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 feature among players since the game's launch. This change, while unannounced, effectively prevents players from using modified character skins and other cosmetic alterations.

Launched on January 10, 2025, following a successful initial release, Season 1 introduces significant content, including the Fantastic Four as playable characters (Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are currently available, with the Thing and Human Torch expected later), a new Battle Pass, updated maps, and a fresh Doom Match game mode.

NetEase Games, the developer, has consistently maintained that mod usage violates the game's terms of service, even for purely cosmetic modifications, and has previously issued bans. The Season 1 update appears to circumvent the need for individual bans by incorporating hash checking, a security measure that verifies data authenticity and prevents unauthorized modifications.

This decisive action against modding isn't entirely surprising. NetEase has previously acted against specific mods, including one featuring a Donald Trump skin replacing Captain America. While some players express disappointment over the loss of customizable content, and creators mourn unreleased mods, the move is arguably a necessary business decision.

Marvel Rivals' free-to-play model relies heavily on in-app purchases of character bundles containing cosmetic items like skins and sprays. The availability of free, custom mods could significantly impact the game's profitability. Therefore, eliminating mod usage protects NetEase's revenue stream. While some mods have generated controversy due to their explicit nature, the primary driver behind the ban is likely the preservation of the game's economic model.