Visitors to the Ravensburger stand at this year's Toy Fair will encounter a licensed highlight for the autumn: the Spider-Man Gravitrax set.
The Gravitrax construction system has been established as a modular marble run for years, and now it is being expanded with a themed package that captures the dynamics of the Marvel universe. Spider-Man is not only the decorative centrepiece, but also shapes the structure, design and gameplay.
The Gravitrax marble run works as an open modular system. Tracks, building elements and action pieces can be freely combined. Children can either follow the instructions to build predefined track layouts or build completely freely. This modular principle has been retained in the Spider-Man set. The theme-specific elements are new. Net covers reminiscent of Spider-Man's webs lie over the tracks. Printed building boards reflect the Manhattan skyline. The Skytrax system introduced last year is used to replicate the vertical structure of a large city. This creates a kind of miniature cityscape through which the marbles roll. Opponents also have their place in the structure. A Venom component is particularly striking: the marble runs through the character's mouth and tongue, bounces further and continues on its way. This adds a narrative layer to the game – it feels as if Spider-Man is racing through the city and facing his enemies.
The focus is on the marbles themselves. They bear the Spider-Man logo or characteristic motifs of the character. As they roll through the track, they give the impression of a chase or a fight against villains. The design is deliberately tailored to the licence theme. Such etched or printed marbles are only available in the licensed sets of the marble run. This allows Ravensburger to create a clear distinction from the classic Gravitrax range. When you open the box, all the components are included individually. An instruction booklet provides introductory layouts for anyone who wants some help to get started. If you want, you can build freely, test, adjust and optimise. The system thrives on experimentation. If the ball doesn't roll smoothly, you can make adjustments. This openness is part of the basic principle.
Gravitrax is officially aimed at children aged 8 and above. In practice, according to representatives at the trade fair, many children start playing with it at the age of six. Younger target groups are addressed via a separate junior line, which is designed for ages 3+. The marbles are larger, the tracks are simpler and the entry threshold is lower. The system is designed to grow with the child. Those who start with a smaller starter set can expand it later. The range is wide:
The Spider-Man Gravitrax set is part of a targeted licensing strategy. Ravensburger uses well-known brands to add thematic appeal to the construction system. The combination of physical construction with narrative characters creates new incentives for children who are interested in both technology and superheroes. Further licensing partnerships are in the works, but details have not yet been communicated. One thing is clear: the licensing segment is to be expanded further. As a result, Gravitrax is increasingly perceived not only as a construction and experimentation system, but also as a platform for well-known brand worlds.
The Spider-Man Gravitrax set combines two play principles. On the one hand, the focus is on technical construction: calculating inclines, testing transitions, optimising marble runs. On the other hand, a visual and narrative level is created. The Manhattan skyline, the web design, the encounter with Venom – all of this creates dynamism. Ravensburger is positioning the set as a highlight for autumn 2026. The combination of modular construction and Spider-Man theme appeals to older children as well as fans of the brand. It is not just the licence that is decisive, but the interplay of design, function and expandability. The Spider-Man Gravitrax set, as a modular construction kit, is thus exemplary for the further development of the system: open, combinable, thematically charged – and designed in such a way that physical experimentation and superhero atmosphere come together in one track.