Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular feature among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods no longer function following the January 10, 2025 update.
This move, though impacting the modding community, aligns with NetEase's terms of service, which prohibit mod usage. The company has previously issued bans for individual mods, including one featuring Donald Trump's likeness. The Season 1 update likely employs hash checking to verify data authenticity, effectively eliminating widespread modding.
Season 1 itself introduced significant content, including playable Fantastic Four characters (Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman initially, with the Thing and Human Torch to follow), a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match mode.
The decision to disable mods isn't surprising, given Marvel Rivals' free-to-play model. The game's revenue relies heavily on in-game purchases of character bundles containing cosmetic items. Free, custom mods could severely undermine this revenue stream. While some players express disappointment over the loss of customizable content and unreleased mods, the move is a calculated business decision to protect the game's profitability. Concerns over some mods' provocative nature, including nude skins, may also have contributed to the decision.