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 protecting Marvel Rivals' revenue from in-game purchases.
The latest update for Marvel Rivals, which came with the launch of Season 1, has seemingly removed the ability for players to use custom-made mods. Since its launch, many fans have enjoyed adding bespoke character skins to their gameplay, but with the arrival of Season 1 on January 10, 2025, these mods no longer function.
Following a highly successful launch in early December, Marvel Rivals kicked off its first season with significant additions. Season 1 introduced The Fantastic Four as playable heroes, with Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman already available, while the Thing and the Human Torch are set to join later, possibly in late February. The new season also includes a fresh Battle Pass, new maps, and a new Doom Match game mode.
However, an unannounced change that players noticed upon logging in was the inability to use their Marvel Rivals mods, reverting characters to their default appearances. NetEase Games has consistently stated that using mods, even if only cosmetic, breaches the game's terms of service and has warned of potential bans. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a technique that verifies data integrity, effectively blocking the use of mods.
Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use
This comprehensive crackdown on mods was not entirely surprising to the Marvel Rivals community. NetEase had already made its position clear through its terms of service and had taken action against specific mods, such as banning a mod that replaced Captain America's head with that of Donald Trump. The move has impacted some players significantly, with many expressing disappointment over the loss of customizable content. Some mod creators have even shared their unreleased work on platforms like Twitter, lamenting that their creations will never be used.
While some mods were controversial, featuring provocative content like nude skins, this is not the sole reason behind NetEase's decision. As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals relies heavily on revenue from in-game purchases, particularly through character bundles that include new skins, sprays, and other cosmetic items. Allowing free cosmetic mods could undermine the game's profitability, making the ban on mods a strategic necessity for the game's business model.
