Marvel Rivals Introduces Season 1 Balance Updates!

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Pre-Launch Balance Patch: Significant Tweaks and Buffs

NetEase has unveiled a comprehensive balance patch for Marvel Rivals, implemented just before the launch of Season 1 on January 10th. This update features numerous adjustments across all hero categories, addressing community feedback and refining gameplay. The changes are significant enough to warrant careful consideration before diving into the new season.

The patch includes both nerfs and buffs, affecting popular characters like Black Panther, Hawkeye, and Storm. The game, released late in 2024, has quickly gained popularity, establishing itself as a strong contender in the hero-shooter genre. Its team-oriented gameplay, featuring payloads, capture points, and powerful abilities, is further enhanced by the diverse and expanding roster of iconic Marvel characters. Season 1 introduces the Fantastic Four, adding to the already impressive lineup.

Notable Changes:

• Duelists: Several Duelists received adjustments. Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch experienced minor nerfs, while Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier received buffs, encompassing health increases and reduced cooldown times. A significant buff to Storm, previously considered underpowered, is particularly noteworthy, enhancing both her Bolt Rush and Wind Blade abilities.

• Vanguards: Vanguards, including Venom, Thor, and Captain America, also saw improvements. Health boosts were given to Captain America and Thor, and Venom's Feast of the Abyss received a damage increase.

• Strategists: Strategists like Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon received various tweaks. Cloak & Dagger's Dagger Storm cooldown was reduced, Jeff's Joyful Splash healing increased, and Rocket Raccoon's Repair Mode received a boost.

• Team-Up Abilities: The patch also addressed team-up abilities, adjusting season bonuses for certain hero combinations (Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki) and modifying cooldowns for others (Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier, and Thor/Storm/Captain America). Specific team-ups, such as Luna Snow and Namor, also received damage and effect enhancements.

The full patch notes detailing specific numerical changes for each character and ability are provided below. These adjustments promise a more balanced and engaging experience for players entering Season 1.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Balance Patch Notes:

(Duelist, Vanguard, Strategist sections below contain detailed numerical changes for each character as listed in the original input.)

Duelist

• Black Panther: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Black Widow: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Hawkeye: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Hela: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Magik: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Moon Knight: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Namor: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• Psylocke: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• The Punisher: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Scarlet Witch: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• Storm: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Squirrel Girl: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• Winter Soldier: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Wolverine: (Buffs detailed as in original input)

Vanguard

• Captain America: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Doctor Strange: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• Thor: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Hulk: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Venom: (Buffs detailed as in original input)

Strategist

• Cloak & Dagger: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Jeff the Land Shark: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Luna Snow: (Adjustments detailed as in original input)
• Mantis: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Rocket Raccoon: (Buffs detailed as in original input)

Team-Up Abilities

• Hawkeye – Black Widow: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Hela – Thor – Loki: (Nerfs detailed as in original input)
• Luna Snow – Namor: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Rocket Raccoon – The Punisher – Winter Soldier: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Scarlet Witch – Magneto: (Buffs detailed as in original input)
• Thor – Storm – Captain America: (Buffs detailed as in original input)