The Thong Marvel Rivals: Everything You Need To Know About The Thing's Viral Summer Skin

The "Thong" skin in Marvel Rivals has transcended a simple cosmetic to become one of the game's most talked-about and viral community memes. As of the current date in December 2025, with the game well into its Season 5.5 update featuring new heroes like Rogue, the legend of this specific The Thing outfit, officially named the "Sunshine Thing" Epic Costume, continues to dominate discussions. The skin, which strips down the rocky hero Ben Grimm to a surprisingly revealing, brightly-colored beach outfit, was a massive hit during its initial release, cementing NetEase Games' willingness to lean into fan humor and create memorable, if slightly controversial, content.

The outfit's existence is a testament to the power of the Marvel Rivals community, who jokingly demanded a skimpy summer costume for the massive, rock-covered member of the Fantastic Four—and the developers actually delivered. This article breaks down the full story of the viral "The Thong" skin, its place in the game's history, and a complete profile of the legendary hero, Ben Grimm.

The Complete Profile of The Thing: Benjamin Jacob Grimm

The character at the center of the viral cosmetic is none other than Benjamin Jacob "Ben" Grimm, famously known as The Thing. He is one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Marvel Comics, serving as a founding member of the Fantastic Four.

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• Real Name: Benjamin Jacob "Ben" Grimm
• Aliases/Codename: The Thing, Blue-Eyed Idol of Millions, Rocky, Aunt Petunia's Favorite Nephew
• Affiliations: Fantastic Four (Founding Member), The Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Future Foundation
• Origin: Ben Grimm was a college roommate and best friend of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic). He piloted the experimental spacecraft that exposed him, Richards, Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), and Johnny Storm (Human Torch) to cosmic radiation, mutating his body into a massive, rock-like form.
• Powers: Superhuman strength, durability, stamina, and resistance to injury due to his orange, rock-like hide. His iconic catchphrase is "It's Clobberin' Time!"
• Key Biographical Details: Ben Grimm was born on Yancy Street on the Lower East Side of New York City and is canonically of Jewish heritage.
• Role in Marvel Rivals: The Thing is a playable character, typically fulfilling a Vanguard (Tank) role, utilizing his immense durability and strength to protect his teammates and control the battlefield.

The Viral Phenomenon: Unpacking the 'Sunshine Thing' Epic Costume

The "The Thong" nickname originated from the *Marvel Rivals* community's playful description of The Thing's summer attire. The official name of the cosmetic is the Sunshine Thing skin, and it is classified as an Epic Costume within the game.

This skin was one of the major highlights of the Season 3 Summer Special Event, which ran for a limited time, typically between mid-July and mid-August (July 17 to August 15). The event was a major moment for the game, as NetEase Games fully embraced the summer beach theme, offering a variety of swim-themed outfits for several heroes.

The Sunshine Thing skin is a radical departure from Ben Grimm's traditional blue shorts. The costume features The Thing's massive, rocky body adorned with a small, brightly-colored, patterned speedo or brief, which the community immediately and affectionately dubbed a "thong" due to its minimal coverage on his large frame.

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The developers at NetEase were praised for their self-awareness and willingness to engage with the community's humorous demands. The skin quickly became a fan favorite, driving significant discussion and media coverage around the game, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected character designs can generate the most powerful organic marketing.

How to Get 'The Thong' Skin (Sunshine Thing) in Marvel Rivals

For players looking to acquire this legendary piece of *Marvel Rivals* history, the method of acquisition was tied to the limited-time Season 3 Summer Special Event. While the event is no longer active in the current Season 5.5, cosmetics often return in future events or through the in-game store rotation.

Here is a breakdown of how the Sunshine Thing skin was originally obtained:

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• Event: Season 3 Summer Special Event
• Requirement: The skin was locked behind the Premium Battle Pass track of the Summer Special Event.
• Unlocking Process: Players had to purchase the paid track of the event pass and then earn 1500 event points. These points were typically gained by completing daily and weekly event challenges, participating in matches, and progressing through the event's reward structure.
• Rarity: Epic Costume.

Players who missed the original Season 3 event should keep a close eye on the in-game store and future seasonal updates. Given the skin's immense popularity and viral status, NetEase Games is highly likely to re-release it, perhaps during a future summer event or as a featured item in the rotating cosmetic shop, allowing new players to finally get their hands on "The Thong."

The Full Lineup: Other Skimpy Skins from the Summer Special Event

The Thing's "Sunshine Thing" skin was not the only notable cosmetic released during the Season 3 Summer Special Event. The event featured a full collection of beach-ready outfits, solidifying the game's commitment to fun, fan-service designs. This collection of Summer Special Event skins provides essential topical authority and context for the game's cosmetic philosophy.

Other key heroes who received summer-themed skins included:

• Luna Snow: Received the Cool Summer Legendary skin, which was also part of the premium track of the event pass, featuring a stylish, modern beach look.
• Human Torch (Johnny Storm): Received the Sunny Sizzler skin, which often depicted him in beachwear that barely contained his fiery form.
• Mantis: Received the Oceanic Harmony skin, adding another Guardian of the Galaxy to the beach party with a unique swimsuit design.
• Thor: Received a special summer skin that was notable for being unlockable for free through event progression, offering a great incentive for all players to participate in the event.

The overall success of the Summer Special Event, driven largely by the viral popularity of The Thing's thong costume, demonstrated that players appreciate the blend of serious superhero action with lighthearted, meme-worthy cosmetic choices. This approach has helped *Marvel Rivals* maintain a strong, engaged community and continues to generate excitement for every new season and event, including the recent Season 5.5 updates and the anticipation for future heroes like Deadpool. The legacy of "The Thong" remains a high-water mark for the game's cosmetic design and community interaction.