The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has seemingly put an end to the use of custom-made mods within the game. Since its launch, fans have enjoyed creating and using bespoke character skins, but with the arrival of Season 1, these mods no longer function. Marvel Rivals enjoyed a successful and highly profitable launch in early December, and on January 10, 2025, it rolled out its Season 1 content. This update introduced The Fantastic Four as playable heroes, with Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman immediately available, and the Thing and the Human Torch set to join later, likely in late February. Alongside these new heroes, the season brought a new Battle Pass, fresh maps, and a new Doom Match game mode.
However, an unannounced change in this update has left players unable to use their custom mods, reverting superheroes and villains to their default appearances. NetEase Games has consistently stated that using mods, even if they are purely cosmetic, violates the game's terms of service, and has warned players of potential bans. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a method to verify data authenticity, effectively blocking the use of mods without the need for individual bans.
Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use
The Marvel Rivals community was not entirely surprised by this move, given NetEase's clear stance in its terms of service and previous actions against specific mods, such as banning a mod that replaced Captain America's head with that of Donald Trump. Despite this, the decision has impacted many players who enjoyed the customizable content, with some mod creators expressing their disappointment on platforms like Twitter by sharing unreleased mods that will now remain unseen.
While some mods have stirred controversy with provocative content, including nude skins, the primary reason behind NetEase's crackdown on 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 undermine the game's profitability, making the ban on mods a strategic business decision to protect Marvel Rivals' revenue stream.
