Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Reveals Phoenix and Cyclops as First DLC Characters
Phoenix Cyclops is confirmed as the first Year 1 DLC character for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. The announcement came during the PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works and Marvel Games panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Inspired by Cyclops’ Phoenix Five story arc in Avengers vs. X-Men, the new fighter will be released Fall 2026 as part of the Year 1 Character & Stage Pass. The 4v4 tag fighting game will launch on August 6, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and PC, with players getting one last chance to try the game out during the Open Beta from July 24 to July 26.
Phoenix Cyclops Expands the Year 1 Roadmap
This version of Cyclops is powered by the Phoenix Force, giving him a new appearance and expanding his traditional fighting style with powerful fire-based attacks in addition to his signature Optic Blasts. Ray Chase, who also voices Cyclops in X-Men ’97 and Marvel Rivals, will reprise the role. Arc System Works has confirmed that Phoenix Cyclops is included in the Year 1 Character & Stage Pass, which will eventually add four DLC characters and one new stage after launch. While detailed gameplay has not yet been revealed, the developer said more information on his abilities and fighting style will be shared closer to his release.
The San Diego Comic-Con presentation also showcased the game’s anime-inspired opening movie. Directed by Daisuke Suzuki at SANZIGEN, the cinematic features the original theme song “Stronger as One,” performed by Keiko Terada of SHOW-YA and mayu of NEMOPHILA, with lyrics by Kanata Okajima and music composed and arranged by MEG (MEGMETAL).
Open Beta, Launch Content and Future Updates
Players can access the Open Beta on PS5 and PC, where 16 of the game’s 20 launch characters will be playable across casual matches, ranked matches, training mode, local versus, online lobbies, tutorials, and the opening chapters of the story mode. The complete launch roster includes popular Marvel heroes and villains such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom, Hulk, Loki, Blade, Deadpool, Magneto, Carnage, Green Goblin, and Magik.
The game’s single-player Episode Mode will present its story in a motion comic format, with developers confirming that a renowned Marvel Comics writer is helping shape its narrative. Arc System Works has also outlined extensive post-launch support, including new fighters, stages, costumes, and gameplay updates, signaling that the game’s release marks the beginning of a long-term content plan rather than its finish line.
Sources
PlayStation.Blog – The Ultimate Edition includes several extras beyond the base game, including pre-order bonuses, five exclusive character costumes, animated chromatic colors for all 20 launch characters, and the Year 1 Character & Stage Pass. Arc System Works also confirmed the pass will deliver four DLC fighters and one additional stage, outlining the game’s first year of post-launch content.
Polygon – Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, alongside PlayStation 5. Players in Japan will receive the game on August 7, 2026, while the Japanese Open Beta will run July 24–27, one day longer than the global beta period.
GosuGamer – The game’s single-player Episode Mode will tell its story using a motion comic presentation rather than traditional in-engine cutscenes. Arc System Works also revealed that a renowned Marvel Comics writer is collaborating with the team to help build the game’s world and write the Episode Mode storyline.
GameSpot – Arc System Works confirmed the complete 20-character launch roster, featuring heroes and villains including Ms. Marvel, Peni Parker, Danger, Blade, Loki, Deadpool, Carnage, Ghost Rider, Doctor Doom, Magneto, Green Goblin, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Storm, Black Panther, Star-Lord, and Magik. This represents the full roster available when the game launches.
Anime News Network – The Open Beta offers more than character testing, giving players access to 16 of the 20 launch fighters across casual and ranked online matches, training mode, local versus, online lobbies, tutorials, and the first chapters of Episode Mode, allowing players to experience both the competitive gameplay and the game’s story before launch.
