Units are the currency that buys most of the Marvel Rivals store, and you cannot buy them directly with real money. The largest free source is the Hero Proficiency track, which pays out 500 Units for every hero you level, and with a roster past 50 characters that pool is far bigger than anything else on offer.
Units vs Lattice
These two currencies are easy to confuse, and the difference costs people money.
- Units are earned in game. They buy skins, bundles, emotes, sprays, MVP animations, and most other store items.
- Lattice is the premium currency bought with real money. Lattice converts to Units at a 1:1 rate.
The conversion only runs one way. Lattice becomes Units; Units never become Lattice. That matters because a few things specifically require Lattice and cannot be paid for with Units, including the Battle Pass and gifting. So the two are not interchangeable, even at a 1:1 rate.
Where Free Units Come From
Hero Proficiency tracks. Each hero’s proficiency track awards 500 Units as you level that hero, alongside 500 Unstable Molecules. This is the most reliable free source in the game, and it scales with how many heroes you are willing to play. Our Lord rank guide covers how proficiency levels actually accrue.
Achievements. The Achievements menu converts Achievement Points into Units. Community documentation describes a rate of 100 Units per 40 Achievement Points in at least one section of the menu, though whether that ratio still holds across the current season is not officially confirmed, so treat it as a rough guide.
The Battle Pass free track. Free tiers include Unit rewards, and you do not need to buy the premium pass to claim them. Totals have varied by season, so check the current pass rather than assuming a fixed number.
Events. Seasonal events and limited-time event passes pay out Units, and these are the most missable source because they expire.
Linking and referrals. Players widely report Units from linking a Discord account, from NetEase Gamer Premium membership, and from the Assembly Code referral system, which is described as paying 300 Units per referred friend who reaches level 10. Whether all of these are still running is not officially documented for the current season, so check in your own client before counting on them. Our account linking guide covers the linking side.
Twitch Drops appear during promoted streams and occasionally include Units.
The Practical Approach
If you want cosmetics without spending, play a wider spread of heroes rather than one. A single hero’s proficiency track caps out at 500 Units no matter how many hours you put in, so the fastest accumulation comes from levelling several heroes through the early proficiency ranks rather than pushing one to the ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Units with real money?
Not directly. You buy Lattice with real money and convert it to Units at 1:1.
Can I turn Units back into Lattice?
No. The conversion is one way only, which is why you should not assume Units will cover a Battle Pass.
What is the biggest free source of Units?
Hero Proficiency tracks, at 500 Units per hero across a roster of more than 50 characters.
Do Units expire?
There is no documented expiry on Units themselves, though event currencies and limited-time passes do expire.