Marvels Avengers Final Update Comprehensive Guide To Free Cosmetics In-Game Bundles And Marketplace Changes

The developer Crystal Dynamics has implemented a series of significant changes to the marketplace and in-game economy for Marvel's Avengers. These changes, primarily introduced in the final update (Update 2.8), have resulted in the availability of nearly all cosmetic items at no additional cost to players. This shift represents a departure from the game's previous live-service model, which required players to purchase credits or engage with specific progression systems to acquire certain items. The availability of these freebies is tied to the game's upcoming delisting and the cessation of official support.

Free Marketplace Cosmetics and Unlock Details

According to official patch notes and developer announcements, Update 2.8 has unlocked the Marketplace for all players. This change makes "nearly all MCU- and non-MCU-inspired Outfits, Emotes, Takedowns, and Nameplates" automatically available on player Hero Cards.

• Scope of Free Content: Players can claim every "outfit, takedown, emote, and nameplate" as a token of appreciation. This includes popular skins inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as those based on Thor: Love and Thunder, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
• Exclusions: Items that are earned through the game's campaign or purchased through the Cosmetic Vendor must still be acquired via those specific methods. These items have not been unlocked automatically.
• System Removals: Both the Shipments system and Hero Challenge Cards have been completely removed from the game. Any items that were previously earned through these systems are now automatically granted to players.

Special Anniversary and Launch Player Rewards

In addition to the general marketplace unlock, specific rewards are available for players based on their account history and achievements.

• Anniversary Bundle: To celebrate the game's second anniversary, a free "present" was distributed. This Anniversary bundle contained:

  • A 7-Day Fragment Extractor
  • A 7-Day Hero Catalyst
  • A unique 2-Year Anniversary Nameplate
  • A handful of other past Nameplates, including some tied to the MCU film Thor: Love and Thunder and the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.
  • Availability: This offer was available for download until September 15th.

• Variable Threat Response Battle Suit: A specific cosmetic reward is available to two groups of players:

  • Players who have been playing since the game's launch.
  • Players who earn at least one achievement (on Xbox) or trophy (on PlayStation) before April 1st.
  • This reward is Iron Man’s "Variable Threat Response Battle Suit," an armor modeled after War Machine's suit in the MCU movies.

Economic Adjustments and In-Game Currency

With the transition to a free-for-all cosmetic model, Crystal Dynamics has also adjusted the game's internal economy.

• Currency Conversion: Players holding existing credits (the in-game currency purchased with real money) have had those credits converted into spendable resources.
• Boost Activation: A 1.5x multiplier for XP and fragments has been permanently activated. Fragments are an in-game currency used for upgrading gear and purchasing items from the marketplace.

Timeline, Delisting, and Server Status

The introduction of free content coincides with the end of official support for Marvel's Avengers.

• Delisting Date: The game is scheduled to be delisted from digital storefronts on September 30th, 2023. After this date, it will no longer be possible to purchase the game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S.
• Server Status: Although official support ends on September 30th, Crystal Dynamics has stated that the game's servers will remain online for the foreseeable future. Players will continue to be able to access the game and utilize their free Marketplace items after the delisting.
• Final Update: Update 2.8 marked the final balance changes and gameplay tweaks for the title. A subsequent hotfix, Update 2.8.1, was released to address an issue with Faction Terminal Missions.

Conclusion

The final update for Marvel's Avengers has fundamentally altered the game's cosmetic economy, making the vast majority of previously paid items available to all players for free. This initiative, combined with the permanent activation of resource boosters and the conversion of premium currency, provides a comprehensive package of free content for the remaining player base. While the game will be removed from sale after September 30, 2023, the servers will remain active, allowing players to continue accessing these free items.

Sources

1. ComicBook.com
2. GameRant
3. The Loadout
4. Kotaku
5. GameEmpress