NetEase Games Issues Warning: Marvel Rivals Modders Face 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 gameplay advantages, violates the terms of service and risks a permanent ban.

This announcement follows the launch of Season 1, which included hero balance adjustments and the addition of Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic to the playable roster. Despite attempts in Season 1 to prevent modding through asset hash checks, workarounds have emerged. One such mod, available on Nexus Mods, bypasses these checks, allowing players to alter game assets. The mod's creator, Prafit, acknowledges the risk of account bans associated with its use, recommending it only for users with high-performance PCs. Another mod, created by Ercuallo and shared on social media, even transforms Mister Fantastic into One Piece's Luffy.

While NetEase Games hasn't publicly confirmed any bans for modding yet, the company's stance remains firm. Although some mods, including one featuring Donald Trump, have been removed from Nexus Mods, Prafit's workaround remains available, 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 remains to be seen. Marvel Rivals, nominated for Online Game of the Year at the DICE Awards 2025, continues to enjoy popularity, but its ongoing battle against modding presents a challenge to its continued success.