Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Disables Mods

Summary

• The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has disabled custom-made mods.
• NetEase has consistently stated that mod usage violates the game's terms of service.
• This ban likely protects Marvel Rivals' profitability, which relies on in-game purchases.

The recent Marvel Rivals Season 1 update has reportedly removed the functionality of custom-made mods. Creating and using unique character skins was a popular pastime among players since launch, but this is no longer possible.

Following a highly successful and profitable launch in early December, Marvel Rivals released Season 1 content on January 10, 2025. This season's major addition is the introduction of the Fantastic Four as playable heroes, with Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman initially available, and the Thing and Human Torch expected later, possibly in late February. The update also includes a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match game mode.

However, an unannounced change has rendered player-created mods ineffective, reverting characters to their default appearances. NetEase Games has consistently warned players that mod usage, even cosmetic modifications, breaches the game's terms of service, and threatened bans. The Season 1 update appears to have eliminated the need for bans by incorporating hash checking, a verification method ensuring data authenticity.

Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use

This widespread anti-mod action isn't entirely surprising to the Marvel Rivals community. NetEase's clear stance in its terms of service, coupled with previous actions against specific mods (such as a banned Donald Trump mod replacing Captain America's head), foreshadowed this development. Nevertheless, the change has impacted players who enjoyed customizable content, with some creators expressing their disappointment on platforms like Twitter over unreleased mods now lost forever.

While some mods featured provocative content, including nude character skins, prompting player complaints, NetEase's action likely stems from broader business considerations. For a free-to-play game like Marvel Rivals, banning mods is a crucial business strategy. The game's revenue relies entirely on in-game purchases, primarily character bundles containing skins, sprays, and other cosmetics. Allowing free cosmetic mods could severely jeopardize Marvel Rivals' profitability.