Marvel Rivals Reveals Season 1 Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals Receives Pre-Season 1 Balance Patch with Significant Character Adjustments

NetEase has released a substantial balance patch for Marvel Rivals, impacting numerous heroes ahead of Season 1's January 10th launch. The update features buffs, nerfs, and refinements across all hero classes, promising a refreshed meta for players.

Marvel Rivals, a popular hero shooter launched late 2024, has quickly gained traction. Its roster of iconic Marvel characters, combined with team-based gameplay featuring payloads and capture points, has resonated with players. Season 1, themed around the Fantastic Four, is on the horizon, but this pre-season patch introduces significant changes to existing heroes.

The patch extensively revises each hero category. Several Duelists, including Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch, received minor nerfs. Conversely, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier received buffs, ranging from increased health to shorter cooldown times. A notable buff went to Storm, previously considered underpowered, with improvements to her Bolt Rush damage and Wind Blade projectile speed.

Vanguards also received adjustments. Captain America and Thor gained health boosts, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss damage was increased. Among the Strategists, Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon all saw modifications, including cooldown reductions and increased healing outputs.

Finally, the patch tweaked various team-up abilities – extra abilities triggered by specific hero combinations. Some team-ups, such as Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki, saw reduced season bonuses, while others, like Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier and Thor/Storm/Captain America, experienced cooldown decreases.

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 cooldown times and bonus percentages for several hero combinations. Specific changes detailed in the full patch notes.

This comprehensive balance patch sets the stage for Season 1, promising a more balanced and exciting competitive experience in Marvel Rivals. The full patch notes provide detailed information on the numerical changes implemented.