Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Short answer: MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls has 20 characters listed as playable at launch, and the official FAQ does not describe a campaign clear, account level, or hidden challenge for adding them to the base roster. The “unlock” players notice during a fight is temporary: your third and fourth selected teammates become available after a qualifying stage break or when you lose a round.
The official PlayStation game page names seven stages, but the published materials do not provide a complete permanent stage-unlock table. They explain how to transition between arena sections during a match, which is different from unlocking a stage in a menu.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “unlock” means in Fighting Souls
There are two separate systems that are easy to confuse:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Roster ownership: the official FAQ lists 20 launch characters as playable. It does not attach an Episode Mode requirement, win total, account level, or other progression task to those characters.
- Match access: every player chooses a four-character team, but only the first two chosen fighters are available when the round begins. The third and fourth become usable after specific events in that match.
That distinction answers most searches for “how to unlock every character.” You do not need to clear a story chapter to add the 20 launch fighters to your account, according to the published FAQ. If two teammates appear unavailable in the opening seconds of a round, they are being held back by the team-battle rules, not locked behind permanent progression.
#1 Best Overall
- Small Form Factor Fight Stick featuring an 8-button layout and 8ft. cable
- Great for both Arcade and Fighting Games
- Compact, lightweight and portable design
- Features Classic 8-Button Layout and HORI’s Original Joystick with V-cut Housing
- Officially Licensed by Sony
“In each match players will start with their first two characters available.” — MARVEL Tōkon official FAQ
The same principle applies to stage breaks. A transition that moves the fight to another section of an arena is an event inside the current match. It does not establish that you have permanently unlocked a new stage for future selection.
Every launch character listed by the official FAQ
The FAQ names 20 playable characters for the launch roster. The table below uses “launch character” in that precise sense; it does not imply that each fighter must be earned through play.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Character | Launch status | What the official material establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Captain America | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Iron Man | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Black Panther | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Hulk | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Storm | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Magik | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Wolverine | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Danger | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Spider-Man | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Ms. Marvel | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Star-Lord | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Peni Parker | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Ghost Rider | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Blade | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Deadpool | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Loki | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Doctor Doom | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Magneto | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Green Goblin | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
| Carnage | Playable at launch | No permanent unlock challenge is stated. |
When a character-select screen does not behave as expected, first check that you are looking at the complete roster rather than a team slot that is intentionally unavailable at the start of the round. The two systems use similar visual language, but only the latter is a match rule documented by the FAQ.
How to get your third and fourth teammates during a match
Use the following procedure when you want all four selected fighters available in one match. It describes access for the current fight, not a permanent account unlock.
Rank #2
- The redefined 6-button gamepad with wireless connectivity. Perfect for all SEGA’s classic Games.
- Compatible with Switch, Windows 10 or above, Android and Raspberry Pi.
- Turbo Function (unavailable on Switch).
- Bluetooth and rechargeable battery.
- Upgradeable firmware.
- Select four characters. Build your team normally. The game allows four selections, but the first two are the only members available as the round opens.
- Take the opponent toward an arena edge. The documented triggers require a qualifying action near the edge of the screen. Positioning matters; a successful attack in the center may not cause the same result.
- Land a qualifying attack or throw. The FAQ identifies certain attacks and throws as stage-break triggers. It also identifies selected Skill attacks and a successful light-route Link Attack near the edge.
- Watch for the stage-break result. Depending on the situation, the action can produce a stage transition or a wall splat. Once the break condition is met, the next team member can become available under the match rules.
- Repeat for the fourth member if necessary. The same team-access concept governs the remaining teammate. The exact animation and arena response can depend on the attack and the stage section.
- Use the alternative trigger if you cannot force a break. Losing a round is also listed as a condition that makes additional selected characters available. This is not a recommended way to win, but it explains why a teammate may appear after the round result.
What counts as a stage-break attempt
The published description is deliberately broader than a single universal button command. It refers to certain attacks or throws, selected Skill attacks, and a successful Link Attack through the light route. Use the in-game Battle Guides and Character Guides to identify which moves your chosen fighter can use, then practice the timing in Training Mode.
Do not assume that every normal attack, every throw, or every Link Attack will work. The qualification, the edge position, and the hit connecting successfully all matter. If an attack produces ordinary hit-stun without a break, move the opponent closer to the boundary and try one of the documented move categories rather than treating the teammate as permanently locked.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why a lost round changes team access
A lost round is the second condition specified by the FAQ. This protects the team-battle format from leaving two selected fighters unavailable for an entire set when a player has already been defeated once. It is a round-state rule, not a reward for completing a campaign objective and not an account-wide unlock.
