Marvel Rivals Receives Pre-Season 1 Balance Patch with Significant Character Adjustments
NetEase has deployed a comprehensive balance patch for Marvel Rivals, impacting various characters ahead of Season 1's launch on January 10th. The update features buffs, nerfs, and refinements across all hero categories, promising a revised meta for players. This pre-season adjustment comes as Marvel Rivals continues its impressive run as a popular new hero shooter, boasting a compelling roster of iconic characters and team-based gameplay. Season 1, focused on the Fantastic Four, is just around the corner, making these changes particularly timely.
The patch extensively revises hero abilities. Several Duelists, including Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch, received minor nerfs. Conversely, Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier have been enhanced, benefiting from increased health, faster cooldown recovery, and improved damage output. A notable highlight is the substantial buff to Storm, previously considered underpowered. Her Bolt Rush now delivers 80 damage (up from 70), and Wind Blade projectile speed has been significantly increased from 100m/s to 150m/s.
Vanguards also see adjustments. Captain America and Thor receive health boosts, while Venom's Feast of the Abyss ability now deals increased damage. Strategists are not left out; Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon all undergo changes. These range from cooldown reductions (Cloak & Dagger's Dagger Storm) to increased healing (Jeff's Joyful Splash) and improved repair rates (Rocket Raccoon's Repair Mode).
Furthermore, the patch addresses several team-up abilities. These cooperative bonuses, activated by specific hero combinations, have seen adjustments to their cooldown times and damage output. For instance, the season bonuses for Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki team-ups have been reduced to 15%. Other team-up combinations, such as Rocket Raccoon/Punisher/Winter Soldier and Thor/Storm/Captain America, also experienced cooldown reductions and damage increases.
Below are the detailed patch notes:
Marvel Rivals Season 1 Balance Patch Notes
Duelist
Vanguard
Strategist
Team-Up Abilities
These changes promise a more balanced and engaging Marvel Rivals experience as players prepare for the arrival of Season 1.