Marvel’s Avengers is finally getting its first major post-launch content drop on December 8. The Operation Taking Aim update adds Kate Bishop (aka Hawkeye), the game’s first new character since its launch.
The update was originally scheduled to launch in October, but it was delayed as developer Crystal Dynamics announced it would refocus its attention on fixing the game’s technical issues first.
A 9-minute deep-dive video outlines what’s included in the new update. Operation Taking Aim features a time-travel story that revolves around the new character. Square Enix says that “Operation” updates are akin to comic book arcs, telling an interconnected story throughout the game’s life span.
Kate is searching for her former mentor, Hawkeye, but along the way she discovers a conspiracy involving Nick Fury, time travel, and a frightening new enemy.
Marvel's Avengers: Kate Bishop – Taking AIM is targeted for December 8, 2020! Get those arrows ready! pic.twitter.com/Xbrw99r9rc
— Marvel's Avengers (@PlayAvengers) November 19, 2020
The video showcases Kate Bishop’s new abilities, which revolve around her bow. She’s able to shoot different types of arrows, including ones that explode on impact. Many of her abilities include teleportation options that allow her to blink forward or dodge enemy attacks. Players can use warp arrows that shoot wormholes capable of transporting teammates. Kate Bishop comes with her own set of cosmetics, some of which can be purchased via microtransactions.
Square Enix says that the next operation update will be available in early 2021. The Future Imperfect update will add the original Hawkeye, Clint Barton, to the game and pick up where Kate Bishop’s story leaves off. The studio reaffirmed that next-gen versions of the game will also land in early 2021 and will be a free update for current players.
The update is good news for the live service game, which has struggled to retain players since its September 4 launch as Square Enix changed its content rollout plans. The game recently received an update that fixed more than 1,000 issues.
