Marvel Rivals just kicked off Season 3, and with it has come an exciting amount of extra content. From accessories that customize specific characters to the arrival of Phoenix, Season 3 of Marvel Rivals is off to a strong start. Even more interesting, developer NetEase seems to be addressing the issue of Smurfing in the game.
As strong of a hero shooter as Marvel Rivals is, the game isn't free from its own problems. Smurfing isn't exclusive to Marvel Rivals, either, as fellow hero shooter Overwatch 2 has seen its fair share of the phenomenon. It's recently been discovered that Smurfers are getting called out in-game, and while it's a decent step forward, NetEase's approach shares a similarity with Blizzard's handling of Smurfing, and that's not exactly a good thing.
Marvel Rivals Season 3 Makes Significant UI Changes
Marvel Rivals introduces fresh changes to the title's UI alongside the launch of Season 3 of NetEase Games' popular hero shooter.
Marvel Rivals Taking a Page Out of Overwatch 2's Book With Smurfing Probably Won't Be Enough
What is Smurfing?
For those who are unaware, Smurfing is when a high-ranking player creates a new account to fight lower-level players. The Smurf will make their way through each match with ease, obliterating most of their opponents, which allows them to rise through the ranks incredibly fast. It can be quite frustrating for players who are trying to enjoy the experience. Season 3 of Marvel Rivals has been well-received so far, and the game's developers addressing Smurfing is a welcome development. However, the message being shown to Smurfs feels more like a small slap on the wrist than anything.
Marvel Rivals is Cracking Down on Smurfing... Sort of
Players who are suspected of Smurfing will get a message that reads, "The system has detected that you recently have been Smurfing. We urge you to cease this behavior immediately! If you continue down this path, we will impose further penalties. For further inquiries, please reach out to our customer support." It's at least an acknowledgment that there is a Smufing problem going on, but a small message that is incredibly vague about teased penalties may not be enough to deter enough players from continuing to Smurf. Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 have been major competitors, and while sharing some similarities can be a good thing, the former's lukewarm warning is a throwback to how the latter handled the same problem.
Back in 2023, during a stream on the game's official Twitch channel, devs Scott Mercer and Morgan Maddren simply asked Overwatch 2 players to stop Smurfing. Asking players to stop simply isn't enough to actually steer most of them away from disrupting the game.
The message being shown to Smurfs feels more like a small slap on the wrist than anything.
In the future, Marvel Rivals may need to be a lot more clear about what the potential penalties are if Smurfing continues. It's likely that the hinted penalties could be suspensions and bans, but without a clear idea of what consequences are in store, many Smurfs are unlikely to take the warnings that seriously. As Marvel Rivals continues to evolve, embracing a harder approach may be the best route.
It's expected that Blade will finally come to Marvel Rivals during the mid-season update.
Season 3 of Marvel Rivals is Just Getting Started
- The season's launch day added Phoenix to the roster, the new Klyntar: Celestial Husk map, the Milano Repair Logs event, and a free Symbiote Storm cosmetic.
- The rest of the summer will include more yet-to-be-added content, like a crossover with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Phoenix-inspired skins for Magik and Black Panther.
The roadmap for Season 3 is teasing plenty of exciting features that are set to come to Marvel Rivals, promising a fun-filled summer. As of now, Smurfing is bound to continue, though. It may not be as often as it once was, but with NetEase's laid-back warning message, those who enjoy Smurfing may still risk it.
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
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
