NetEase Games, the developer behind Marvel Rivals, has announced plans to alleviate the frustrations faced by Strategist players, just days after a community-wide Support strike was initiated by fans. Season 2 of Marvel Rivals has been largely successful, introducing new characters, maps, and modes, which have propelled the hero shooter forward. The team has committed to faster seasons and an expanding roster of playable heroes. However, recent balance changes have shifted the power dynamics, leaving Strategists, who primarily serve as the game's Support class, at a disadvantage compared to Vanguards and Duelists.
AnswerSee ResultsThe diminished effectiveness of the Support class has sparked widespread discussion within the Marvel Rivals community since the launch of Season 2. With other classes gaining more battlefield dominance, many Strategist players have reported experiencing not only tough but also toxic matches. Teammates frequently criticize them in text and voice chats, often unfairly blaming them for losses. This frustration culminated in a significant community movement last week, with numerous players vowing to avoid the healer role until NetEase addressed their concerns.
"We just want basic respect," expressed one Reddit user. "We're not asking to be glorified or seen as the 'hardest' role - because I don't think we are. We just want basic respect. It's tiring to be called brain dead or worthless when your stats are solid and you're playing your role the way it's meant to be played."
I Need Healing
In response to the strike and the ongoing challenges faced by Strategist players, NetEase has outlined its plan to address these issues. In a Dev Talk post released today, the company detailed a two-pronged approach to ease the pressure on the Support role and enhance the Competitive mode's rewards.
NetEase plans to increase the "threat levels" of Strategists in an upcoming patch, which may involve buffing characters like Invisible Woman or Jeff the Land Shark. Conversely, Vanguards such as Captain America and Groot might see nerfs to their survivability, while Spider-Man's Amazing Combo ability will have its damage range reduced. The specifics of which characters will be affected are yet to be disclosed.
"Since this is a mid-season balance adjustment, we aim to be cautious, keeping changes minimal to enhance the experience of certain heroes without drastically altering the overall meta," NetEase stated. "As we move into S2.5, with Ultron's arrival and new Team-Up Ability adjustments, we'll consider broader, more comprehensive balance changes."
Additionally, the Competitive mode in Marvel Rivals has seen adjustments to performance ratings since Season 2 began. Duelists have enjoyed a performance advantage, while Vanguards and Strategists have been at a slight disadvantage. To address this, NetEase intends to recalibrate the performance rating calculations to ensure a more equitable experience across all hero classes.
"Balancing the game and rank adjustments is a challenging endeavor, and we can't guarantee perfection 100% of the time," the Dev Talk post added. "However, we remain humble and attentive, striving to address issues promptly and enhance your experience. Stay tuned for official patch announcements for more updates. Thank you for your support and patience!"
Season 2 of Marvel Rivals introduced Emma Frost as its latest Vanguard hero, with Season 2.5 set to feature Ultron. As the community awaits the impact of the upcoming balance changes on the Support strike, fans can also look forward to potential new content, such as a collection of swimsuit skins teased by Marvel.
