Publisher Square Enix and developer Crystal Dynamics just announced the release date for the next expansion to Marvel’s Avengers. The new DLC, Black Panther: War for Wakanda, adds Black Panther plus new villains, environments, and more.
Square Enix announced on Thursday that it will be available on August 17 as a free update for Marvel’s Avengers. Square also announced an all-access weekend starting July 29 and lasting through August 1.
The new expansion follows King T’Challa, the current Black Panther and ruler of the isolated but technologically advanced kingdom of Wakanda. The expansion’s plot revolves around T’Challa’s struggle to balance his duties as King and superhero following a betrayal and tragedy. He must defend his people from the supervillain Klaw while also learning to trust those around him. It also appears that T’Challa’s tech-genius sister Shuri will play a significant role in the story.
New and returning Marvel’s Avengers players will explore the Royal Palace and jungles of Wakanda. The former serves as a fourth Outpost, with new characters, vendors, and War Table missions. Players will have a chance to explore Shuri’s lab, the chambers of court sorcerer Zawavari, and Wakanda’s war room. It also sounds like the palace offers a great view of Wakanda’s capital city of Birnin Zana.
Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics haven’t revealed much new information about the developer’s take on Klaw. The cybernetic South African mercenary was a recurring secondary villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which Marvel’s Avengers is partially inspired by. Most of his crimes in the films revolved around stealing and selling Wakanda’s vibranium. That appears to be the case in the War for Wakanda expansion as well. Square has also not offered many details about the new Zones and Missions. However, much of the expansion will take place in Wakanda’s verdant jungles.
Meanwhile, the all-access weekend begins today and runs through Sunday, August 1st. It’s available in all regions on PS4, PS5, Stadia, and PC via Steam. New players can try out the entire game for free, though PlayStation users require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play. New players that decide to buy can keep their progress after the free trial ends. The game is also 40% off during the period.
Square Enix stated that Xbox players will have a similar opportunity to try the game for free at some point in the next few months. Additionally, all Marvel’s Avengers players have access to special promotions during the all-access weekend. These include but are not limited to a 400% boost to XP gain. Marvel's Avengers in-game purchases are also 50% off, and players have a chance to replay the game’s Tachyon Anomaly event.
The Black Panther: War for Wakanda expansion for Marvel's Avengers releases August 17th for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Square Enix