Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods
Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has reportedly disabled custom-made mods, silencing a popular form of fan engagement. While creating and using unique character skins had been a common practice since launch, Season 1 appears to have rendered these mods ineffective.
Launched on January 10, 2025, following a highly successful debut, Season 1 introduces the Fantastic Four as playable characters (Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are initially available, with the Thing and Human Torch to follow). New content also includes a refreshed Battle Pass, updated maps, and a new game mode, Doom Match.
However, a significant, unannounced change is the apparent elimination of mod functionality. NetEase Games, the developer, has consistently maintained that mod usage violates the game's terms of service, even for purely cosmetic alterations, and previously issued bans for offenders. The Season 1 update seems to have preempted further bans by incorporating hash checking, a technique that verifies data authenticity, effectively blocking most custom mods.
The End of Modding in Marvel Rivals
This widespread mod crackdown isn't entirely surprising. NetEase's clear stance in its terms of service, coupled with past actions against specific mods (like a controversial Donald Trump mod), foreshadowed this move. Nevertheless, the change has disappointed many players who enjoyed the customizable content. Some creators have even shared their unreleased mods on platforms like Twitter, lamenting their lost work.
While some mods featured provocative content, including nude character skins which drew player complaints, the primary driver behind NetEase's decision is likely financial. As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals relies heavily on in-game purchases, primarily character bundles with new skins and cosmetic items. The availability of free, custom cosmetic mods could severely undermine the game's profitability. Therefore, the ban on mods is a strategic business decision to protect revenue streams.
