How to Unlock Characters in Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
Marvel vs Capcom Infinite launches with a limited roster and requires players to unlock most fighters. This guide explains the core unlock methods, including Story Mode missions, Versus battles, and in-game currencies, across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Understanding these systems helps you expand your roster efficiently without paying for shortcuts.
Default Roster and Starting Characters
Characters Available From the Start
Each version of Marvel vs Capcom Infinite includes a baseline roster you can use immediately. These fighters require no initial grinding or purchases and are ready in offline and online modes.
| Character | Available in Base Roster | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Man | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Captain America | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Spider-Man | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Morrigan | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Dante | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Strider | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Rocket Raccoon | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
| Chun-Li | Yes (PS4, Xbox One, PC) | Base roster |
These eight characters provide a balanced mix of Marvel and Capcom fighters and serve as your starting point for learning Infinite’s tag mechanics.
Primary Unlock Methods Overview
You unlock characters mainly through three systems: the Story mode mission chain, Vs. Mode match completions, and the in-game cash shop. Story missions advance the plot and reward fighters in sequence, while Vs. battles give flexible currency that lets you choose which fighters to unlock next.
- Complete Story missions to follow a linear path toward new fighters.
- Win or complete objectives in Versus matches to earn fight currency.
- Use in-game shop purchases only if you choose to speed up collection; base roster progression remains achievable without spending.
Detailed Unlocking by Method
Story Mode Milestones
Story Mode is the most guided way to unlock characters. Each chapter advances narrative objectives and typically unlocks a new fighter at set milestones. Finishing chapters on higher difficulties can grant additional fighters or cosmetics, but the core character unlocks follow a predictable sequence tied to story progression.
Versus Mode and Mission Challenges
Versus Mode and standalone missions award Fight Points and other currencies. You can spend these currencies at the in-game shop to unlock specific fighters. This method lets you prioritize characters instead of following a rigid story order, which is useful if you want to play your main competitively sooner.
In-Game Shop and Currency Management
The in-game shop offers fighters, skins, and item packs. Fighters cost varying amounts depending on rarity. Daily missions, weekly challenges, and Versus wins provide steady currency, so consistent play without paying can complete your roster over time.
Unlockable Fighter List and Difficulty Notes
Not all characters unlock at the same pace; some become available only after you finish certain story chapters or accumulate enough shop currency. Rarer fighters usually cost more and may require both story progress and substantial currency or challenge completions.
| Character | Unlock Method | Estimated Effort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Marvel | Shop currency or story milestone | Medium | Often available mid-story or after currency grind |
| Jill Valentine | Shop currency or story milestone | Medium | Shared unlock path with other Capcom icons |
| Doctor Doom | High shop currency or challenge | High | One of the later unlocks; may require challenge completion |
| Phoenix Wright | Shop currency | Low to Medium | Accessible earlier if currency earned steadily |
| Ryu | Story progression or shop | Low to Medium | Often available early; alternative shop unlock |
| Hulk | Story progression | Low | Unlocked via early story chapters |
| Zero | Story progression | Low | Available after a few story chapters |
| Frank West | Shop currency or challenge | Medium | Alternative unlock if you prefer challenge routes |
| Taskmaster | High shop currency or mission | High | Rarity reflects higher in-game cost |
| Doom (Capcom) | Special event or high shop | Variable | Potential limited-time unlock; check patch notes |
Practical Tips and Common Misconceptions
Efficient Progression Strategies
- Focus on completing story chapters first for guaranteed fighter unlocks.
- Supplement with Versus modes to farm Fight Points when story progress stalls.
- Check the shop regularly; rotating offers can include characters at discount periods.
- Prioritize one or two main fighters instead of collecting everyone at once to reduce currency waste.
Clarifying Misunderstandings
Some players assume every character must be paid for, but the base game is fully unlockable through play. Time-gated challenges and occasional events may introduce special skins or variants, yet all core fighters remain reachable without purchases. Platform-specific pre-order bonuses are typically cosmetic, not roster-locking.
Cross-Platform Considerations
Progress is generally tied to platform-specific accounts on PlayStation and Xbox, while PC (via Steam or other launchers) uses its own progression. Cross-play functionality is limited in Infinite, so roster advancement does not typically transfer between platforms. Verify platform save backups if you switch devices or reinstall the game.
Summary and Next Steps
Unlocking every fighter in Marvel vs Capcom Infinite is a matter of steady Story progression, Versus play, and smart currency management. You can complete the roster without spending by following milestone-based objectives and using in-game challenges to farm Fight Points. Choose a strategy that fits your playstyle, keep an eye on the shop, and you will efficiently unlock each character over time.