Marvel Rivals devs reveal plan to crack down on three support meta

Ahead of Marvel Rivals Season 1.5, the devs revealed a few buffs and nerfs designed to reduce the effectiveness of teams using three support characters.

The upcoming mid-season update goes live on Friday, February 21. Leaks already revealed all of the abilities of the new heroes: The Thing and Human Torch.

In addition, we also know all of the buffs and nerfs coming. Most support heroes were nerfed after they took over the meta in Season 1. The devs provided some insight as to why these changes are being made and what it means for team compositions moving forward.

Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 buffs & nerfs explained

In the latest Dev Vision video, lead combat designer Zhiyong acknowledged the triple support meta and explained why it won’t be as popular in Season 1.5

While the devs are happy that team compositions don’t all follow the standard 2-2-2 format, Zhiyong admitted, “The quick ultimate recharge for Strategists like Cloak and Dagger and our mischievous friend Loki has led to some oppressive moments.”

“A triple strategist setup often means at least one ultimate counters a Vanguard or Duelist ultimate, which may slow down the game’s pace,” Zhiyong said.

In Season 1.5, the ultimate cost will be increased for Cloak and Dagger, Luna Sow, Loki, Mantis, and Invisible Woman, making it more difficult for teams to chain those ultimates and stall a match.

In addition, part of the plan revolves around reducing the ultimate cost of Venom and Magik, making it easier for them to dive into the backline and take out support characters.

“We’re not trying to completely shatter that three-strategist playstyle,” Zhiyong explained. “We’re just looking to bring in more options for fun counterplays that amp up the excitement.”

The devs also acknowledged that the shields of Magneto and Doctor Strange were the most popular tank choices because their shields blocked most incoming damage and survived longer when paired with three support heroes.

So, in response, the health of Magneto and Doctor Strange will be slightly reduced, and other tanks will be buffed to bring them into the conversation.

For more, check out everything we know about the upcoming mid-season update.