Marvel

Marvel Rivals receives a pre-Season 1 balance patch from NetEase. This update, released before Season 1's January 10th launch, features adjustments to numerous characters and team-up abilities.

NetEase's balance patch for Marvel Rivals introduces a mix of nerfs, buffs, and other tweaks affecting heroes like Black Panther, Hawkeye, Namor, and Psylocke. This significant update precedes Season 1, which itself will bring substantial changes to the game.

Launched late in 2024, Marvel Rivals has quickly gained popularity, standing out in the competitive hero-shooter genre. Its roster of iconic Marvel characters, combined with team-based gameplay (payloads, capture points, and powerful abilities), contributes to its success. Season 1, focused on the Fantastic Four, will expand this roster further. But before that, this pre-emptive balance patch is crucial for players to master.

The patch extensively revises every hero category. Several Duelists—Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch—receive minor nerfs. Conversely, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier gain buffs, including health increases and shorter cooldown times. A notable buff enhances Storm's abilities, addressing her previous status as a less effective Duelist. Her Bolt Rush now deals 80 damage (up from 70), and Wind Blade's projectile speed increases from 100m/s to 150m/s.

Vanguard characters—Venom, Thor, and Captain America—also receive improvements. Captain America and Thor gain increased health, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss deals more damage. Strategists (Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon) see various adjustments. Cloak & Dagger's Dagger Storm cooldown is reduced, Jeff's Joyful Splash heals more effectively, and Rocket Raccoon's repair mode is faster.

Finally, numerous team-up abilities are tweaked. These abilities, activated by specific hero combinations, provide passive or active offensive/defensive advantages. Some team-up season bonuses (Hawkeye/Black Widow, Hela/Thor/Loki) are reduced, while others (Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier, Thor/Storm/Captain America) see decreased cooldowns.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Balance Patch Notes Summary:

Duelists: Black Panther (nerfed), Black Widow (buffed), Hawkeye (nerfed), Hela (nerfed), Magik (buffed), Moon Knight (buffed), Namor (adjusted), Psylocke (adjusted), Punisher (nerfed), Scarlet Witch (adjusted), Storm (significantly buffed), Squirrel Girl (adjusted), Winter Soldier (buffed), Wolverine (buffed).

Vanguards: Captain America (buffed), Doctor Strange (adjusted), Thor (buffed), Hulk (nerfed), Venom (buffed).

Strategists: Cloak & Dagger (buffed), Jeff the Land Shark (buffed), Luna Snow (adjusted), Mantis (nerfed), Rocket Raccoon (buffed).

Team-Up Abilities: Various adjustments to cooldowns and bonuses for multiple hero combinations.