Marvel Rivals Receives Pre-Season 1 Balance Patch with Significant Character Adjustments
NetEase has deployed a comprehensive balance patch for Marvel Rivals, impacting numerous heroes ahead of Season 1's January 10th launch. The update features a mix of buffs and nerfs, addressing community feedback and aiming to create a more balanced gameplay experience. Key changes include significant adjustments to Duelist, Vanguard, and Strategist character abilities, along with refinements to several team-up abilities.
Marvel Rivals, a popular hero shooter, has quickly gained traction since its late 2024 release. The game's team-based combat, featuring payloads, capture points, and unique character abilities, is a key draw. Season 1, focused on the Fantastic Four, is on the horizon, but this pre-season patch sets the stage for a more refined meta.
Notable Changes:
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Duelists: Several Duelists received adjustments. Black Panther, Hawkeye, Hela, and Scarlet Witch saw minor nerfs, while Black Widow, Magik, Moon Knight, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier received buffs, including increased health and reduced cooldown times. A particularly noteworthy buff affects Storm, previously considered underpowered, with increased damage and projectile speed for her abilities.
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Vanguards: Vanguards such as Venom, Thor, and Captain America also received buffs, primarily focused on increased health and damage output.
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Strategists: The Strategist class saw adjustments to Cloak & Dagger, Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, Mantis, and Rocket Raccoon, impacting cooldown times and healing capabilities.
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Team-Up Abilities: The patch also includes tweaks to various team-up abilities, adjusting cooldown times and season bonuses for combinations like Hawkeye/Black Widow and Hela/Thor/Loki. Several other team-up combinations also received adjustments to damage, cooldown and effects.
Detailed Patch Notes (Summary):
The full patch notes are extensive, detailing specific numerical changes to each character's abilities. Key highlights include:
- Storm: Significant buffs to Bolt Rush and Wind Blade damage and speed. Extended duration of Omega Hurricane's health bonus.
- Black Widow: Increased range and reduced cooldown times for several abilities.
- Wolverine: Increased health and reduced damage reduction from Undying Animal.
- Captain America: Increased health and reduced cooldown times for key abilities.
- Venom: Increased Feast of the Abyss damage and Symbiotic Resilience bonus.
- Cloak & Dagger: Reduced Dagger Storm cooldown.
- Jeff the Land Shark: Increased Joyful Splash healing.
- Rocket Raccoon: Increased Repair Mode healing.
This pre-season patch promises to significantly alter the Marvel Rivals meta. Players are encouraged to experiment with the changes and adapt their strategies accordingly before the launch of Season 1.
