Commencing on April 11, 2025, Season 2 of Marvel Rivals is set to introduce a series of significant enhancements to the game’s Competitive mode. These updates will encompass hero balance modifications, the introduction of new characters, and a variety of cosmetic items. Players can expect substantial changes to the ranked experience, which will impact map rotations, rank resets, and overall gameplay dynamics.
The arrival of Season 2 will usher in fresh gameplay mechanics, particularly with the addition of two new characters: Emma Frost and Ultron. Existing characters will experience buffs and nerfs, reshaping the meta and influencing team compositions in Competitive matches. According to the development team, adjustments will also be made to Team-Up abilities, with some characters being removed from specific pairings while others will no longer be available for selection.
How Do Ranks Reset In Season 2?
Significant Step Back in Competitive Ranks
As players transition into Season 2, Competitive Ranks will reset by nine tiers. For instance, if you concluded Season 1 at Diamond 1, you will begin Season 2 at Silver 1. This substantial drop means players will need to work their way back up the ranking ladder, regardless of previous achievements. Even those who reached Celestial, the highest tier, will find themselves navigating through multiple ranks to regain their former status.
This drastic reset follows the contentious rank adjustments seen in Season 1.5, which faced backlash from the player community. Season 2 will unfold over a period of three months, complete with a major update midway through, akin to Season 1. Looking forward, subsequent seasons will be condensed to two months, implying that rank resets may occur more frequently as the competitive landscape evolves.
The implications of this reset are mixed. On one hand, it encourages diverse matchups as high-ranking players intermingle with lower-ranked participants. Conversely, players starting anew at lower ranks, such as Bronze 3, may find themselves engaged in repetitive gameplay as they strive to reach Gold and above once more. Since Competitive Ranks often tie into game rewards, this adjustment will significantly impact many players.
Overview of Competitive Mode Changes
New Map Rotation and Enhanced Character Ban Features
Key updates to the Competitive mode for Marvel Rivals include:
- Introduction of a New Map in Ranked Matches
- Character bans will commence starting from Gold 3, instead of Diamond 3
- Removal of specific maps from Ranked match rotations
- Increased minimum level requirement to enter Ranked matches
One of the standout updates is the debut of “Hellfire Gala: Krakoa,” a vibrant new map joining the Competitive rotation. This living island, currently under Emma Frost’s leadership, becomes a battle zone due to Ultron’s attempted invasion, setting the stage for thrilling encounters.
Emma Frost will be launched as a new Vanguard character at the beginning of Season 2, while Ultron is anticipated to debut in the Season 2.5 update. While the exact game mode classification for Krakoa has yet to be confirmed, its intriguing environment is expected to offer players ample exploration opportunities. However, the entry of Krakoa will also lead to the removal of the “Yggsgard: Royal Palace”and “Tokyo 2099: Shin-Shibuya,”reducing the total number of maps to just four within the Competitive mode.
This decision may surprise some, as the limited variety in Competitive maps has been a frequently voiced concern since the game’s open beta in 2024. Nevertheless, future insights from the developers may clarify this strategic map rotation adjustment.
The maps available in Competitive play during Season 2 will include:
- Hellfire Gala: Krakoa
- Yggsgard: Yggdrasill Path
- Tokyo 2099: Spider Islands
- Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda: Birnin T’Challa
Players will continue enjoying all available maps in Quick Play and Custom Games modes. Another significant alteration to the Competitive experience involves the mechanics of character bans. With Season 2’s rollout, players at Gold 3 and higher will now have the capability to ban characters before commencing Ranked matches. Previously, this feature was exclusive to players ranked at Diamond 3 and above.
This adjustment empowers lower-rank players to formulate new strategies and team synergies, facilitating flexibility in competitive play. For instance, if a team favored dive characters, they would need to reconsider their approach if Spider-Man were unavailable due to a ban. The ban system, now accessible to a broader range of players, makes the Competitive environment more dynamic.
Additionally, the minimum level requirement for entering Ranked matches will be elevated to Level 15, up from the previous threshold. This change grants new players additional time to familiarize themselves with the game before engaging in competitive play.
Lastly, the developers have proposed a system that will provide more accurate Ranked points based on individual match performance. This means players who underperform will receive fewer points, while those who excel or achieve MVP status will gain a greater number of Competitive points. This change could potentially expedite the ranking experience for players, especially in light of the significant resets for Season 2. Overall, the adjustments in Competitive mode for Marvel Rivals promise to cultivate a more engaging experience for those eager to showcase their skills.