Marvel Rivals Unveils Controversial Update to Matchmaking System

Sure, let’s dive into this Marvel Rivals whirlwind. So, players are grumbling about some fresh matchmaking rules. NetEase says these tweaks will land with the not-so-far-off season 3.5. And yeah, loads of cool new things are coming too. Hopefully.

Right, so, as season 3 showed up on July 11, we got Knull causing chaos. Who’s Knull, you ask? Good question. Let’s just say the dude’s a symbiote god-level threat. So naturally, Jean Grey, or Phoenix — pick your favorite name — is stepping into the ring. New map? Check. It’s got some funky name. Klyntar: Celestial Husk. Sounds like something out of a space horror movie, doesn’t it? And those team-ups? More action for Phoenix-Wolverine, Human Torch’s new tricks with Spider-Man and The Thing. Very buddy-cop duo vibes, no?

But there’s more, and it ain’t all rainbows. See, the community is in a bit of a tizzy about these new matchmaking limits that say, “Hey, Platinum folks, no more full five-player squads for you!” A player named smaughh, who must’ve had some serious thoughts, called it “odd.” Over 900 comments full of sad sighs and unhappy game nights. Some whispers about smurf accounts sneaking in—who knew virtual trickery was such a thing here?

Fast forward to season 3.5 in August: things get spicy. Bronze, Silver, Gold can still huddle in groups of five. But for the rest climbing to Platinum, Diamond, Grandmaster? Limited to three-player company. Celestial ranks and up—wait for it—only two allowed. It feels like game night planning is turning into rocket science.

In this chaos, good news though! Blade’s making a dramatic entrance, like that mysterious hero who’s part vampire slayer. And the Team-Ups? Moon Knight, Cloak and Dagger have a new buddy! Jack of all trades, is he? Adam Warlock and Luna Snow jumping into the joint ability game too. Excited much? Maybe.

And before I forget, costumes! (I never thought I’d get excited about virtual clothes, but here we are.) The Thing is sporting a symbiote look—fancy threads for a rock-solid hero, or something.

So yeah, there we go. Marvel Rivals is like an ongoing plot twist saga. Some folks love it; others are just hanging onto their controllers. Keep your eyes peeled, because this game seems to have a life of its own.