Marvel Rivals Season 4.5 Launches with Major Hero Balancing Update

NetEase Games has released a significant balance patch for Marvel Rivals. The update, designated Season 4.5, went live recently. It introduces widespread changes to the game’s hero roster.

These adjustments aim to refine the competitive landscape. They target both overpowered and underutilized characters. According to sources like IGN and GameSpot, the meta-game is expected to shift considerably.

Key Buffs Elevate Underperforming Heroes

Several heroes received substantial improvements. Vanguards like Angela and Venom saw their survivability and utility increased. Angela’s Ultimate now grants more bonus health to herself and allies.

Venom’s Ultimate Ability, Feast of the Abyss, now applies a healing reduction to enemies. This makes him a more potent counter to support-heavy compositions. Duelists like Blade and Psylocke also received damage and mobility tweaks.

Strategist Rocket Raccoon got a significant boost. His Ultimate Ability now provides a 40% damage boost, up from 25%. This change makes him a more valuable asset for coordinating team attacks.

Developer Nerfs Target the Current Meta

NetEase also addressed several top-tier heroes. The changes target characters dominating high-level play. Human Torch, Iron Fist, and Phoenix were all adjusted.

Human Torch’s damage and mobility were slightly reduced. His Fire Cluster projectiles now do less damage. There is also a new delay before his ammo begins to replenish.

Phoenix’s burst potential was notably toned down. Her melee attacks no longer stack Sparks, and her Primary Weapon ammo does not replenish during Dark Ascent. This reduces her sustained damage output in her powerful form.

New and Adjusted Team-Up Abilities

Season 4.5 also reworks several Team-Up abilities. New synergies like “Bestial Hunt” for Daredevil and The Punisher have been added. This gives The Punisher a new “Justice Sense” ability.

Conversely, some existing Team-Ups have been changed or removed. The “Ragnarok Rebirth” ability between Hela and Thor has been completely removed from the game. The “Arcane Order” Team-Up with Magik was also nerfed.

These changes encourage players to explore new hero combinations. They disrupt established strategies and promote a fresh meta. The overall impact on team compositions will be significant.

The Marvel Rivals Season 4.5 update demonstrates NetEase’s commitment to ongoing balance, ensuring the hero-shooter remains dynamic and competitive for its growing player base.

Info at your fingertips

What is the biggest buff in Marvel Rivals Season 4.5?

Rocket Raccoon’s Ultimate Ability received a major boost. Its damage boost was increased from 25% to 40%. This makes it one of the most impactful single-ability buffs in the patch.

Which hero was nerfed the most?

Phoenix saw significant changes to her core kit. Her melee attacks no longer stack Sparks, and her ammo doesn’t reload during Dark Ascent. These changes directly reduce her burst damage potential.

Are there any new characters in Season 4.5?

Season 4.5 does not introduce a brand-new hero. The update focuses solely on balance changes and tweaks to Team-Up abilities. The new hero, Daredevil, was released at the start of Season 4.

How will these changes affect the game’s meta?

The meta is expected to shift away from dive-heavy compositions. Nerfs to Phoenix and Human Torch, alongside buffs to Vanguards, may lead to more sustained, brawly team fights. Team coordination around Ultimates will be even more critical.

Trusted Sources

This report was compiled from verified information provided by NetEase Games and covered by authoritative outlets including IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon.