NetEase Games has released a new balance update for Marvel Rivals on April 30, 2025, adjusting the power levels of multiple heroes across all three character classes. The patch targets several overpowered characters with nerfs while buffing underperforming heroes to create a more balanced competitive experience.
Vanguard Class Adjustments Target Defense and Ultimate Abilities
The Vanguard class sees significant changes in this update. Captain America's dominance in the frontline role has been addressed with a reduction in base health from 650 to 600. Meanwhile, Groot's defensive capabilities have been scaled back with his Ironwood Wall health dropping from 700 to 600.
In contrast, Doctor Strange receives a welcome buff with his Ultimate Ability (Eye of Agamotto) energy cost decreasing from 3400 to 3100. This adjustment should allow players to access his powerful ultimate more frequently during matches.
Duelist Heroes Receive Targeted Adjustments
Spider-Man mains will notice a slight nerf to his area damage capabilities, with his Amazing Combo damage radius decreasing from 5m to 4m. This change aims to make his area attacks less oppressive in team fights.
Winter Soldier gets an interesting rework to his Tainted Voltage ability, which now features 2 charge levels while maintaining the same cooldown time. This change provides players with more strategic flexibility in how they deploy this ability during combat.
How will these changes affect your favorite Strategist heroes?
The Strategist class receives mostly positive changes. Adam Warlock gains an exciting new effect for his Quantum Magic ability, which now reduces Avatar Life Stream cooldown by 1 second on critical hits, rewarding precision play.
Cloak & Dagger see damage increases across both forms – Darkforce Cloak damage rises from 75/s to 80/s, while Lightforce Dagger hit damage jumps from 15 to 18. Luna Snow's Light & Dark Ice receives improved damage falloff adjustments, increasing from 60% at 40m to 75%. Mantis also gets a slight damage boost with her Life Energy Blast hit damage increasing from 50 to 55.
Team-Up Ability Enhancement
The update also improves the Stars Aligned Team-Up ability shared between Captain America and Winter Soldier. When activated, Stellar Impact will now provide 50 Bonus Health to nearby allies, adding a support dimension to this powerful combination.
These balance changes demonstrate NetEase's commitment to maintaining competitive integrity in Marvel Rivals as the game continues to evolve since its December 2024 launch. The developer appears focused on ensuring no single character dominates the meta while giving underperforming heroes the tools they need to compete effectively.
For more information on Marvel Rivals, visit the official website or join their Discord community.