Marvel Rivals, the popular hero shooter developed by NetEase, offers players multiple avenues to acquire free cosmetic items, including skins, sprays, nameplates, and emotes. While the release of promotional codes has been infrequent since the game's launch in late 2024, the developer has consistently provided alternative methods for players to expand their collections without spending money. These methods include limited-time Twitch drops events, in-game currency systems, and occasional promotional codes tied to specific events or partnerships.
The game's code redemption system allows players to unlock exclusive rewards directly within the game client. However, active codes are typically available for a limited duration and may have specific redemption windows. Beyond codes, players can earn free items by watching designated Twitch streams or progressing through the free tiers of the seasonal Battle Pass. The availability of these offers varies by season, with new events and codes often coinciding with game updates, new character launches, or seasonal celebrations.
Understanding the Marvel Rivals Code System
Marvel Rivals utilizes a "Bundle Code" feature integrated directly into the game's settings menu. This system allows the developers to distribute promotional codes that unlock specific cosmetic items. According to multiple sources, the process for redeeming these codes is consistent across all platforms (PC, Xbox, and PlayStation).
To redeem a code, a player must: 1. Launch the Marvel Rivals game client. 2. Navigate to the Settings menu (often indicated by a cog symbol). 3. Locate and select the Bundle Code option. 4. Enter the active code into the provided text box. 5. Confirm the entry by clicking the "Redeem" or "Use" button.
Once redeemed, the reward typically appears immediately in the player's inventory or is delivered to their in-game mailbox. Some sources indicate that no tutorial completion is required to access the code redemption feature, allowing new players to claim rewards immediately after installation.
Active and Expired Codes
The availability of active codes fluctuates significantly. As of the most recent updates provided in the source material, there is often a discrepancy regarding the number of active codes.
Active Codes: Some sources suggest that as of early 2026, there are no active codes available. However, other sources indicate that the code
nwarh4k3xqyremains valid and provides the Armor Model 42 Skin for Iron Man. This code has been available on multiple occasions and is described as having an unlimited quantity. Another source listsprt4qpdnxhtas an active code offering the Doctor Strange Master of Black Magic skin. Due to the conflicting information across sources, the current status of specific codes should be verified against the most recent official announcements or reliable community trackers.Expired Codes: Several codes that were previously active have expired. These include:
nwarh4k3xqy(Iron Man Model 42 Skin - noted as expired in some sources but active in others)HEREISTHETHING(The Thing skin - awarded for signing up to Marvel Rivals Unlimited)prt4qpdnxht(Doctor Strange Master of Black Magic skin - noted as expired in some sources but active in others)SNMRIonman(Iron Man Model 42 skin)
The expiration of codes is often unannounced, but they generally correspond to specific promotional periods or limited-quantity offers.
Twitch Drops Events
One of the most reliable ways to obtain free items in Marvel Rivals is through Twitch Drops. NetEase frequently collaborates with Twitch to reward viewers who watch streams of the game. These events are time-limited and offer a tiered reward system based on cumulative watch time.
How Twitch Drops Work
To participate, players must first link their Marvel Rivals account to their Twitch account. This is typically done via the official Marvel Rivals website. Once the accounts are linked, viewers can watch any streamer broadcasting Marvel Rivals in the correct category to accumulate progress toward drop rewards. It is not necessary to watch a single streamer for the entire duration; progress is tracked across any participating stream.
After meeting the watch time requirements, the viewer must manually claim the reward from their Twitch Inventory. The item will then be delivered to their Marvel Rivals account the next time they log in.
Recent and Past Twitch Drop Rewards
The specific rewards and watch time requirements vary by event.
Iron Fist Event (December 12 - January 9): This event offered a set of Iron Fist-themed items:
- Iron Fist Will of Galacta Spray: 30 minutes of watch time.
- Iron Fist Will of Galacta Nameplate: 60 minutes of watch time.
- Iron Fist Dragon's Poise Emote: 2 hours of watch time.
- Iron Fist Will of Galacta Costume: 4 hours of watch time.
Mantis Event (Running until September 5): This event provided Mantis-themed rewards:
- Mantis Will of Galacta Spray: 30 minutes of watch time.
- Mantis Will of Galacta Nameplate: 1 hour of watch time.
- Mantis Celestial Radiance Emote: 2 hours of watch time.
- Mantis Will of Galacta Costume: 4 hours of watch time.
These events highlight that players can earn full character costumes, not just minor cosmetic items, by simply watching streams.
In-Game Currency and Battle Pass Rewards
Another primary method for acquiring free skins is through the in-game progression system. Marvel Rivals features a Battle Pass with both free and premium tracks. By playing the game and completing challenges, players can earn the seasonal in-game currency, known as Chrono Tokens.
Using Chrono Tokens
Chrono Tokens earned through gameplay can be spent on items within the Battle Pass. While the premium track requires the purchase of a Battle Pass, the free track allows players to claim a selection of items using their accumulated tokens. The specific skins available for purchase with Chrono Tokens change each season. For example, in a previous season, players could redeem 400 Chrono Tokens for either the Blue Thing skin or the Magus Adam Warlock skin. This system ensures that active players are consistently rewarded with cosmetic items without needing to spend real money.
Third-Party Promotions and Other Freebies
Occasionally, free items are distributed through third-party partnerships. These offers often require a specific action, such as subscribing to a service or purchasing hardware.
- Marvel Rivals Unlimited: A subscription service (likely a premium tier or fan club) offered an exclusive The Thing skin. This was distributed via the code
HEREISTHETHING, which is now listed as expired. - Hardware or Service Partnerships: Sources mention that codes have been distributed through partners like Nvidia or Marvel Unlimited subscriptions. These codes are typically single-use and tied to a specific purchase or subscription. For example, a code might be included with the purchase of a specific graphics card or as a perk for subscribers to a Marvel comic service.
Seasonal Events and Future Expectations
NetEase has a history of releasing codes and free items to commemorate new updates, character launches, and seasonal events (e.g., Season 2, Season 5.5, Season 6). The developer tends to release codes sparingly, but when they do, they often coincide with major game milestones. Players anticipating new codes should monitor official channels and community resources during periods of game updates or holiday seasons.
The sources indicate that while the release of codes has been "scarce" in 2025, the developer is expected to continue this practice in the future. The pattern suggests that codes are often released to celebrate: * New season launches. * Addition of new heroes or maps. * Special in-game events or holidays. * Collaborations with external platforms (e.g., Twitch, Nvidia).
Summary of Methods to Acquire Free Items
To summarize, players of Marvel Rivals have several confirmed avenues to obtain free cosmetic items:
- Code Redemption: Enter active codes in the game's settings menu. Codes are often seasonal or promotional and may expire without notice.
- Twitch Drops: Link accounts and watch participating Marvel Rivals streams to earn tiered rewards based on watch time.
- Battle Pass Progression: Earn Chrono Tokens by playing the game and spend them on the free track of the seasonal Battle Pass to unlock skins and other items.
- Third-Party Promotions: Participate in partnerships with services like Nvidia or Marvel Unlimited to receive exclusive codes (requires a qualifying purchase or subscription).
The availability of specific items and codes is dynamic. Players interested in maximizing their free cosmetic collection should regularly check for updates to active codes and upcoming Twitch drop events.
Conclusion
Marvel Rivals provides its player base with consistent opportunities to acquire free skins and rewards through a variety of channels. While direct promotional codes are released sporadically, the game's integration with Twitch and its seasonal Battle Pass system offer reliable, recurring methods for earning cosmetic items at no cost. The most effective strategy for players involves maintaining linked accounts for Twitch drops, actively participating in seasonal gameplay to earn Chrono Tokens, and staying informed about the release of new codes during game updates and special events. By utilizing these methods, players can significantly enhance their cosmetic collections without financial investment.