Some Marvel Rivals Players Are Risking Bans

NetEase Games Issues Warning: Marvel Rivals Modders Face Account Bans

NetEase Games, developer and publisher of the popular team shooter Marvel Rivals, has issued a stern warning to players using mods. The company explicitly stated that any modification of the game, regardless of whether it's cosmetic or provides an in-game advantage, violates the game's terms of service and risks a permanent ban.

This warning follows the release of Marvel Rivals Season 1, which included hero adjustments and the introduction of Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic from the Fantastic Four. Despite attempts to prevent modding in Season 1, workarounds have emerged. A mod on Nexus Mods, for example, bypasses NetEase Games' asset hash checks designed to detect modifications. The mod's creator, Prafit, acknowledges the risk of account bans associated with its use. Another mod, created by Ercuallo and highlighted by RivalsLeaks on Twitter, even allows players to transform Mister Fantastic into One Piece's Luffy.

While the extent of bans issued by NetEase Games remains unclear, the company has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards modding, cheating, and hacking. Although some mods have been removed from platforms like Nexus Mods (including one featuring President-elect Donald Trump), Prafit's workaround persists, boasting over 500 downloads.

Despite past instances of erroneous bans, NetEase Games has clearly outlined the consequences of violating the terms of service. The future impact of this warning and the prevalence of modding on the game's player base remain to be seen. Marvel Rivals, nominated for Online Game of the Year at the upcoming DICE Awards 2025, continues to maintain its popularity despite this ongoing challenge.