The fighting game community is buzzing with anticipation as Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, the upcoming 4v4 tag team fighter from Arc System Works and PlayStation Studios, is finally holding its first closed beta test this weekend. For those lucky enough to receive an invite, this marks the first opportunity to go hands-on with the game outside of its EVO 2025 debut earlier this year.
When Can You Play? Closed Beta Session Times Broken Down
The closed beta runs from September 5th to September 7th, but unlike many game tests that run continuously, this one operates within specific session times across the three days. According to the detailed schedule, the beta is divided into four separate sessions, each lasting approximately 6 hours.
Friday, September 5th:
- Session 1: 9 PM PDT (September 5) to 3 AM PDT (September 6)
- For East Coast players: 12 AM EDT to 6 AM EDT
- European players: 6 AM CEST to 12 PM CEST
Saturday, September 6th:
- Session 2: 5 AM PDT to 11 AM PDT
- Session 3: 1 PM PDT to 7 PM PDT
Sunday, September 7th:
- Session 4: 3 AM PDT to 8 AM PDT
This structured approach suggests the developers are stress-testing servers during different peak times across global regions, a smart move for a game that promises robust online play with rollback netcode.
What’s in the Beta? Characters, Stages, and Modes
The closed beta build appears similar to what was available at EVO 2025, featuring six playable characters: Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, Storm, and Doctor Doom. Notably absent from this build are Spider-Man and Ghost Rider, who have been revealed but won’t be playable during this test period.
The character designs reflect Arc System Works’ signature anime-inspired approach, with each fighter offering distinct playstyles based on their comic book counterparts. From hands-on impressions from EVO, we know that Doctor Doom is slow but hits hard with magical attacks, Ms. Marvel offers high-risk, high-reward gameplay, Storm dominates the aerial game, Iron Man controls space with anti-air moves, Star-Lord provides technical firearm and juggle gameplay, and Captain America serves as a versatile all-rounder perfect for newcomers.
Stage selection is limited to New York City, but it comes with three distinct areas: City Center, Avengers Park, and Hell’s Kitchen. These area transitions aren’t just visual, flourishesthey play a strategic role in matches, similar to the “Wall Break” mechanics in Guilty Gear Strive.
In terms of gameplay modes, the beta includes:
- Online lobby matches (featuring rollback netcode)
- Limited offline matches
- A 64-player chibi lobby system reminiscent of Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Spectator mode
- “Startup Battle” tutorial against CPU opponents
Full command lists will be available for all characters, though it’s unclear if a full training mode will be accessible given the developers’ mention of “limited offline features”.
How to Get In (And What You Can Do If You Didn’t)
If you’re hoping to jump into this weekend’s beta without an invite, I’ve got bad news, this is a closed test, and invitations have already been distributed to those who registered through the PlayStation Beta Program. The invites began rolling out on September 2nd, with a second email containing download instructions promised to arrive before the beta goes live on September 5th PDT.
Silver lining? The official Twitter account stated that invites have “started to roll out,” implying that more might be sent before the beta begins. If you haven’t received one yet, there’s still a slim chance you might get lucky.
For those who didn’t make the cut this time, all hope isn’t lost. Registering through the PlayStation Store page might automatically add you to the database for future beta tests. Given that the game isn’t slated for release until 2026, we can likely expect additional testing phases in the coming months.
Beta Restrictions and What to Expect
If you are among the chosen few, be aware that there are strings attached. Participants appear to be prohibited from sharing gameplay footage online based on the beta’s terms and conditions. This isn’t entirely surprising for an early closed test, as developers typically want to control the flow of information and avoid unfinished gameplay spreading without context.
The beta is exclusively available on PlayStation 5, despite the full game’s planned release on both PS5 and PC. This platform limitation makes sense for a first test, as console-based tests are often easier to manage and monitor from a development perspective.
Looking Beyond This Beta
While neither Sony nor Arc System Works has announced plans for additional beta tests. The game’s 2026 release window suggests we’ll see more opportunities to play before launch. Speculation points to a potential second closed beta before the end of the year, possibly in December, which would likely include more players than this initial wave.
For those eager to see the game in person, the next likely opportunity would be EVO France in Nice from October 10-12, where Arc System Works might bring an updated build.
Final Thoughts
Marvel tokon: Fighting Souls represents an ambitious departure from traditional tag fighters, with its 4v4 format and shared health bar system that aims to make the game more accessible to newcomers while maintaining depth for competitive players . This closed beta marks a crucial milestone in the game’s development, giving the developers valuable data on netcode performance, character balance, and overall gameplay feel.
For those lucky enough to participate, remember that you’re testing an unfinished product—bugs and balance issues are expected. Provide constructive feedback if given the opportunity, as community input during these early stages can genuinely shape the final product.
For everyone else, keep an eye on official channels for future testing opportunities. This beta might be limited, but it’s just the first round in what promises to be an exciting buildup to the game’s eventual release in 2026.
Adrian Kovacs 
Lex Northbyte