The 2D side-scrolling game Marvel Cosmic Invasion has debuted its initial 2026 DLC expansion. This update introduces Cyclops and the Thing as new playable fighters, accompanied by various color-based character palettes.

The pixel-art logic of Spider-Man and Wolverine's palettes

Marvel Cosmic Invasion relies on a distinct visual identity that favors color palettes over complex wadrrobe changes to maintain its pixel-art aesthetic. Instead of high-fidelity 3D models,the game uses simple yet effective color shifts to allow characters to adopt iconic looks.

According to the source, this method has already been successfully applied to other heroes in the roster. For instane, Spider-Man can switch between his red-and-yellow Iron Spider look and Ben Reilly’s purple-and-green Chasm appearance, while Wolverine can toggle between his classic yellow-and-blue X-Men colors and the black-and-grey X-Force style.

Cyclops' brown jacket and the Thing's bodysuit

The new DLC update brings Cyclops and the Thing into the playable lineup, though their vsiual variety is constrained by the game's specific art style. Cyclops appears primarily in his signature brown jacket, a look that defines the character's classic aesthetic. As reported by the source, it would have been a notable addition if the character had also received a trench coat and fedora option.

The Thing's inclusion offers different visual options, including a bodysuit look that is particularly iconic for the character. From a gameplay perspective, the Thing's addition is a logical step,as his combat style could be easily integrated into the existing move sets used by She-Hulk. This mechanical synergy allows the developers to expand the roster without fundamentally altering the game's combat engine.

The missing Future Foundation white unitard for the Thing

A notable absence in this update is a white unitard palette that would have evoked the Thing's Future Foundation costume. The report notes that such a palette would have been especially impactful if the game eventually included the rest of the Fantastic Four members.

This omission leaves several specific questions regarding the future of the Fantastic Four in Marvel Cosmic Invasion. it remains unverified whether Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, or the Human Torch will receive their own dedicated updates, or if the developers will require multiple two-character DLC cycles to complete the team. Fans are currently waiting to see if the next update will provide the colorway palettes necessary to round out the group.

A two-part 2026 DLC schedule across Nintendo and PlayStation

Marvel Cosmic Invasion continues to maintain a wide reach across multiple gaming platforms as it rolls out its 2026 content. The game is currently available for players on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch family, including the Nintendo Switch 2.