Few announcements have surprised the fighting game community quite like Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Developed by Arc System Works, this upcoming Marvel fighting game defies expectations on multiple levels. Not only is ArcSys handling the project instead of longtime Marvel fighting partner Capcom, but the game also introduces an unprecedented 4v4 battle format, a first for the genre. Now, thanks to an in-depth showcase during EVO 2025, the mystery surrounding its gameplay has finally been unveiled.
How Battles Work in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
At its core, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls employs a team-based system where both sides share a single HP bar. When this collective health bar is depleted, the associated team loses the match. Instead of managing individual character health, players will need to think more strategically about how to protect the team’s overall vitality.
Two unique resources power the system: Assemble Points, which are used for assist-type moves, and Skill Points, which enable powerful special attacks. But what makes this system particularly interesting is how matches unfold. Despite being a 4v4 title, battles begin in a 2v2 format, with players gradually unlocking the rest of their team mid-fight.
By successfully executing specific in-game actions — such as landing throws, cornering your opponent, triggering screen transitions, or winning rounds — players can call in additional teammates. Thus, one of the core strategies in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is to complete your team as quickly as possible to gain the upper hand.
Impressive Fights for Everyone
As more characters join the fray, teams gain significant advantages. Not only can players swap out their lead fighters mid-battle, but a full roster unlocks Link Attacks, which are powerful team-based combos activated through simple button inputs. More advanced mechanics, like Assemble Assist chains, offer high-level players additional tools for creating devastating setups.
While the game remains friendly to newcomers through streamlined inputs for basic and special attacks, veteran players are rewarded for using classic fighting game motions. Complex input commands, such as quarter-circle moves, will deal slightly more damage than their simplified counterparts, encouraging a balanced approach between accessibility and skill expression.
Unfortunately, no new character reveals accompanied the mechanics showcase. However, attendees at EVO 2025 in Las Vegas will be among the first to go hands-on with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, giving the fighting game world its first real taste of this ambitious and innovative new title.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch sometime in 2026 on the PlayStation 5 and PC.
