Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Disables Mods

Summary

• The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has eliminated the use of custom-made mods.
• NetEase has emphasized that using mods violates the game's terms of service.
• The ban on mods is likely aimed at maintaining Marvel Rivals' profitability through in-game purchases.

The latest update for Marvel Rivals, marking the start of Season 1, has notably removed the ability to use custom-made mods. Since its launch, fans have enjoyed customizing their favorite characters with unique skins, but with the introduction of Season 1, these mods are no longer functional.

Following a successful and profitable launch in early December, Marvel Rivals rolled out its Season 1 content on January 10, 2025. The season introduces The Fantastic Four as playable heroes, with Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman already in the game, and the Thing and the Human Torch expected to join later, possibly by late February. Alongside these new characters, Season 1 includes a new Battle Pass, additional maps, and a fresh Doom Match game mode.

However, an unannounced change has also come with this update: players are now unable to use their previously working mods, reverting superheroes and villains to their default appearances. NetEase Games has consistently warned that using mods, even cosmetic ones, violates the game's terms of service and could lead to bans. With the Season 1 update, it appears that the need for bans has been circumvented by the implementation of hash checking, a technique used to verify data authenticity and prevent mod use.

Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use

The Marvel Rivals community was not entirely surprised by this move against mods. NetEase had made its position clear in its terms of service and had previously taken action against specific mods, such as banning a mod that replaced Captain America's head with that of Donald Trump. Despite this, the ban has deeply affected some players who miss the customizable content. Some mod creators have even shared their unreleased work on platforms like Twitter, lamenting that these creations will never be used.

While some mods featured provocative content, such as nude skins, leading to player complaints, the primary reason for NetEase's action against mods is likely financial. As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals depends on in-game purchases for revenue, primarily through character bundles that include new skins, sprays, and other cosmetic items. Allowing free cosmetic mods could significantly undermine the game's ability to generate profit.