Champions Online is a superhero-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game by City of Heroes/Villains developer Cryptic Studios based on the Champions license. Game Informer`s preview revealed that the game is being developed for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360. The game`s rules will be based loosely on the HERO System ruleset. It is now in the beta stage of development.

The game will feature a robust character creation like City of Heroes, including the ability to edit a hero`s movement; for instance, a wolf-like hero may opt to leap on all fours rather than on two, a robot may select robotic, jerky movement rather than humanoid, and a mentalist may opt to float inches above the ground rather than walk. The player may also edit the manifestation of their powers, including color and form; for instance, a heat ray may resemble flames or a force field may have a color specified in the editor. Heroes will also have the option to have unique weaknesses and disadvantages, such as being extra-vulnerable to cold, in exchange for obtaining stronger powers. In addition, players will custom design their own arch-nemesis in the same fashion as their own hero (selecting a costume, their powers, their name and history), who will appear throughout their careers. If a player defeats his arch-nemesis permanently, they have the option to create a new one or finish their careers without another arch-nemesis. One significant difference is the elimination of any character class or archetype system all characters can take any skill or power equally. The game will also make it easier for a player to spend most of his hero`s career as a solo hero if they desire. The game features a paper-doll inventory system, and items physically appear on the character when equipped; the player may select to remove the item from the visible GUI and still receive the effects from it. The level cap is at 40, with special endgame content and gameplay at the cap.

The game will be action-oriented, and one can use a gamepad to perform actions. Attacks will be mapped to the four buttons, while defensive actions, like block, will be mapped to a shoulder button. Successful attacks and blocks will increase a power meter, which can unlock more powerful actions, which can be accessed by holding the left trigger to reveal a different button map. In addition, the game will be nearly HUD-less.

Death is handled in a similar manner to City of Heroes, in which a player may choose to be revived by a teammate or respawn at a neutral site, except respawning does not accrue experience debt. Instead, the hero`s upgrades are degraded. Upgrades are anything (physical enhancements, equipment, relics, etc.) that the hero will receive during the course of his/her career. When equipment hit points reach 0, they cease to function and must be repaired.

The game features an "orb system" in which when the player takes out enemies, they may drop orbs that either benefit or deplete the hero`s powers, life, or energy. The game will also have non-combat skills, such as lockpicking and science knowledge. Also, there are travel powers. The confirmed travel powers are swinging on things such as webs or slingshots, flying, and super speed. There are more travel powers to yet be confirmed.