Marvel Rivals Unveils S1 Balance Adjustments

Marvel Rivals Receives Pre-Season 1 Balance Patch with Buffs and Nerfs

NetEase has deployed a balance patch for Marvel Rivals ahead of Season 1's January 10th launch. This update features adjustments to various characters and team-up abilities, addressing community feedback and preparing the game for the substantial changes coming with the new season.

Marvel Rivals, a popular hero shooter released late in 2024, has quickly gained traction. Its roster of iconic Marvel characters, combined with team-based gameplay featuring payloads and capture points, has proven a winning formula. Season 1, focused on the Fantastic Four, promises even more content, but this pre-emptive balance patch ensures a smoother transition.

The patch encompasses changes across all hero categories:

Duelists: Several Duelists received nerfs, including Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch. However, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier all received buffs, ranging from increased health to shorter cooldown times. A significant buff was applied to Storm, previously considered underpowered, improving her Bolt Rush damage and Wind Blade projectile speed.

Vanguards: Vanguards like Venom, Thor, and Captain America also received enhancements. Thor and Captain America saw health increases, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss damage was boosted.

Strategists: The Strategist category saw adjustments to Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon, impacting cooldown times and healing capabilities. Rocket Raccoon's repair mode received a notable increase.

Team-Up Abilities: The patch also refined several team-up abilities, adjusting season bonuses and cooldowns for various hero combinations. Some passive abilities were tweaked, while others saw changes to their offensive or defensive capabilities.

Detailed Patch Notes:

The complete patch notes detail specific numerical changes for each character and ability. Key adjustments include:

• Black Panther: Nerfed Vibranium Marks health regeneration.
• Black Widow: Buffed Edge Dancer range and reduced Fleet Foot recovery time.
• Hawkeye: Nerfed Blast Arrow spread and Archer’s Focus damage.
• Hela: Reduced base health.
• Magik: Increased Umbral Incursion damage.
• Moon Knight: Increased Hand of Khonshu talon count and explosion radius.
• Namor: Improved Monstro and Frozen Spawn throwing accuracy.
• Psylocke: Dance of the Butterfly now accounts for barriers.
• The Punisher: Slightly reduced Deliverance and Adjudication spread.
• Scarlet Witch: Adjusted Chaos Control and Chthonian Burst damage.
• Storm: Significant buffs to Wind Blade, Bolt Rush, and Omega Hurricane.
• Squirrel Girl: Unbeatable Squirrel Tsunami squirrels now target nearest enemies.
• Winter Soldier: Various buffs to health, damage, and abilities.
• Wolverine: Increased health, reduced Undying Animal damage reduction.
• Captain America: Increased health and reduced ability cooldowns.
• Doctor Strange: Added damage falloff to Maelstrom of Madness.
• Thor: Increased health and added immunity during God of Thunder.
• Hulk: Reduced Indestructible Guard shield value.
• Venom: Increased Symbiotic Resilience and Feast of the Abyss damage.
• Cloak & Dagger: Reduced Dagger Storm cooldown.
• Jeff the Land Shark: Adjusted It’s Jeff! range and increased Joyful Splash healing.
• Luna Snow: Adjusted Fate of Both Worlds interval.
• Mantis: Reduced Nature’s Favor movement boost.
• Rocket Raccoon: Increased Repair Mode healing.

These changes to team-up abilities further balance gameplay interactions. The patch notes provide the specifics of these adjustments. Players are encouraged to review the complete patch notes for a comprehensive understanding of all modifications.