Marvel Rivals Reveals Season 1 Balance Changes

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

NetEase has deployed a significant balance patch for Marvel Rivals, impacting various characters ahead of Season 1's launch on January 10th. The update features adjustments across all hero categories, addressing community feedback and aiming to create a more balanced gameplay experience.

The patch, released late in 2024, follows the game's successful launch and growing popularity within the hero-shooter genre. Marvel Rivals distinguishes itself with its iconic Marvel character roster, team-based mechanics (payloads, capture points), and dynamic abilities. Season 1 will introduce the Fantastic Four, further expanding the already impressive lineup.

Notable Changes:

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, including health increases and reduced cooldown times. A particularly welcomed change is the substantial buff to Storm, previously considered underpowered. Her Bolt Rush now deals 80 damage (up from 70), and Wind Blade projectile speed has increased to 150m/s (from 100m/s).

Vanguards also saw improvements. Captain America and Thor received health boosts, and Venom's Feast of the Abyss damage was increased. Strategists also received various tweaks, including cooldown reductions for Cloak & Dagger's Dagger Storm and increased healing for Jeff the Land Shark's Joyful Splash. Rocket Raccoon's Repair Mode received a boost as well.

Team-up abilities, activated when specific heroes are paired, also underwent revisions. Several team-up bonuses were reduced (Hawkeye/Black Widow, Hela/Thor/Loki), while others saw decreased cooldowns (Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier, Thor/Storm/Captain America).

Detailed Patch Notes (Summary):

Duelists:

• Black Panther: Nerfed Vibranium Marks health regeneration.
• Black Widow: Buffed Edge Dancer range and Fleet Foot recovery.
• Hawkeye: Minor nerfs to Blast Arrows spread and Archer’s Focus.
• Hela: Health reduction.
• Magik: Increased Umbral Incursion damage.
• Moon Knight: Increased Hand of Khonshu talon count and explosion radius.
• Namor: Improved Monstro/Frozen Spawn throwing accuracy.
• Psylocke: Dance of the Butterfly now accounts for barriers.
• Punisher: Slightly reduced Deliverance and Adjudication spread.
• Scarlet Witch: Adjusted Chaos Control damage and Chthonian Burst projectile damage.
• Storm: Significant buffs to Wind Blade, Bolt Rush, and Omega Hurricane.
• Squirrel Girl: Unbeatable Squirrel Tsunami squirrels now target nearest enemy; health reduced.
• Winter Soldier: Buffs to Bionic Hook, Tainted Voltage, and Roterstern; health increase.
• Wolverine: Health increase; reduced Undying Animal damage reduction.

Vanguards:

• Captain America: Reduced shield restoration delay and Liberty Rush cooldown; health increase.
• Doctor Strange: Added damage falloff to Maelstrom of Madness; reduced shield recovery rate.
• Thor: Health increase; added immunity to control effects during God of Thunder.
• Hulk: Reduced Indestructible Guard shield value.
• Venom: Increased Symbiotic Resilience and Feast of the Abyss damage.

Strategists:

• Cloak & Dagger: Reduced Dagger Storm cooldown; increased Eternal Bond dashes.
• Jeff the Land Shark: Adjusted It’s Jeff! range; increased Joyful Splash healing.
• Luna Snow: Increased Fate of Both Worlds interval.
• Mantis: Reduced Nature’s Favor movement boost.
• Rocket Raccoon: Increased Repair Mode healing.

Team-Up Abilities: Various cooldown reductions and bonus percentage adjustments.

This comprehensive balance patch sets the stage for Season 1, promising a more refined and competitive Marvel Rivals experience.