Summary
- Marvel Rivals Season 2 will include an experimental feature called Switch Shader Compilation Mode.
- This allows users to front-load shader compilations after a GPU or game update.
- The feature is targeted at users on PCs with 16GB of RAM or less to smooth out FPS issues.
Shortly before the launch of Marvel Rivals Season 2, NetEase Games announced that a new PC option could be enabled that can help players with 16GB of RAM or less with frame rate issues. This experimental Marvel Rivals feature is called Switch Shader Compilation Mode, which will front load most shader cache compilations after booting up the game following a content patch or a graphics driver update.
The new Switch Shader Compilation Mode option will arrive as part of Marvel Rivals' second season. Dubbed Hellfire Gala, Season 2 is highlighted by the arrival of Emma Frost as the game's latest Vanguard, along with her X-Revolution costume as a cosmetic shop item. As a Vanguard, Emma Frost's playstyle revolves around her using her icy telekinetic powers to defend her allies. Season 2 will also introduce the highly requested Krakoa map, which will take players to the site of the titular Hellfire Gala hosted by Emma Frost. Marvel Rivals Season 2 kicks off on Friday, April 11, at 4:00 AM Eastern.
Marvel Rivals is Significantly Nerfing Rocket Raccoon
NetEase confirms that one of the more popular characters in Marvel Rivals, Rocket Raccoon, is getting a significant nerf in the next update.
As first mentioned in the Marvel Rivals Season 2 patch notes, NetEase is launching a way for PC players to smooth out any frame rate issues on certain devices. According to a Marvel Rivals blog post, an experimental feature called Switch Shader Compilation Mode can be enabled in the game launcher once Season 2 begins. When enabled, shader compilation will only happen the first time Marvel Rivals is booted up after a GPU driver or a game version update is detected.
Marvel Rivals is Launching Switch Shader Compilation Mode
This new mode is designed to give PC players who have 16 GB of RAM or less installed a way to even out frame rate and memory usage issues. The high memory usage of Marvel Rivals may force PCs with low RAM to swap memory resources, which could subsequently lead to FPS drops, freezes, and game crashes. Ergo, frontloading the shader compilation should give PC players on budget rigs an easier time handling the game.
However, Switch Shader Compilation Mode comes with a few caveats for Marvel Rivals players to bear in mind. During a new match, some game objects and textures may render erratically for a few frames before returning to normal, and some stutters associated with the loading of objects could occur. Users on a 6-core CPU with AMD's FSR3 Frame Generation also enabled may experience additional stutters.
NetEase encouraged users with 16GB or less of RAM to try out Switch Shader Compilation Mode in Marvel Rivals' second season. As players explore and fight across the new Krakoa map, it remains to be seen how NetEase's experiment will fare.
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
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- How Long To Beat
- 7.5 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 20 GB
