Marvel Rivals Season 1 Launches with New Skins, Hero Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals Season 1 officially launches on Friday, January 10, 2025, introducing a host of new content, including vampire-themed skins, hero balance adjustments, and the arrival of new characters like Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman. The season’s $10 battle pass offers 10 unique skins, a significant value compared to similar games, and features a non-expiring system that allows players to unlock rewards at their own pace.

The battle pass includes skins for popular characters such as Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, and Wolverine, all themed around a gothic vampire aesthetic. NetEase Games, the developer behind Marvel Rivals, has emphasized player-friendly features, including the ability to earn in-game currency (Lattice and Units) by completing the battle pass. However, the company has cautioned that future seasons may not offer as many skins as Season 1.

In addition to the cosmetic updates, NetEase has announced a series of balance changes aimed at improving gameplay diversity. Heroes like Captain America, Cloak & Dagger, and Jeff the Land Shark will receive buffs, while dominant characters such as Hulk and Hela will see slight nerfs. For example, Hulk’s Indestructible Guard gamma shield health will drop from 250 to 200, and Hela’s base health will decrease from 275 to 250.

NetEase has also introduced a ‘Hero Hot List,’ tracking the most-played characters across quickplay and competitive modes. The list is expected to shift with the introduction of new heroes, including Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman in the first half of the season, followed by The Thing and Human Torch later on.

Marvel Rivals has garnered attention for its innovative approach to battle passes and hero balancing. The game’s maintenance period, scheduled for January 9 from 11pm to 1:10am PST, will prepare servers for the Season 1 launch. Players can expect a more dynamic and engaging experience as the game continues to evolve.