The highly anticipated Season 3.5 update for Marvel Rivals, launching on August 8, is set to introduce not only the legendary vampire hunter Blade but also significant alterations to the game`s team-up mechanics and competitive modes.
Blade`s Abilities and Role
Blade, the formidable Daywalker, joins NetEase`s hero shooter armed with devastating sword-based attacks, featuring lethal spins and slashes. He also wields a shotgun for effective mid-to-close range combat. His ultimate move unleashes the Sword of Dracula, creating a deadly trail of slashes. With his capacity to temporarily negate enemy healing and high maneuverability, Blade promises to be a powerful asset to the Duelist class.
Evolving Team-Up Dynamics
Blade is not the sole novelty arriving with the August 8 patch. A new `Dev Vision` video revealed extensive changes to team-up abilities. Specifically, `Guardian Revival` (Mantis and Star-Lord leveraging Adam Warlock`s regeneration) and `Atlas Bond` (Luna Snow and Iron Fist) are being removed.
In exchange, two new team-ups will be introduced. `Duality Dance` combines Adam Warlock and Luna Snow, enhancing Luna`s attack power based on damage taken. `Vibrant Vitality` centers around Mantis: when paired with Groot, his walls will now heal allies, and with Loki, his healing fields will also grant a damage buff.
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.`
Competitive Play Enhancements
Regarding competitive play, the 3.5 update will impose stricter penalties for abandoning matches, including extended bans and more significant point deductions. Conversely, players who remain in a match after a teammate leaves will receive increased point compensation, and surrendering will be simplified. NetEase also stated plans to expedite the appeal process for erroneous bans and to continue evaluating situations where players are forced to disconnect due to `unavoidable system issues.`
Upcoming Content and Season Context
Although not launching concurrently with Blade and the team-up revisions, NetEase confirmed that a new map, `Throne of Knull,` and a new game mode, `Resource Rumble,` will arrive on August 22. Further details on hero balance and team-up adjustments for Season 3.5 are expected to be revealed later.
Marvel Rivals` third season commenced on July 11, introducing Phoenix. A recent update also brought a Fantastic Four: First Steps-themed team-up for Human Torch and The Thing, which has seen some unconventional use by players. Additionally, the film`s cast recently sampled their in-game character counterparts.