Stages named in the official game information
The official PlayStation game page names and describes seven stages:
| Stage | What is documented | Permanent unlock condition |
|---|---|---|
| Asgard | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| Marvel’s New York (Night) | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| Wakanda | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| Marvel’s New York (Day) | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| Savage Land | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| X-Mansion | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
| Knowhere | Named as a playable arena with section transitions. | Not stated in the reviewed official material. |
The page describes multi-sectioned arenas and transitions, but neither it nor the FAQ supplies a stage-by-stage requirement such as “clear Episode Mode,” “win a set,” or “reach a certain rank.” Because no complete official table is published, it would be inaccurate to promise a universal sequence for unlocking these seven stages.
Rank #3
- Wired Controller optimized for fighting games
- Features a six-button layout, micro Switch Buttons, adjustable d-pad, and a short throw analog stick with 8-way Gate for increased accuracy and execution speed
- Customize and save up to four profiles with the companion app and easily Switch between them with the profile button
- Compatible with Xbox series x|s, Xbox One, and Windows 10
- Officially Licensed by Microsoft
How to check a stage without guessing
- Install the latest game update for your platform.
- Open the mode in which you want to play and enter its stage-selection screen.
- Read the current status beside each named arena. Menu labels can change with patches, so use the wording shown by your installed version.
- If a stage is unavailable, check the in-game notices, Battle Guides, and the publisher’s current update information for a stated requirement.
- Do not treat a stage transition during a fight as proof that the arena has been added permanently to your selection list.
This approach is safer than following an unofficial “unlock order” because the available official material does not establish one. A future update could also change menu availability or add stages, so the in-game list is the authoritative check for your installed version.
Stage breaks are not stage unlocks
A stage break changes the location or section of the ongoing battle. The FAQ says that a qualifying attack or throw near the edge can cause a stage transition or wall splat, and it specifically includes selected Skill attacks and a successful light-route Link Attack among the possible triggers.
Think of the mechanic as a fight-state event:
- Before the break: you are fighting in the current section, with only the first two selected teammates available at the opening.
- At the break: a qualifying edge interaction produces the transition or wall-splat result.
- After the break: the match continues in the next section, and the team-access rules can make additional selected fighters available.
None of those steps says that Asgard, Wakanda, or another arena has been permanently added to your profile. Permanent stage availability remains undocumented in the cited official pages.
Launch content versus Year 1 downloadable content
The Year 1 Character and Stage Pass is a separate category from the 20 launch characters. The official FAQ says the pass contains the first four additional downloadable characters and one additional stage, available upon release, plus result poses for the 20 base characters. Those additions should not be described as launch-roster unlocks.
| Product or content | What is established | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Base game | 20 characters are listed as playable at launch; seven stages are named on the official game page. | Buying or completing a mode is not documented as a requirement for the 20 launch fighters. |
| Year 1 Character and Stage Pass | Four additional characters, one additional stage, and result poses for the 20 base characters. | A paid post-launch content package, not a hidden base-game unlock route. |
| Digital Deluxe Edition | Includes the Year 1 Characters and Stage Pass according to the launch announcement. | Useful if you want the announced Year 1 additions with the game; it does not change the match rule for the third and fourth teammates. |
| Ultimate Edition | The current US PlayStation listing shows an Ultimate Edition, but the supplied official details do not enumerate its contents. | Check the live storefront description before purchasing. |
Reported Year One names
Secondary coverage published on October 11, 2026 reported Phoenix Cyclops, Jane Foster’s Thor, Venom, and Jubilee, along with a Klyntar stage, as Year One content. That report is not a substitute for the publisher’s current in-game or storefront listing. Verify each character’s release status and the stage’s availability in the official listing before treating a reported name as playable on your platform.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #4
- Compatible with Switch and Windows.
- Supports ultimate software - customize button mapping and create macros
- Dynamic button layout - button mapping changes with mode functionally and visually
- Ultra-moddable arcade stick - Universal mounting plate supports Sanwa arcade sticks
- Three ways to connect: Bluetooth, 2.4g and wired USB-C. The included 2.4g receiver has a special hidden compartment to store it safely.
