Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Mods Disabled

Summary

• The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals seems to have eliminated the ability to use custom-made mods.
• NetEase has stressed that using mods is against the game's terms of service.
• The ban on mods likely aims to preserve Marvel Rivals' profitability through in-game purchases.

The latest update for Marvel Rivals has introduced significant changes, with one notable shift being the removal of the ability to use custom-made mods. Since its launch, fans have enjoyed customizing their gameplay experience with bespoke character skins. However, with the arrival of Season 1 on January 10, 2025, these mods are no longer functional.

Following a successful and lucrative launch in early December, Season 1 brings exciting new content to Marvel Rivals. The highlight of this season is the introduction of The Fantastic Four as playable characters. Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are already available, while the Thing and the Human Torch are slated for a late February release. Alongside these new heroes, players can enjoy a new Battle Pass, fresh maps, and the innovative Doom Match game mode.

However, an unannounced change has left many players disappointed: the inability to use mods. Upon logging in, players have found that their custom mods no longer work, reverting characters to their default appearances. NetEase Games has consistently stated that using mods, even cosmetic ones, violates the game's terms of service, with potential bans for offenders. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a method to verify data integrity, effectively blocking mod usage.

Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use

This broad action against mods was not entirely surprising to the Marvel Rivals community. NetEase had previously made its stance clear in the terms of service and taken action against specific mods, such as banning a controversial Donald Trump mod that replaced Captain America's head. Despite this, the decision has impacted many players who enjoyed the customizable content, with some mod creators expressing disappointment on social media about their unreleased work.

While some mods have stirred controversy with provocative content, such as nude skins, the primary reason for NetEase's stance against mods is likely economic. As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals relies heavily on in-game purchases, particularly character bundles that include new skins and other cosmetic items. Allowing free cosmetic mods could undermine the game's profitability by reducing the incentive for players to buy these bundles.