Season 2 of Marvel Rivals drops on April 11th, and it’s bringing a ton of balance tweaks to characters and Team-Ups. I’m gonna break down the juiciest changes in this patch and vibe about what it might mean for the meta.
I’m not gonna ramble about every tiny tweak—some are so small you’d barely notice unless you’re sweating the details. But there’s some big stuff to chew on, so let’s dive in!
Vanguard
Yo, the meta’s about to flip thanks to Hulk (Bruce Banner) getting some serious juice. Everything dope about this green machine is speeding up—faster movement, quicker jump charges, and a snappier shield bubble cooldown. The Thing has been hogging the spotlight with his zippy in-and-out style, but these Hulk buffs are gonna make him a total beast again. Oh, and he’s got a new Team-Up with Namor—more on that later.
As a Peni Parker stan, I’m hyped outta my mind for her buffs! Her main gun’s getting a fat upgrade with a crit chance on every shot. Unlimited ammo, no cooldown, endless crit rolls? That’s nuts! She’s also zipping around faster while firing, so landing those hits is gonna be a breeze. Plus, a chunky 100 HP boost? Her mines were already kill machines, but now Peni’s about to blow up the meta.
Big shocker: Thor’s getting a major glow-up. He’s already stacked with bonus health, and now his max HP’s climbing higher, plus a movement buff. Dude’s gonna be a tanky nightmare to kill, especially with Hela reviving him. Top-tier pick incoming!
Meanwhile, Doctor Strange is eating some hefty nerfs. His damage is taking a dive, and those 20-30 HP swings in a fight could mean the difference between clutching or choking. No more Gamma Charge Team-Up boost either—he’s looking kinda frail now.
Impact on the Meta
This patch is screaming aggressive vibes. Thor and Hulk are gonna smash in and out of fights like champs, The Thing’s tiny nerf won’t slow him down much, and Captain America’s new Team-Up is patching up his nerfs. You’ve got four beefy Vanguards ready to get in your grill. With Doctor Strange and Magneto toned down, brawler Vanguards are about to steal the show.
Duelist
Duelists are getting some wild changes, starting with Iron Man and Human Torch. The devs are obsessed with pushing flyers lately, and this patch doubles down. Both are snagging armor buffs on some moves, and Iron Man’s hitbox is shrinking a bit—good luck knocking ‘em outta the sky! Human Torch’s main attacks are beefing up too; devs must think he’s still too wimpy after the last mini-patch. Flying meta’s coming in hot this season!
Hawkeye got ghosted after his Season 1 nerfs, but this patch is tossing him a lifeline. His ultimate’s getting juiced up, and he’s faster while aiming. Rapid-fire arrows at warp speed? That’s scary good now, and with a shorter charge time, he might just snipe his way back into the meta.
Didn’t see this coming: Moon Knight’s getting buffs! He’s already a menace if you know how to play him, but now he’s tougher to kill. Quicker grapples to dip outta danger, bonus health from his moon blade, and that Cloak & Dagger Team-Up regen? His ultimate’s stronger too. High ranks might vibe with him, but low ranks are gonna ban him just to dodge the lunar spooks.
Duelists are eating good this patch, and Mister Fantastic’s no exception. Patch notes are long, so here’s the short version: more health, bigger damage, and his ultimate’s tossing in bonus HP. Dude was a benchwarmer last patch, but now he’s looking way more tempting.
On the nerf side, Star-Lord’s Blaster Barrage—that spinny death move—is getting smacked. Less damage, plus a new drop-off mechanic. No more spamming it to farm “LEGENDARY!” every game. Winter Soldier’s ultimate is slightly weaker, but the real kicker’s his grapple cooldown jumping 50%. No more constant yoinking, and losing Rocket’s ammo boost might cool his ban rate a bit. Still solid, though!
Impact on the Meta
Duelists might switch gears here. Flyers are getting mad love, and snipers keep stacking buffs. This could split folks up instead of everyone huddling behind Magneto and Doctor Strange. Vanguards are going melee-crazy, while Duelists lean into range and staying alive.
Strategist
Mantis is popping off with a huge buff! Her heals and buffs stack now, so you can juice up one teammate like crazy instead of babysitting refreshes. Picture her stacking damage on a diver like Spider-Man—he swings in and wrecks shop. High-level strats could get wild, and even low ranks can milk more value from her.
Rocket Raccoon’s getting a shake-up too. Stronger heals, but you gotta aim better and they zip faster. His ultimate’s more Strategist-y now, tossing bonus HP to tethered teammates (less damage boost, though). He’s a healing beast now, but his jetpack dashes are shorter and recharge slower—easier to squish.
Loki and Adam Warlock are catching nerfs. Healing cooldowns are stretching out, and Warlock’s ult revives at 30% HP—great for Vanguards bouncing back. Devs say this tones down those “unkillable” moments.
Impact on the Meta
Most nerfs won’t rock the boat too hard, but Mantis and Rocket’s buffs could make ‘em shine. Mantis might spike in play with slick tricks, and Rocket could climb to top-tier healing status.
Team-Up
Team-Ups are getting a massive overhaul—almost a total reset. Hard to guess how new ones will shake out without playing ‘em, but two caught my eye: Namor’s ditching Luna Snow’s squad for Hulk’s Gamma crew. With other Strategists stepping up, Luna might dodge some bans, but Hulk’s buffs plus Namor could make him ban city again.
Then there’s Winter Soldier and Captain America. The Thing showed how clutch a leap can be for dipping out, and now Bucky’s got it—great for escaping or chasing kills. Cap gets damage buffs too, softening his Thor Team-Up loss. Both are still solid, and this combo might pop off a lot.
Wrap Up
What’s your take on this balance patch? How’s it gonna twist the meta? Any buffs or nerfs you were hoping for that didn’t drop? Spill it in the comments!