Marvel Rivals Season 1: Hela, Hawkeye Nerfs, and Upcoming Buffs

Marvel Rivals is poised for an exciting shake-up in Season 1, with leaks suggesting hero nerfs, buffs, and new content. Here’s a breakdown of what these potential changes could mean for players and the game’s balance.
Hela Nerfs: A Power Adjustment in Sight?
Hela is set to lose her 20% seasonal damage boost, significantly reducing her firepower. Beyond this, additional nerfs may target her primary fire, alternate fire, or ability cooldowns. Adjustments to Astral Flocks’ cooldown or primary fire damage seem likely, as her oppressive damage output has drawn considerable feedback from players. While her ultimate may avoid significant changes, these tweaks aim to make her gameplay less overwhelming across matches.
Hawkeye faces similar issues, with his high damage output and wide arrow hitbox dominating gameplay. Even after losing his 20% damage boost, his headshots remain lethal to most non-tank heroes. A nerf to his arrow hitbox or base damage could address frustrations, particularly in choke-point engagements where his spam tactics currently excel.
Captain America and Storm: Long-Overdue Buffs
Captain America has struggled to deliver value compared to other tanks like Venom and Hulk. Buffs may increase his damage, reduce cooldowns on abilities, or expand the effective area of his shield. These changes could finally make him a viable option in competitive play.
Storm, another hero in need of attention, may see improvements to her movement speed and primary fire damage. While her ultimate remains powerful, her general gameplay feels lackluster. Enhancing her movement and close-range damage output could elevate her effectiveness in battles.
Wolverine and Others: Surprising Changes Ahead
Wolverine’s unique abilities, such as repositioning enemies, make him a standout choice in specific situations. Proposed buffs include reducing cooldowns or accelerating his Berserker Rage charge, allowing for more impactful plays.
Other rumored buffs include Venom and Cloak & Dagger, though these may involve minor adjustments like retaining their seasonal bonuses permanently. Meanwhile, support heroes Luna Snow and Mantis continue to dominate without any apparent plans for nerfs, raising questions about balance priorities.
Season 1 Content Leaks: Trailer, New Heroes, and More
Excitement builds with reports of the Season 1 trailer dropping on January 6, followed by a blog update and hero reveals. Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman are rumored to join the roster, potentially followed by additional Fantastic Four members later. A map reveal and themed battle pass—possibly tied to “Eternal Night”—could round out the new season’s content.
Further speculation surrounds early access for content creators, offering a sneak peek at new heroes and features. While these leaks remain unconfirmed, they highlight Marvel Rivals’ ambitious plans for continuous updates.
With major changes and content releases on the horizon, Season 1 of Marvel Rivals promises to redefine the game’s dynamics. Players can expect a mix of hero adjustments, exciting new characters, and extensive seasonal content. Stay tuned for official announcements to see how these potential changes unfold.
Speculation and Expectations for Future Seasons
As Marvel Rivals enters Season 1, the potential changes to hero balance underscore the game’s dedication to refining the player experience. Heroes like Hela and Hawkeye have long dominated the meta, and their anticipated nerfs could shift power dynamics across matches. Conversely, buffs to underperforming heroes such as Wolverine and Captain America aim to diversify competitive strategies.
The rumored seasonal theme, “Eternal Night,” hints at a gothic atmosphere that could bring fresh map designs and unique skins. With only two new heroes expected at launch, Marvel Rivals might focus on pacing content releases, ensuring consistent engagement throughout the season.