Marvel Rivals Reveals Season 1 Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Prepares for Launch with Extensive Balance Patch

NetEase has unleashed a significant balance patch for Marvel Rivals, just before Season 1's January 10th debut. This update features numerous adjustments across the roster, addressing community feedback and fine-tuning gameplay. Key changes include buffs to previously underperforming characters and refinements to team-up abilities. Season 1 itself promises substantial changes, making this pre-emptive patch crucial for players.

Marvel Rivals, launched late in 2024, has quickly gained popularity, offering a fresh take on the hero-shooter genre. Its roster of iconic Marvel characters, combined with team-based gameplay featuring objectives like payloads and capture points, has struck a chord with players. Season 1 will introduce the Fantastic Four, expanding the already impressive character selection. However, NetEase's pre-season balance adjustments are equally noteworthy.

The patch impacts all hero categories. Several Duelists, including Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch, received minor nerfs. Conversely, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier all received buffs, ranging from increased health to shorter ability cooldowns. A significant highlight is the substantial buff to Storm, previously considered a weaker Duelist. Her Bolt Rush now packs 80 damage, and her Wind Blade's projectile speed has been increased from 100m/s to 150m/s.

Vanguard heroes also received adjustments. Captain America and Thor saw health increases, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss damage received a boost. Among the Strategists, Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon all underwent changes. Cloak & Dagger's Dagger Storm cooldown was reduced, Jeff's Joyful Splash healing increased, and Rocket Raccoon's repair mode received a significant upgrade.

Further refinements extend to the game's team-up abilities – activated when specific heroes are paired. These abilities, both passive and active, have undergone adjustments. Several team-up combinations, such as Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki, saw their season bonuses reduced. Other team-ups, including Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier and Thor/Storm/Captain America, received cooldown reductions.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Balance Patch Highlights:

Duelists: Significant buffs to Storm, Wolverine, and Magik; minor nerfs to Black Panther and Hawkeye; various adjustments to others.

Vanguards: Health boosts for Captain America and Thor; Venom's ultimate ability damage increased.

Strategists: Cooldown reductions and healing improvements across several characters.

Team-Up Abilities: Several adjustments to cooldown times and bonus percentages.

The complete patch notes detailing all individual character and ability changes are available [link to patch notes if available]. This extensive update sets the stage for the arrival of Season 1 and promises a more balanced and exciting Marvel Rivals experience.