All 49 Confirmed Characters in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3

By Meg Downey

Update (5/23/19): Following the release of a new trailer (below) and Game Informer‘s latest cover story, this article and gallery have been updated with 19 additional characters confirmed to appear in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order.

It’s safe to say that in the 10 years since Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 was released on consoles in 2009, the world’s understanding of the Marvel Universe has changed a bit, to put things lightly. Not only has the MCU taken a firm hold of the pop culture zeitgeist, but the expectations for things like crossovers and genre mashups — two of the Ultimate Alliance mainstays — have gone through the roof. The thrill of seeing heroes teaming up and facing off against familiar bad guys has become less a novelty and more an expectation, meaning Ultimate Alliance has got its work cut out for it and then some.

Luckily, based on the announcement trailer, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 seems to be meeting that challenge head-on by borrowing just the right amount of the MCU’s flair for the job. With thirty characters featured in the first trailer alone and a subtitle of “The Black Order,” a direct draw to fans of last year’s mega-blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War, Ultimate Alliance 3 is bringing the Marvel Universe to life in a brand new way.

Curious about just who to expect? We’ve cataloged out every character featured in the announcement trailer, from the familiar faces of MCU superstars to some comic book classics.

Nebula

The cybernetic “daughter” of Thanos and adopted sister of Gamora, Nebula’s life-long dream is to kill her father — even if that requires cutting a bloody swath across the galaxy if anyone is foolish enough to get in her way. More machine than a person, Nebula is a master martial artist and weapons expert who is virtually indestructible.

Star-Lord

The charming but somewhat less-than-bright leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter “Star-Lord” Quill is an alien/human hybrid with a chip on his shoulder. He may not be the most famous hero in the galaxy, but that won’t stop him from introducing himself that way. Though he has no real superpowers of his own, his rough and tumble upbringing makes him a crack shot and quick improviser.

Drax The Destroyer

A tattooed alien who takes everything literally, Drax lost his family to Thanos and now harbors a personal grudge. He originally joined the Guardians of the Galaxy as a means to an end, but has since become one of the team’s most loyal fighters. Brutish and super strong, Drax is the undisputed muscle of the team.

Rocket Raccoon

The smart-mouthed Rocket may look like an anthropomorphic raccoon, but call him that at your own risk. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in his homicidal love of weapons and his quick, analytical brain.

Gamora

The clear favorite of Thanos’ “adopted” children, Gamora spent her early life trained by her father to be a perfect killing machine. Now, as an adult and alongside her friends in the Guardians, she hopes to use her skills against Thanos himself. Like her sister Nebula, Gamora is a fierce fighter and expert martial artist.

Groot

Groot may not be a tree creature of many words — all he can say is “I am Groot” but that doesn’t make him any less formidable in a fight. Together with his best friend (and frequent translator) Rocket Raccoon, Groot is one of the most powerful Guardians — and, depending on who you ask, also one of the cutest. Plus, Groot’s ability to manipulate his size and regenerate makes him a formidable ally.

Black Dwarf

The “brawn” of Thanos’s Black Order, Black Dwarf is a hulking, spike-covered alien who was renamed Cull Obsidian for his big screen debut in Avengers: Infinity War. He is the largest and most imposing of the team. Carrying a massive ax to match his bulk, Black Dwarf is more than difficult to take down.

Proxima Midnight

Cruel, cunning, and without mercy, Proxima Midnight appears to be the leader of the Black Order in Ultimate Alliance 3, giving orders and directing her “siblings” to where they are needed most. She may not look it while standing next to someone like Black Dwarf, but Proxima’s alien biology and training make her a formidable hand to hand fighter.

Ebony Maw

The most mysterious of the Black Order, Ebony Maw relies on his magic and mental manipulation to serve Thanos. He is a master of torture techniques and espionage.

Corvus Glaive

As Proxima Midnight’s husband, Corvus Glaive is one of the most favored members of the Black Order. He shares a psychic connection with his weapon — a glaive — that allows him to recall it to his hand and prevents him from dying so long as he is within its range.

 

Supergiant

A member of the Black Order not featured in Infinity War, Supergiant is a powerful telepath who specializes in manipulating her victims into betraying their allies and sabotaging their plans.

Iron Man

Tony Stark, genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, has become one of Marvel’s most prominent heroes over the last ten years. As a core member of the Avengers, he works closely with Captain America to strategize and coordinate the team. Tony’s armor is one of the most advanced weapons on the planet, allowing him to fly and shoot repulsor blasts.

Captain America

America’s first super soldier, Steve Rogers, is a man out of time. Plucked from the 1940s care of a freak freezing accident, Steve was revived in the modern era and has since gone on to become one of the most iconic heroes in the world. He is the Avengers’ de facto leader and a brilliant tactician in battle. His shield is made of indestructible vibranium and can be thrown to ricochet at the perfect angle before returning to Steve’s hand.

