Despite a Season 1 crackdown, Marvel Rivals players continue to risk account bans by using mods. Since the game's successful December launch, players have customized characters with mods, transforming Iron Man into Vegeta, Mantis into a goth, and even Jeff the Land Shark into Pochita.
NetEase, the developer, implemented asset hash checking to restrict mods, reiterating that their terms of service prohibit mods, cheats, and other unauthorized software. They warned players of potential bans, stating that modifying game files is not recommended.
However, a workaround has emerged, simplifying the modding process for PC players. Modder Prafit, who shared the workaround on Nexus Mods, cautioned users about the risk of bans, noting that while NetEase hasn't issued permanent bans yet, the possibility remains.
New mods featuring the Fantastic Four characters have already appeared, such as a mod transforming Mister Fantastic into Luffy, which has garnered over 5,000 downloads in just two days. A tweet from @RivalsLeaks highlights the continued existence of modding despite the increased difficulty.
The lack of reported bans for mod usage doesn't guarantee future safety. NetEase's motivation to ban likely stems from potential revenue loss from in-game skin purchases, intellectual property concerns, and the impact mods could have on gameplay balance and game performance. Prafit even advises that the workaround requires a high-performance PC.
For those interested in official game information, the Season 1 patch notes, pick and win rates, and the latest codes are readily available. A community tier list also allows players to vote on the strongest characters.