Despite its relatively short lifespan, Marvel Rivals has already stirred up a lot of passionate debate. Marvel Rivals can be played in casual and competitive game modes, with the latter naturally drawing most of the attention. It's certainly too early to call it a controversy, but the game's stance on hero bans has become a major topic of discussion as of late.

As it stands, hero bans only become available at later ranks of competitive play. Some members of the community believe that this feature unlocks much too late, while others readily debate them on the purpose of the decision. There are certainly merits to both arguments, and it's easy to see why this conversation has sparked so much interest in the short time since Marvel Rivals' launch.

Marvel Rivals players request that NetEase Games add hero bans to all level of Competitive play
Marvel Rivals Players Think One Feature Would Improve Competitive Matches

Marvel Rivals fans take to social media to request that NetEase Games make one major change to improve the state of Competitive play for everyone.

Marvel Rivals Hero Bans Have the Potential to Become a Double-Edged Sword

The Argument for Hero Bans in Marvel Rivals

Hero bans may already exist in higher ranks, but some of Marvel Rivals' competitive players believe that they should be included in every other rank. Their reasoning is pretty straightforward, even if the issue itself is a little complex. In short, expanding the scope of hero bans could improve the competitive experience for everyone across the board.

More specifically, some players experience frustration in matchmaking, and some of these frustrations could be solved by the implementation of hero bans. For example, Duelists like Hela and Hawkeye feel ever-present and all-powerful, especially at lower ranks. Giving players the ability to ban these characters would lead to more varied matches, and potentially more balanced teams. Generally speaking, some believe hero bans would be beneficial for lower ranks because they are already beneficial at higher ranks.

The Argument Against Hero Bans in Marvel Rivals

Just as some players think that hero bans should be made universal, there are plenty of others who will readily argue the opposite. First and foremost, some simply believe that such a course of action would make the gameplay experience less diverse, and cheapen the difference between competitive ranks in Marvel Rivals. This is highly debatable, but it's unquestionable that hero bans would limit the character options for players.

Therein lies another potential issue, in that some may see lower ranks as a practice room of sorts. Marvel Rivals' roster is huge, so it's understandable for players to want somewhere they can practice new heroes and hone their skills. This mindset is arguably a bit off base, however, since quickplay is a much better mode to practice in. One must also remember that the nature of hero bans often leads players to pick up and play more characters, not fewer.

Regardless, developers should try and find a solution that could make everyone happy. With that in mind, it's easy to assume that things may simply stay as they are now. Players in lower ranks don't have to experience hero bans, and players in higher ranks get to. Most importantly, this would be most similar to Marvel Rivals' stance on role queue, which would show that the developers have consistent priorities.

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Third-Person Shooter
Action
Multiplayer
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
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Released
December 6, 2024
ESRB
T For Teen // Violence
Developer(s)
NetEase Games
Publisher(s)
NetEase Games
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!

A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.

Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.

Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot's back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man's armor for massive damage, and so much more!

Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!

Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!

Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
Limited - console crossplay, no PC crossplay
Cross Save
No
Franchise
Marvel
Number of Players
1-6
Steam Deck Compatibility
Unknown
PC Release Date
December 6, 2024
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
December 6, 2024
PS5 Release Date
December 6, 2024
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
How Long To Beat
7.5 hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
20 GB
OpenCritic Rating
Strong