US prices and release timing
The launch announcement gave the Standard Edition a $59.99 USD MSRP and the Digital Deluxe Edition an $84.99 USD MSRP. The current US PlayStation page lists the Standard Edition at $59.99, Digital Deluxe at $84.99, Ultimate at $99.99, and a separate Year 1 pass add-on at $34.99. Storefront prices, taxes, currencies, editions, and availability can change by region and date, so use your local store’s final checkout price.
The announced launch date was August 6, 2026, with August 7 in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea. A physical PS5 copy is another way to obtain the base game; purchasing it does not itself unlock a character or stage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need Episode Mode, online play, or special hardware?
Episode Mode and offline play
The official FAQ lists Episode Mode, local Versus, Training Mode, All-Star Arena, Battle Guides, Character Guides, and other offline content. It also says Arcadia Rumble is fully playable offline, with optional online features. Nothing in that list connects completion of Episode Mode or another offline activity to adding a launch character to the roster.
Internet and account requirements
On PS5, offline content does not require PlayStation Plus. Online Lobby, Room Matches, Ranked, Casual, profiles, and related online features require an internet connection and an account; PS5 online features also require PlayStation Plus. The PC offline edition can be played without a PlayStation account, according to the FAQ.
These requirements govern where you can play, not which launch characters you own. If a menu is unavailable while you are offline, that is an online-feature limitation rather than evidence of a hidden roster challenge.
Best Value
- BUILT FOR GAMING - Engineered to fit your play style and packed with tons of customizable options, the Pro BFG Wireless Controller is the new standard in PlayStation and PC gaming.
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE - Map functions to any of the four mappable back buttons to take down ops quickly and efficiently. Use the Profile Button to create three unique button mapping profiles to maximize your efficiency in any game.
- ULTIMATE MODULARITY - Create the ultimate controller for any game using the swappable modules and interchangeable pieces. Includes a reversible left module, standard right module, 6-button fight pad module, 4 interchangeable sticks, 3 different D-pads, and 4 gates.
- PREMIUM BUILT-IN AUDIO - Hear your enemies before you see them with Sony 3D audio on PS5. Plus, low latency audio and different EQ profiles to choose from give you the advantage over the competition.
- Officially licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. & a PlayStation Official Licensed Product
Controllers and arcade hardware
The PlayStation page confirms compatibility with arcade sticks and leverless controllers on PS5. They are optional input devices. No reviewed official material says that a peripheral, consumable, repair item, or special controller is needed to access characters, trigger a stage break, or select a stage.
Troubleshooting the most common “unlock” problems
“My third character is greyed out.”
- Confirm that the fighter is your third or fourth team selection; the first two are the opening characters.
- Move the opponent toward the edge of the current screen.
- Use a qualifying attack or throw, a documented Skill attack, or the light-route Link Attack described by the FAQ.
- Check whether the move actually connected. A blocked or ordinary hit may not satisfy the break condition.
- Remember that a lost round is also a listed trigger for additional team access.
“The wall splat happened, but my teammate did not appear.”
A wall splat or transition is tied to a qualifying break, but the visual result and team-access timing can depend on the current round and sequence. Review the relevant Character Guide and Battle Guide, then reproduce the move near the edge in Training Mode. Do not infer a permanent unlock requirement from one failed attempt.
“I cannot find a stage in the selection menu.”
The official pages name the seven stages but do not publish a complete unlock table. Install updates, inspect the current stage-select screen, and read any in-game notice attached to the missing arena. If no requirement is shown, there is no documented basis for inventing a campaign chapter, win count, or rank threshold.
“I bought the pass but cannot use the new content.”
Confirm that the purchase was made for the same platform account and region as the game, download the add-on where your storefront requires a separate installation, and restart the game after the license is recognized. The pass covers four additional characters and one additional stage as described by the FAQ; it does not convert the match-specific third- and fourth-character rule into unrestricted access at round start.
Quick Recap
A practical checklist before you search for an unlock code
- Check the complete 20-character launch roster before assuming a fighter is missing.
- Distinguish a team slot that is unavailable at round start from a character that is absent from the roster.
- Use the edge-based break conditions to bring the third and fourth selected teammates into the current match.
- Use Training Mode and the in-game guides to learn qualifying Skill and Link Attack routes.
- For stages, rely on the installed version’s stage-select menu and current official notices; no full permanent unlock route is published.
- Treat the Year 1 pass as paid downloadable content, not as a requirement for the 20 launch characters.
- Check regional storefront pricing and edition contents before buying, because the listed US prices and availability can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

