Marvel Rivals players are reporting that the Season 1 update has disabled custom skin mods. The update appears to have added asset hash checking, which ensures game files match an official digital fingerprint. If a mod alters visuals, sounds, or cutscenes, it would be blocked.
Using mods violates Marvel Rivals’ terms of use. Developer NetEase has warned players against modifying game files, stating it carries the risk of getting banned. Despite this, mods have remained hugely popular among players.
Popular mods include turning Iron Man into Vegeta from Dragon Ball and Mantis into a goth. There’s even a mod that turns Jeff the Land Shark into Pochita from Chainsaw Man. The Vegeta as Iron Man mod has been downloaded over 60,000 times.
NetEase generates revenue from the free-to-play hero shooter through the sale of premium skins.
Modding crackdown in Marvel Rivals
If modding threatens that revenue, NetEase will have taken a dim view.
The crackdown perhaps comes as little surprise. Some have suggested mod makers may be able to issue workarounds for their creations. As it stands, Marvel Rivals is a mod-free game.
Players will have to wait and see if there will be any reversal on this decision in the future. The official Marvel Rivals Discord is starting to fill up with questions from players asking why their mods aren’t working. Social media is now bubbling up the explanation.
NetEase said: “It is not recommended to modify any game files, as doing so carries the risk of getting banned.”
We’ve seen a similar crackdown from other developers who sell premium skins for their games. For now, Marvel Rivals players will need to enjoy the game without mods. The future of modding in the game remains uncertain.
