Imperial Protocol skins for Black Panther, Captain America, Mantis, and Hawkeye revealed

IGN had the opportunity to speak with Jinghua, the lead narrative designer of Marvel Rivals, about the upcoming "Imperial Protocol" skin series. Interestingly, these skins are stated to be more than just cosmetic items — instead they are tied into the game's evolving lore, offering players a unique way to deck out their favorite characters in cool ways.

The "Imperial Protocol" series will debut in Season Zero at launch. These skins revolve around Black Panther, who has ascended to the throne of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda and fittingly wears an "Imperial Protocol: Galactic Claw" skin.

Imperial Protocol: Galactic Claw Black Panther

Captain America also features in this series with his own skin, "Imperial Protocol: Galactic Talon," as he finds himself in Wakanda during this season's storyline.

Imperial Protocol: Galactic Talon Captain America

Another character receiving a new look is Mantis, which might look familiar to anyone who played or watched the Marvel Rivals Closed Alpha test earlier this year. In Season Zero's story, she escapes from The Collector's theme park, regroups with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and eventually earns her own battle suit — "Imperial Protocol: Galactic Wings".

Imperial Protocol: Galactic Wings Mantis

The final character revealed to be getting an Imperial Protocol skin is Hawkeye, receiving his "Imperial Protocol: Galactic Fangs" skin.

Imperial Protocol: Galactic Fangs Hawkeye

Season Zero will be relatively short, lasting about one month before transitioning into longer seasons that will span roughly three months each. Players will have multiple ways to obtain these seasonal story skins — some can be unlocked through battle pass progression, while others will be available for purchase in the in-game store.