Instant homeruns in the gaming industry are a rarity, and few can match the allure NetEase Games superhero PvP-shooter title, Marvel Rivals, has garnered in the month since its release. However, even with the many victories it has achieved in its relatively short lifespan, some components persist in affecting the game's overall balance. For instance, some characters like Jeff the Land Shark and Hela are frustrating to fight against due to their overpowered status.
Although relatively minor, Marvel Rivals' balancing issues may run deeper than cosmetic touch-ups can fix, as gameplay clips have highlighted that a selection of characters may see reductions in their effectiveness when a player's machine runs at 30 frames per second (as opposed to higher frame rates).
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Marvel Rivals FPS Issue is Shifting the Balance of Power
Balance is key to any online gaming experience, and this is one aspect that has been a source of controversy regarding Marvel Rivals. A recent discovery shows that at least five characters (Venom, Wolverine, Magik, Star-Lord, and Dr. Strange) are nerfed when running at 30 frames per second compared to 60 or even 120.
Higher frame rates are generally favored in competitive shooters, as they allow players to get more information about their environment with fewer delays between frames, giving those with better computers a natural advantage. However, there usually isn't any observable drop-off or boost in performance at any of these frame levels. This makes the viral video showing side-by-side comparisons of high and low frame rates on Marvel Rivals so surprising, as it seems higher frame rates hold a competitive advantage.
For example, Star-Lord's ultimate ability deals more damage at higher frame rates, allowing players to take out enemies much quicker. Similarly, Wolverine's Savage Claw combo after using a Feral Leap is a go-to neutralizing move, but the same doesn't hold for the 30 FPS experience. With Venom, his movement is markedly more precise, showcasing sharper turns when wall-crawling at 160 FPS compared to the comparatively labored motion at 30 FPS.
Perhaps the most noticeable disparity comes in Magik's case. Her dash is supposed to cover a distance of 15m and thrust the opponent into the air with a slashing attack at high frame rates. However, when played at 30 FPS, her range is significantly shorter, and she often misses the critical hit, leaving her open to a quick (and potentially fatal) counterattack. Since Marvel Rivals is such a high-octane title, this difference in movement speed could easily tank a player's K/D ratio.
NetEase Might Have to Dig Deep to Solve the FPS Code
Solving the problem will be no mean feat, however, as the issue is said to be tied to a client-side prediction mechanism called Delta Timings - which is crucial for maintaining a smooth gameplay experience. This mechanic is used to update information on player movement received from the client’s computer, regardless of the time between uploads of movement information. Thus, separating the frame glitch from Delta Timings might be a tougher task than imagined.
Fortunately, NetEase is in the process of creating a fix for that issue. According to the Marvel Rivals Discord community manager, NetEase has acknowledged the complaints about hero movement and damage disparities at varying frame rates and is planning fixes to balance its game. Season 1, set to go live at 10 pm PST on the 9th of January, is reportedly bringing a much-needed patch update to fix the movement disparities. In addition to the much-needed performance and balance changes, more heroes like the Fantastic Four family are making their way to the arena in the future, meaning NetEase might be on track to continue Marvel Rivals' stellar run if all pans out.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
WHERE TO PLAY
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
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- 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
