Marvel Rivals Teases Mid-Season 2 Balance Update

Marvel Rivals is gearing up for its mid-season update, with NetEase offering a first look at the adjustments players can expect soon. Currently in its second season, the hero shooter has introduced a wave of new content inspired by the iconic Hellfire Gala, bringing fresh gameplay elements and visual upgrades to the battlefield.

Season 2 launched on April 11, featuring a Krakoa-themed map, reworked Team-Up abilities, and the long-awaited arrival of Emma Frost as a new Vanguard. Alongside balance changes, players also gained access to new skins for Doctor Strange and Peni Parker, plus color customization options for Winter Soldier, Luna Snow, Magik, and Psylocke. Now, as the season reaches its halfway point, developers are preparing a new wave of updates focused on gameplay balance and hero tuning.

🔧 What’s Coming in the Mid-Season Patch

In a recent Dev Talk, NetEase shared early details of the upcoming patch. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Strategists will receive enhanced offensive capabilities, making them viable in a broader range of team compositions.
• Minor balance changes are planned for heroes like Groot and Captain America, with improvements aimed at boosting their survivability.
• Spider-Man’s Amazing Combo will have its damage range slightly reduced to fine-tune his output.
• Doctor Strange will be able to use his ultimate more efficiently, thanks to a reduced energy cost.

Additionally, Team-Up abilities will receive targeted adjustments, including a small buff for Winter Soldier’s Tainted Voltage. While full patch notes have yet to be revealed, the developers emphasized that the changes will be light-touch, aiming to improve gameplay without overhauling the current meta. Broader reworks are expected in future updates.

📈 Fairer Performance Ratings Across Roles

The mid-season patch will also introduce a rework to the performance rating system, following insights gathered from Season 2’s data. NetEase noted that Duelists are currently overperforming in the ratings, while Vanguards and Strategists are often left at a disadvantage.

To address this, the upcoming recalculations will promote more balanced evaluations across all roles, ensuring players are fairly rewarded for their contributions — whether they’re dishing out damage, supporting teammates, or holding the front line.

As an added teaser, NetEase has confirmed Ultron as the next playable hero, though details on his abilities and release date remain under wraps. With mid-season tweaks, a new character on the way, and continued attention to balance, Marvel Rivals is setting the stage for an exciting second half of Season 2.