Marvel Rivals Reveals Season 1 Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals receives a pre-Season 1 balance patch, tweaking numerous heroes and team-up abilities. NetEase's adjustments aim to improve balance before the significant changes arriving with Season 1 on January 10th. The patch includes buffs, nerfs, and quality-of-life improvements across all hero categories.

Marvel Rivals, a popular hero shooter, has seen rapid success since its late 2024 launch. The game blends iconic Marvel characters with team-based gameplay featuring payloads, capture points, and unique abilities. Season 1 will introduce the Fantastic Four, further expanding the already impressive roster.

This pre-Season 1 patch features extensive changes. Several Duelists, including Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch, received minor nerfs. Conversely, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier gained buffs, impacting health, cooldowns, and damage output. A significant buff to Storm, previously considered underpowered, enhances her Bolt Rush and Wind Blade abilities.

Vanguards also see adjustments. Captain America and Thor receive health increases, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss damage is boosted. Strategists such as Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon experience various tweaks to cooldowns, healing, and damage.

Finally, the patch modifies several team-up abilities – activated when specific heroes are paired. Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki team-ups see reduced season bonuses, while others, like Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier and Thor/Storm/Captain America, benefit from decreased cooldowns or increased damage.

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 specific hero combinations.