Marvel Rivals has quickly cemented its place in the gaming world, with over 10 million players joining the action-packed experience in its first 72 hours. Featuring a robust roster of more than 30 free-to-play characters, the live service title is a hit—but not without its share of controversies.
One of the most debated mechanics is seasonal boosts, which have stirred confusion among players. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and how they work.
What Are Seasonal Boosts in Marvel Rivals?
Seasonal boosts are temporary enhancements applied to specific characters during an active season. These boosts vary depending on the character’s class and are designed to emphasize certain playstyles:
- Duelists: Gain increased damage output, making them deadlier in combat.
- Vanguards: Receive increased health, enhancing their tanking capabilities.
- Strategists: Benefit from enhanced healing abilities, supporting their team more effectively.
These boosts remain active for the entire season but are removed once the season ends. One source of confusion is the “Team-up Anchor” designation. While characters are labeled as such, the bonus applies regardless of whether their Team-Up ability is triggered, leading some players to misunderstand its mechanics.
Complete List of Season 1 Boosted Characters
Below is the full list of characters receiving seasonal boosts in Season 1, along with the specific enhancements they enjoy.
| Character | Class | Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Banner/Hulk | Vanguard | +150 max health |
| Groot | Vanguard | +150 max health |
| Venom | Vanguard | +150 max health |
| Thor | Vanguard | +100 max health |
| Hawkeye | Duelist | +15% damage boost |
| Hela | Duelist | +15% damage boost |
| Magik | Duelist | +15% damage boost |
| Scarlet Witch | Duelist | +10% damage boost |
| Spider-Man | Duelist | +10% damage boost |
| Iron Fist | Duelist | +15% damage boost |
| Rocket Raccoon | Strategist | +5% healing bonus |
| Invisible Woman | Strategist | +15% healing bonus |
| Adam Warlock | Strategist | +15% healing bonus |
| Luna Snow | Strategist | +15% healing bonus |
| Cloak & Dagger | Strategist | +15% healing bonus |
Players can also view these boosts directly in-game by accessing the hero overview screen during character selection.
Why Are Seasonal Boosts Controversial?
The main point of contention among players is that seasonal boosts can create an imbalance in the roster. Boosted characters often dominate matches, leading to calls for a more balanced system or even the removal of the feature altogether. While the mechanic encourages variety and experimentation, its implementation has left some players feeling frustrated.
Conclusion
Seasonal boosts in Marvel Rivals add a layer of strategy and variety to the game by highlighting specific characters each season. However, the controversy surrounding their impact on balance suggests that adjustments may be needed in future updates.
For now, understanding which heroes have seasonal boosts can give you an edge in dominating the battlefield.
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