[3] The game is strongly based on the events of the limited comic book series Contest of Champions.

[4][5] An arcade version was released in 2019, developed by Raw Thrills and exclusive to Dave & Buster's locations.

[6] Players assume the role of a Summoner, tasked by the Collector to build a team of Marvel heroes and villains and pit them against one another in combat.

Gameplay is similar to that of Injustice: Gods Among Us and Mortal Kombat X, where the game's fighting arena is rendered in 3D with a 2D plane for the superheroes' movements and actions.

Each of the 253 playable characters from Marvel Comics is upgradable, featuring their own classes, movements, traits, abilities, and special moves, although many share animations.

Gameplay features an energy system that limits the number of quest-based battles in which players can compete.

In addition to quests, users can battle opponents in the game's "Versus" mode, pitting their champions against those of another player in one-on-one matches or three-on-three limited-time arenas.

Marvel Contest of Champions requires a persistent Internet connection for both single and multiplayer modes.

When the player levels-up their characters, more-powerful special attacks are possible but can be used less frequently due to their higher power cost.

Characters can be leveled up by using ISO-8 and Gold and ranked up with Catalysts, which are all gained when fighting in Story Quests, special events, and arena.

Units are the primary currency used to buy potions, revives, crystals, bundles, mastery items and alliance tickets.

Joining and being active in an alliance also grants access to Loyalty, which can be used to buy additional crystals that offer a chance at collecting Unstoppable Colossus.

Playable champions are found in a series of tiers, escalating in power level and abilities from rankings of one to seven stars.

[12] In April 2015, Kabam and Longtu Games announced Marvel Contest of Champions would be published in China in late 2015.

[16] The synopsis stated that Maestro brought the shattered realms together as Battleworld and ruled it until he was mysteriously slain, causing the Barons to rise up and control their lands.