Marvel Rivals` 3.5 update is set to launch on August 8, bringing with it not only the highly anticipated vampire-hunter Blade but also substantial modifications to team-up abilities and competitive gameplay.
Blade joins NetEase`s hero shooter with a formidable array of sword-based skills, capable of delivering deadly spins and slashes. He also comes equipped with a shotgun, perfect for mid-to-close range engagements. His ultimate ability unleashes the Sword of Dracula, leaving a devastating trail in his wake. Combined with his ability to briefly prevent enemy healing and his impressive maneuverability, Blade appears to be a potent addition to the game`s Duelist roster.
The August 8 patch will introduce a significant overhaul of team-up abilities. Specifically, “Guardian Revival,” which involved Mantis and Star-Lord utilizing Adam Warlock`s regenerative powers, will be removed, as will Luna Snow and Iron Fist`s “Atlas Bond.”
In their place, two new team-ups will be added. “Duality Dance” will be available for Adam Warlock and Luna Snow, designed to enhance Luna`s attacks based on the damage she sustains. Another new team-up, “Vibrant Vitality,” centers around Mantis: when paired with Groot, his summoned walls will heal nearby allies, and when she`s teamed with Loki, his healing fields will also provide a damage boost.
Further adjustments to existing team-ups include Loki`s removal from “Ragnarok Rebirth,” Iron Fist`s inclusion in Luna Snow`s “Chilling Assault,” Star-Lord joining “Rocket Network,” and Blade`s integration into Cloak and Dagger`s “Lunar Force.”
Regarding competitive play, the 3.5 update will implement stricter penalties for players who abandon matches prematurely, including longer bans and more significant point deductions. Conversely, players who remain in a match after a teammate leaves will receive increased point compensation, and the option to surrender will be made more accessible. NetEase also stated that it will expedite the appeals process for those mistakenly banned and will continue to review cases where players are forced to leave games due to “unavoidable system issues.”
While not arriving simultaneously with Blade and the team-up changes, NetEase confirmed that the new map “Throne of Knull” and the new mode “Resource Rumble” are scheduled for release on August 22. More details on hero balance changes and additional team-up adjustments for the Season 3.5 update will be announced at a later date.
Marvel Rivals Season 3 commenced on July 11, marking the arrival of the Phoenix. A recent update to the hero shooter also introduced a “Fantastic Four: First Steps”-inspired team-up ability for Human Torch and The Thing, which some players have been using in unexpected ways.