Ultron

The megalomaniacal AI creation of Hank Pym, Ultron is a robot with the ability to clone himself bent on the destruction of the human race — which, naturally, puts him in the Avengers’ crosshairs pretty frequently. Alongside his army of clones, Ultron is nigh invincible and impervious to petty human emotions like pain or empathy.

 

Hulk

Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner was exposed to experimental gamma radiation, causing him to develop a bifurcated personality. In periods of extreme stress or anger, he transforms into the giant, green monster known as the Hulk, super strong, super fast, and all but invincible.

Thor

The literal God of Thunder hailing from the otherworldly Asgard, Thor wields the mystical Mjolnir, a legendary hammer which grants him the power to fly and summon supercharged bolts of lightning. However, should Mjolnir ever deem him “unworthy” of his abilities, said abilities could be stripped away.

Sandman

One of Spider-Man’s most easily recognizable foes, Flint Marko can transform and manipulate sand, which just so happens to comprise his entire body. This makes him a pretty tough opponent to take down — not just because he can manage his size almost without limit, but because his sand-based body is functionally invulnerable to most physical attacks.

Spider-Man (Peter Parker)

Of course, with Sandman around, Peter Parker probably isn’t far behind. Once a teen superhero bit by a radioactive spider, now a twenty-something with some serious experience in the cape and cowl arena, Peter’s enthusiasm for his job is matched only by his wicked wit. Hope you like quips, because he’s got a never-ending supply of them. Peter’s “spider-sense” allows him to anticipate incoming attacks, which he can defend against using his web shooters and super strength.

The Sentinels

Less a “character” and more an invention, the Sentinels are a line of giant, murderous robots who were designed specifically to hunt down and kill mutants in the Marvel Universe.

Wolverine

It wouldn’t be a Marvel game without an appearance from everyone’s favorite X-Man, Logan. With his accelerated healing factor, scientifically reinforced adamantium skeleton, and surly attitude, Wolverine is one of the most instantly recognized superheroes in the world.

Ronan the Accuser

Fans of the MCU will recognize Ronan the Accuser from the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie where he teamed up with Thanos in a hunt for the Infinity Stones. A member of the alien Kree race and a zealous believer in their superiority over all other life in the galaxy, Ronan is a dangerous force to be reckoned with.

 

Kingpin

Wilson Fisk earned his name, The Kingpin of Crime, by being the mastermind behind just about every criminal dealing in Hell’s Kitchen. A perennial adversary of Daredevil, Fisk trades in lies and blackmail to keep his own hands clean.

Green Goblin

The nefarious Norman Osborn succumbed to chemical-induced mania which gave him an alter-ego known as the Green Goblin. While Norman terrorized New York as a corporate mogul, Green Goblin fought against Spider-Man for control over the city.

Nick Fury

Director of SHIELD and strategic genius, Nick Fury has a reputation for being comfortable with moral grey areas — maybe a bit too comfortable. Nick’s willingness to do what needs to be done has landed him in hot water with his fellow heroes, especially his long-time friend Captain America, on more than one occasion.

Black Widow

Ex-soviet superspy Natasha Romanov turned the tables on her hold handlers in the secret Red Room program when she defected to the United States to work with SHIELD. Now she balances superheroics with trying to atone for the less-than-valorous sins of her past. Deadly with her custom “stingers” which she wears around her wrists, Natasha is a jack of all trades on any team.

Scarlet Witch

Mutant Wanda Maximoff can alter reality simply by speaking, making her one of the most dangerous mutants on the planet. This is an issue, considering she’s also notoriously mentally unstable — but for all her power and all her faults, she still tries to stay on the right side of history.

Lockjaw

Fan favorite Lockjaw is a giant bulldog-like alien Inhuman animal with the ability to teleport himself and passengers anywhere in space. He’s also a very, very good boy, yes he is.

Falcon

Captain America’s literal wingman Sam Wilson and his avian partner Redwing are a formidable force both in the air and on land. Equipped with an advanced suit that allows him to glide and fly, Sam is an aerial ace and loyal teammate.

Crystal

Inhuman princess Crystal has the power to manipulate elemental forces and fly, which, coupled with her faithful canine companion, Lockjaw, and his ability to teleport, make her a powerful fighter. She’s even shown the ability to summon and control weather patterns.

Thanos

The Mad Titan himself, Thanos has been one of the most infamous villains in Marvel history only made more so by his starring role in Avengers: Infinity War. Wielding the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos is obsessed with the literal embodiment of Death, which drives his insane quest to wipe out as much life in the universe as possible.

