The Marvel Rivals update 1.000.010 is now live, bringing fresh excitement to players with the introduction of iconic heroes The Thing and Human Torch. This major mid-season patch heralds the arrival of new content, including unique cosmetics, gameplay enhancements, and balance changes aimed at refining the overall player experience.
Scheduled for rollout on February 21, 2025, the update took place during server downtime from 1 a.m. PST to 4 a.m. PST, preventing players from accessing the game during this period. This scheduled maintenance paved the way for the anticipated changes, which have been met with enthusiasm from the game's extensive player base.
According to Twisted Voxel, "Marvel Rivals update 1.000.010 is now available to download courtesy of developer NetEase Games, which is a major patch." This sentiment echoes the excitement found among players eager to explore the enhancements brought forth by the update.
The introduction of The Thing and Human Torch showcases Marvel Rivals' commitment to keeping its roster fresh. The Thing arrives equipped with spectacular new costumes: the Trench Coat and First Family skins, alongside Human Torch's Negative Zone Gladiator and First Family attire. These additions not only expand customization options but also breathe new life—literally, for Human Torch—with unique animations and abilities.
Alongside these characters, players will encounter the new Convergence map, Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park. This map promises to transform gameplay dynamics and offers strategic advantages for both new and seasoned players. Enhanced overtime rules, with 0.5 seconds added for players to make final moves during matches, aim to smooth out abrupt endings and allow for more thrilling finish moments.
Other gameplay enhancements focus on improving user experience and competitive integrity. Notably, ranked matchmaking has been split between S1.0 and S1.5, with players retaining their ranks from the previous season. S1.5 is set to feature new Gold Rank costume rewards, including the Invisible Woman's Blood Shield and Human Torch's Blood Blaze.
The combat system has not been left untouched either. Major balances have been implemented, affecting key heroes such as Captain America and Doctor Strange. For Captain America, the energy cost of his ultimate ability has been significantly reduced from 3100 to 2800. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange sees adjustments made to his survivability, with base health now at 600 instead of the previous 650.
Marvel Rivals is not only rolling out new heroes with diverse powers but is also focused on optimizing graphical performance. With NVIDIA DLSS 4 now available for GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, players on PC can expect improved frame rates and smoother gameplay. The addition of AMD Anti-Lag 2 reduces latency, ensuring quicker visual responses during intense matches, maximizing the competitive edge.
The update also includes various miscellaneous tweaks and bug fixes. Players have reported smoother loading times, improved aim assist mechanics, and graphical updates for console users, particularly benefiting Xbox Series S gameplay. General fixes correct issues across multiple maps and hero abilities, enhancing overall game stability.
This patch follows previous updates and quality-of-life improvements, reflecting NetEase Games' commitment to addressing player concerns and enhancing engagement. Speaking to the game's popularity, the developers revealed Marvel Rivals has now surpassed 40 million players worldwide, indicating its strong position within the competitive gaming universe.
While players anticipate the new season events like Midnight Features II and Twitch Drops, the response to this latest update suggests players are thrilled with the path Marvel Rivals is on. The introduction of new heroes and gameplay changes serve to retain existing players and attract new challengers to the battlefield.
Overall, marvel fans and gaming enthusiasts alike can look forward to the exciting gameplay potential the update introduces. With every patch, Marvel Rivals seeks to evolve, ensuring players remain engaged as they explore the unique abilities of The Thing and Human Torch, strategize on the new map, and continue to hone their skills through balanced gameplay.