The highly anticipated 3.5 update for Marvel Rivals is set to launch on August 8. This significant patch will not only introduce the iconic vampire hunter Blade but also implement substantial modifications to existing team-up abilities and competitive gameplay dynamics.
Meet Blade: The Daywalker Joins the Roster
Blade enters NetEase`s hero shooter as a formidable Duelist, equipped with a versatile combat style. His arsenal includes potent sword-based abilities, enabling a deadly series of spins and slashes. For mid-to-close range encounters, he utilizes a shotgun. Blade`s ultimate ability sees him unleash the Sword of Dracula, leaving a destructive trail in his wake. Combined with his impressive maneuverability and the unique power to briefly prevent enemy healing, Blade is poised to be a impactful addition to the game`s lineup.
Team-Up Abilities: New Synergies and Removals
The August 8 update will bring a comprehensive revamp to team-up abilities, adding new synergies while removing others:
- Removed Team-Ups: “Guardian Revival,” which utilized Mantis and Star-Lord`s synergy with Adam Warlock`s regenerative powers, will be removed. Similarly, Luna Snow and Iron Fist`s “Atlas Bond” will no longer be available.
- New Team-Ups:
- “Duality Dance” will empower Adam Warlock and Luna Snow, enhancing Luna`s attacks based on the damage she has sustained.
- “Vibrant Vitality” centers around Mantis as the anchor. When paired with Groot, his summoned walls will now heal nearby allies. When allied with Loki, his healing fields will additionally provide a damage boost.
- Adjusted Team-Ups: Loki will be removed from “Ragnarok Rebirth.” Iron Fist will join Luna Snow`s “Chilling Assault” ability. Star-Lord is being integrated into “Rocket Network,” and Blade will now be part of Cloak and Dagger`s “Lunar Force.”
Competitive Play Enhancements
Significant changes are also being implemented to improve the competitive play experience:
- Increased Penalties for Leavers: Players who abandon competitive matches will face harsher consequences, including longer bans and more substantial point deductions.
- Compensation for Remaining Players: To mitigate the impact of leavers, NetEase will offer increased point compensation for players who endure matches with missing teammates, and surrender options will be made more accessible.
- Appeals Process: The developers stated they would expedite the appeals process for players mistakenly banned and will continue to review cases where players are forced to leave games due to “unavoidable system issues.”
Upcoming Content: Maps and Modes
While not arriving with the initial August 8 patch, NetEase has confirmed that new content is on the horizon. The new map “The Throne of Knull” and a new mode called “Resource Rumble” are scheduled to be released on August 22. Further details regarding hero balance changes and additional team-up adjustments that are part of the Season 3.5 update will be announced at a later date.
Marvel Rivals Season 3 commenced on July 11 with the introduction of the Phoenix. Recent updates to the hero shooter also included a new Fantastic Four: First Steps-inspired team-up ability for the Human Torch and The Thing.