Black Panther

Leader of the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda, T’Challa succeeded his uncle, S’yan, as the Black Panther. His extraordinary wealth and intelligence, paired with superhuman senses, speed, strength, and reflexes, make him one of Marvel’s most exciting heroes. The character rose to new heights in 2018, following the record-breaking success of the Chadwick Boseman-led movie.

Daredevil

Though blinded at a young age, Matt Murdock is endowed with superhuman senses of hearing, smell, taste, and touch. He’s the protector of Hell’s Kitchen, as a lawyer by day and as Daredevil by night.

Deadpool

The beloved Deadpool’s supernatural healing abilities came after an experimental cancer treatment went awry. The Merc with a Mouth possess sharp skills in combat and weaponry — and an even sharper tongue.

Doctor Strange

Before teaming up with The Avengers, Doctor Stephen Strange was renowned as one of the world’s most talented neurosurgeons. Following a severe car accident that ended his career as a surgeon, Strange’s path led him to Tibet, where he studied under The Ancient One to became a master sorcerer.

Captain Marvel

Exposure to the alien device Psyche-Magnitron transformed Carol Danvers from a NASA security officer to the extraordinary hero we know today. Superhuman strength and flight are among Captain Marvel’s many powers.

Ms. Marvel

One of Captain Marvel’s biggest fan’s is Kamala Khan, better known as Ms. Marvel. She’s a Jersey City native, who protects her city with superhuman abilities of shapeshifting and self-healing.

Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

The second Spider-Man revealed for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, Miles Morales was the focus of 2018’s hit animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Miles is a Brooklyn-born teen who possesses similar powers to Peter Parker, as well as the ability to stun enemies with a bio-electric shock.

Spider-Gwen

On Earth-65, Gwen Stacy suffered the radioactive spider bite that turned Earth-616’s Peter Parker into Spider-Man. As Spider-Woman (or Spider-Gwen), Gwen relies on her own “spider sense,” webshooters, and super strength.

Venom

Often an enemy to Spider-Man, Venom is the product of disgraced reporter Eddie Brock’s run-in with an alien symbiote. The symbiote brought with it a number of distinct abilities, including super strength, shapeshifting, and regeneration.

Electro

Another of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes, Electro, unsurprisingly, is best known for his ability to manipulate electricity. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 will mark the villain’s second video game appearance in as many years, as he was featured in 2018’s Spider-Man for PS4.

Hawkeye

Though Hawkeye possess no superpowers, The Avengers member makes up for it with extraordinary archery and combat skills. He’s as quick with his wit as he is on the draw.

Magneto

Arguably one of Marvel’s best villains, Magneto will stop at nothing to protect and preserve the mutant race. As the name suggests, Magneto’s greatest ability is his masterful manipulation of magnetism.

Wasp

Recently portrayed on the big screen by Evangeline Lilly, Wasp can shrink to under an inch or grow to hundreds of feet tall at will. Her ability to manipulate her own size is paired with super strength, flight, and the ability to telepathically communicate with (and even control) insects.

Storm

The X-Men veteran is described by Marvel as one of the “most powerful” mutants alive. Her ability to manipulate weather, and therefore wind, allow her to fly. Powers aside, she’s a highly skilled fighter.

Mystique

Naturally appearing with blue skin and yellow eyes, Mystique is most notably a master shapeshifter, allowing her to pass through everyday life as a regular human named Raven Darkholme. She’s been portrayed on screen by both Rebecca Romijn and, more recently, Jennifer Lawrence.

Psylocke

Betsy Braddock was originally introduced by Marvel in 1976 as the sister of Captain Britain. A decade later, she’d outgrow that role and join the X-Men as Psylocke. Her main powers revolve around telepathy and telekinesis.

Juggernaut

One of Marvel’s strongest characters in existence, Juggernaut is a nearly unstoppable physical force. The villain recently returned to the big screen in Deadpool 2 and was voiced by the Merc with a Mouth himself, Ryan Reynolds.

Beast

An original member of the X-Men, Beast has superhuman strength, speed, and agility. His animalistic appearance is somewhat deceiving, as Beast’s genius is matched by few in the Marvel Universe.

Nightcrawler

The son of Mystique, Nightcrawler is an agile and flexible fighter with a prehensile tail, though best known for his ability to teleport.

Of course, while this roster may already seem pretty intimidating, as the game’s release creeps closer there are sure to be plenty of surprises. Some notable fan favorites are curiously absent from the mix — but probably shouldn’t be counted out just yet.

Note: In a previous version of this article we incorrectly identified Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 as having an October 26 release date, as opposed to July 19. IGN regrets the error. 

Meg Downey is a freelance entertainment journalist who specializes in cape and cowl comics, superhero movies, and fan culture. You can find her on Twitter @RustyPolished where she’s probably having a meltdown about something embarrassing.