Marvel Rivals Closed Beta: How to Get Access Today [CNET]

A trusty friend is the easiest way to get in, but you can also earn keys through Twitch.

Marvel Rivals is a 6v6 hero-shooter featuring 21 heroes from Marvel comics, and the game just started a new closed beta test. The objective-based game quickly garnered comparisons to the first iteration of Overwatch, with its varied hero roster and ability to build seemingly endless team compositions. 

The closed beta runs through Aug. 5, giving players roughly two weeks to try out the game, including the new heroes Adam Warlock and Venom. Here’s how to secure your spot in the Marvel Rivals beta.

Watch Twitch for access keys

You can earn access to the Marvel Rivals closed beta just by watching the game for at least an hour on Twitch. Note that you’ll be racing against other prospective players to grab keys from the Marvel Rivals website while they’re available that day, but otherwise the steps are straightforward.

1. Connect your Twitch account to the Marvel Rivals website.
2. Find a Marvel Rivals stream with drops enabled — the stream title should tell you.
3. Watch for at least an hour.
4. Check the Rivals website to claim a single-use key for PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

Pro tip: According to the Marvel Rivals website, keys refresh at 8 p.m. ET and are limited each day, so watch around that time for the best chance at snagging one. 

Grab a code from a friend

You can also get into the beta if you have a friend who got access and you’re good at convincing people to give you things. When accounts hit level 6, they can claim a key to give to a friend. I hit that milestone after about 10 games, which took me only a couple of hours. Note that, like the Twitch drops, these keys have daily limits and refresh at 8 p.m. ET.

If you have a group of friends looking to get access, you can chain these keys together as each of you hits level 6. If you’re looking for advice on persuading your friend to give that one precious beta key to you first, well… I recommend compliments, favors and promises to play healer (or “Strategist,” as it’s called in the game).

How do I download the Marvel Rivals beta?

The download steps differ by platform, but the basic process is getting a key, going to your system’s store and entering the key. Here’s a more detailed breakdown by platform once you have your code.

On PC

1. Go to Steam.
2. In the top menu, choose Games > Activate a Product on Steam.
3. Enter your Marvel Rivals code.

On PS5

1. Go to the PlayStation Store.
2. Select the three-dot (…) icon.
3. Choose Redeem Code.
4. Enter your Marvel Rivals code. 

On Xbox

1. Go to the Xbox Store.
2. Press the View button (the overlapping squares button to the bottom left of the Xbox button) and choose Redeem from the pop-up menu.
3. Enter your Marvel Rivals code.