NetEase Games has unveiled significant ability tweaks for Marvel Rivals heroes Thor and Jeff in the Season 2.5 update, fundamentally changing how these characters function in combat. These adjustments aim to enhance their gameplay flow and overall effectiveness on the battlefield.
Thor's Lightning Abilities Receive Major Overhaul
The God of Thunder has undergone substantial changes to his ability kit. Most notably, Hammer Throw has been removed from the shared ability pool and now recovers Lightning Energy when it successfully connects with targets. This creates a powerful new ability cycle where players can chain Awakening Rune → Hammer Throw → Mjolnir Bash to rapidly build energy and maintain Awakening Rune for extended periods.
Thor's repositioning potential has also been enhanced. Players can now use Storm Surge to reach advantageous positions before unleashing a Hammer Throw and Awakening Rune combination for devastating ranged damage output. This adjustment gives Thor more tactical flexibility and sustained damage potential.
Jeff's Aquatic Abilities Enhanced
The initial balance update for Jeff contained some errors, which have since been corrected by the development team. His Joyful Splash ability has received significant improvements, including increased water flow speed for more responsive control during matches.
Perhaps the most impactful change is that Joyful Splash now pierces through both allies and enemies simultaneously. This dual functionality allows Jeff to heal teammates while damaging opponents in a single action, making him more versatile in team fights.
How will these changes affect gameplay?
Jeff now charges his ultimate ability faster than before, making his Sharknado combinations with Storm or solo initiations considerably more effective. This change positions Jeff as a stronger support character who can contribute more consistently to team engagements.
These adjustments demonstrate NetEase Games' commitment to refining Marvel Rivals' hero balance as the game continues to evolve. The changes respond directly to player feedback and aim to create more dynamic gameplay experiences.
With these hero tweaks now live in Season 2.5, players can experiment with the new ability mechanics and discover fresh strategies for both Thor and Jeff. The development team continues to monitor hero performance and community feedback as they prepare for future updates to the free-to-play hero shooter.