Marvel Rivals Update Disables Mods for Optimal Game Experience

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods

Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular practice among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods no longer function, reverting characters to their default appearances.

This action, though unsurprising given NetEase's clear terms of service prohibiting mods, has impacted players who enjoyed creating and using customized content. Some mod creators have even shared unreleased work now rendered obsolete. The update likely employs hash checking, a technique verifying data authenticity, to effectively eliminate widespread modding.

The Season 1 update, launched January 10, 2025, following a successful initial release, introduced significant content including playable Fantastic Four characters (Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman initially, with Thing and Human Torch to follow), a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match mode.

NetEase's stance against modding isn't new. The company previously banned individual mods, including one featuring Donald Trump replacing Captain America's head. However, the broader impact of the Season 1 update is significant.

The decision to ban mods is likely driven by Marvel Rivals' free-to-play business model. The game relies heavily on in-app purchases of character bundles containing cosmetic items like skins and sprays. Free, custom-made mods could severely undermine the game's profitability. While some mods pushed boundaries with provocative content, including nude skins, the primary motivation for the ban appears to be financial.