to know about how to get into the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta, from Twitch drops to alternative ways of getting keys.

During Marvel Rivals’ Closed Alpha, participants could try out 19 different characters from the roster to get a feel for their gameplay and check out their cosmetics. Several permanent rewards would also carry over with your account.

That said, not everyone was lucky enough to jump in. Initially, the Closed Alpha period only had a 30,000-player cap and limited friend keys. It was also only available for PC, leaving console players in the dark.

Fortunately, Marvel Rivals has announced a Closed Beta Test that’ll include everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about Marvel Rivals’ Closed Beta date and how you can get access.

Marvel Rivals Closed Beta start date & time

Marvel Rivals’ Closed Beta began for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players on July 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM PDT / 6:00 PM EDT, and it’ll end on August 5, 2024.

However, the methods by which players get into the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta test have changed since servers went live.

How to join Closed Beta test: Twitch drops explained

Currently, the best way to gain access to the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta is via Twitch drops. After watching a drops-approved streamer for an hour, you will get access to the beta.

Or, at least, you should. The number of keys is extremely limited, and they’re distributed on a first-come first-serve basis. NetEase has since apologized to those stuck in key limbo and promised more keys will be coming.

If you’ve watched the required hours of Twitch streams and get this message, you don’t have to go through the trouble of watching an hour of streams every day.

There is a trick to this, though: Keys refresh every day at 8PM EST, or 5PM PST. If you want a chance of getting the key, this is the time in which you’ll have to pounce.

Bots are scraping this time period for the sake of scalping codes for resale, meaning allotted codes run out within minutes. If you want to have a shot at playing, you’ll have to be quick.

Meanwhile, if you have previously reached level 10 or above in the Closed Alpha test before, and still have the Marvel Rivals Playtest in your library, all you need to do is update the build to join the Closed Beta test.

On the other hand, if the Marvel Rivals Playtest is missing, it means that your code has been revoked. The team mentioned that they are aware of this issue and are working on resolving it. Those who are having this issue are instructed to fill out the Marvel Rivals CAT code appeal.

Additionally, those who connected their Marvel Rivals account with Discord during the initial test period may be able to secure a spot for “future tests,” as written in an announcement in the game’s official Discord.

How to activate Marvel Rivals Closed Beta access code

Assuming you’ve secured an access code from your email or Twitch Drops, the next thing you’ll need to do before you can play the game is activate your code. Here’s how you can do it on all platforms:

Steam (PC)

1. Launch Steam.
2. On the top menu bar, select Games.
3. Click Activate a Product on Steam.
4. Enter the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta access code.
5. Follow the prompt to install.

PlayStation 5

1. Head to the PlayStation store menu.
2. Select your profile at the top of the screen.
3. In the drop-down menu, select Redeem Code.
4. Enter the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta access code.
5. Download the game under Your Collection in the Game Library.

Xbox Series X|S

1. Press the Xbox icon on your controller.
2. Select the Store icon.
3. Select Redeem and then enter your Marvel Rivals Closed Beta code.
4. Click check the code.
5. Follow the rest of the prompt to install Marvel Rivals.

How to get a Marvel Rivals friend code

To get an extra code in Marvel Rivals, you’ll need your account to reach level 6 in the game. The fastest way to do this is by completing all the quests, including the ones from Galacta’s Quest missions. Once you’ve done that, follow the steps below to obtain your code:

1. Head to the main menu in Marvel Rivals.
2. Select the Invite Code tab under Play.
3. Click the icon to claim your friend code.

It’s worth noting that the friend codes in Marvel Rivals are limited daily and can only be claimed once per account. 

netease / marvel

The friend code tab in Marvel Rivals.

So, if you missed out on claiming a friend code on any given day, you’ll have to wait for the next day or until the next reset. The friend codes refresh at 7 AM UTC or 11 PM PT. By that time, you’ll want to stand by in the game to secure your extra code. They run out fast.

What to expect in the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta test

Developers previously gave fans a peek at all the new things coming in the game. The Closed Beta trailer offered a peek at two characters joining the roster, Adam Warlock and Venom.

Speaking of the game’s cosmetic options, players who join the Closed Beta will also be able to get an exclusive Cyan Clash Venom skin from an event.

Like the Moonlit Witch Scarlet Witch skin from the Closed Alpha, this will be a permanent reward that will carry over once the game releases, as long as you’re using the same account.

Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge and wanting to put their skills to the test can look forward to the War of The Realms tournament, which will be open for registration on July 25, 2024.

According to the X post, the Closed Beta will also include “more regions, platforms, characters, and epic team-ups, with full crossplay.”

Additionally, two new heroes have already been added to the beta: Jeff the Land Shark and Thor. Who knows what the developers will add next now that we’re getting new heroes?

If you’re looking into jumping into the Closed Beta later on, make sure to familiarize yourself with all the characters and their abilities so you can avoid getting stomped.

How to get XP fast in Marvel Rivals Closed Beta

As we’re nearing the end of the Marvel Rivals Closed Beta phase, it’s just been recently announced that players will be able to rack up more XP via “Galacta’s Quest XP” to help level up their Galacta’s Quest progress.

According to an announcement posted on X, all you need to do is complete the Repeatables missions in the game to enjoy the extra XP. You can find these missions by clicking the Galacta’s Quest icon in the main menu, selecting missions, and going to the Repeatables tab.Given that the Galacta’s Quest was extended with new rewards and cosmetics for Thor and Jeff the Shark, this is certainly a welcome addition to the game. While not all the rewards from the Galacta’s Quest will carry over, you can snatch these cosmetics permanently if you manage to hit the max level in the pass:

• Cyan Clash Venom skin
• Golden Abyss Banner

There are other ways to earn XP too. However, it’s also recommended to try and finish all your Daily missions and challenges before they reset.