Marvel Rivals Season 11: What the Buffs and Nerfs Explained Mean for Heroes
A broader balance shift
Season 11 changes the strength of many characters in Marvel Rivals. The update follows a period of fewer balance adjustments after sweeping Team-Up changes, and its scope exceeds that of the past few seasonal updates combined.
Developers are aiming to make character changes clearer to players, including why a hero receives a buff or nerf. The stated direction is to reduce the survival advantages of Vanguards and Strategists while raising Duelist damage.
Few heroes receive buffs
Most characters in the update are either nerfed or receive quality-of-life options, while only a small number get buffs. Some Duelists gain stronger endurance or greater damage potential.
The changes are intended to help Duelists contend with the survival tools of powerful Strategists and Vanguards. Those tools can make some Duelist play styles riskier while offering less reward.
Squirrel Girl and ability changes
Squirrel Girl gets a major rework in Season 11, in line with earlier character updates for Black Widow and Scarlet Witch. Her listed changes include an Acorn Rain area effect from Squirrel Blockade and 25 Bonus Health when she uses Tail Bounce.
Other listed adjustments include longer Divine Judgment buffs, increased damage or healing for several abilities, and changes to Bonus Health conversion. Team-Up effects also appear in the changes, including adjustments involving Invisible Woman, Mantis, Black Panther, Blade, White Fox and The Hood.
Key points
- Season 11 includes more balance changes than several recent seasonal updates combined.
- The update targets Vanguard and Strategist survivability and increases Duelist damage.
- Most heroes are nerfed or receive quality-of-life changes rather than buffs.
- Squirrel Girl receives a major rework, including new effects for several abilities.