Marvel Rivals Season 2 launches on April 11, which means a brand new balance patch will go live and alter the way the game is played substantially.
With Marvel Rivals Season 2: Hellfire Gala, NetEase Games is implementing multiple new features, changes, and adjustments beyond simple hero buffs and nerfs. This includes the introduction of new Team-Ups, two new heroes, and a new map once the season begins.
Emma Frost arrives to the Hellfire Gala in style with an elegant blue-and-white outfit. / NetEase Games; Marvel Games
Marvel Rivals Season 2: Hellfire Gala releases on April 11, with the update going live at 5am ET.
As with all major patches, the Season 2 launch will see NetEase take Marvel Rivals offline briefly to implement all of the changes. That downtime begins at 5am ET on April 11 and is “expected to take approximately 2–3 hours,” during which the game will be unplayable.
The Marvel Rivals Season 2: Hellfire Gala release patch includes dozens of changes to the game’s heroes, a massive rotation for Team-Up abilities, and a new hero joining the roster. Additional content will be released throughout the season, but here is a full list of the Season 2 launch patch notes.
All balance adjustments will include some small additional commentary from the developers where applicable.
The Marvel Rivals roster is dressed up in new skins for the Hellfire Gala. / NetEase Games; Marvel Games
“The Green Goliath will boast enhanced maneuverability and improved survivability upon entering combat.”
“Peni will receive enhancements to her primary attack damage efficiency and a boost to her survivability and combat capabilities.”
“We’re improving Clint’s mobility while drawing his bow, enhancing his combat capabilities, and increasing the threat of his Ultimate Ability.”
“Lin Lie will see an increase in his combat effectiveness against Vanguards, a slight improvement to his mobility, and a slight reduction to his survivability when first entering the battlefield.”
“We’re reducing Wanda’s survivability but increasing her threat level against Strategists and Duelists while optimizing her Ultimate Ability release experience.”
With Marvel Rivals Season 2: Hellfire Gala, Emma Frost will join the battle alongside the season’s launch on April 11.
Emma Frost is a strong Vanguard that can shift between using psychic powers to support her team and a sturdy diamond body that throws haymakers with the other big bodies. She will be available as soon as the Season 2 update goes live alongside the new map, Hellfire Gala – Krakoa and a new lineup of battle pass skins.
Ultron was also confirmed for a Season 2 release, though he will not be added until some point in May.
Screenshot via NetEase Games
This Marvel Rivals Season 2 patch might have the single biggest impact on the game’s meta outside of hero additions, as it drastically alters what heroes get bonuses from being used together along with the large balance adjustments.
For example, Luna Snow no longer giving Namor a boosted squid will lead to the two heroes being banned less in regard to each other in competitive play. Before, players could ban Luna to eliminate a top Strategist and also make Namor weaker. Giving Namor a Team-Up with Hulk that gives the Gamma Monstro ability could lead to new strategic picks and bans.
Related Article: Marvel Rivals Teases Season 2 Hellfire Gala Skins
The patch also changes things up for top heroes like Hela, Star-Lord, and Winter Soldier in ways that will potentially alter their usage too. The addition of Emma Frost to the Vanguard pool will even further impact the lineups that teams can toss together.
