Overwatch 2 Players Push Back Against Marvel Rivals’ Ultimate Nerfs

When it comes to hero shooters, Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 have several similarities, from specialized hero abilities and unique kits to distinct hero types. One major shared feature is the use of Ultimates - powerful, game-changing abilities designed to turn the tide of battle. However, Marvel Rivals players call for nerfs to these abilities, while Overwatch 2 fans are pushing back against the idea. Let’s break down the details below.

Marvel Rivals Players Debate Ultimate Balance: A Cautionary Tale from Overwatch 2

A major topic dominating discussions in the Marvel Rivals community is the balance of ultimates, with many players voicing concerns that some are simply too powerful and could disrupt the overall fairness of the game.

However, given that Marvel Rivals is a hero shooter, a large portion of its player base consists of Overwatch 2 fans - players who have seen how excessive balancing can impact a game’s identity. Many of them are speaking up, warning against the risks of over-adjusting ultimates and removing the chaos that makes these abilities exciting.

Over on the Marvel Rivals subreddit, a post title alone captures the sentiment of Overwatch 2 players on this issue: "Every time I see this sub talking about Ults all I can think is 'Oh man these are the exact same conversations that led to Overwatch ults becoming lackluster.'"

The discussion elaborates on how Overwatch 2 ended up with its current ultimate balance: "If you nerf healer ults, then DPS ults become waaay stronger, so they would need a nerf. If you nerf DPS ults, then Tank ults become way stronger. And so on."

For those unfamiliar, Overwatch 2 experienced a "Tank = Kaiju" meta in late 2024, where tanks dominated due to previous balance shifts. Now, Overwatch players are wary of a similar domino effect happening in Marvel Rivals.

While balancing is necessary - Marvel Rivals undoubtedly has areas that need fine-tuning—many in the community hope that adjustments will enhance the game’s strengths rather than dilute its impact. The key, according to veteran hero shooter players, is to tweak rather than overcorrect, preserving the excitement that makes ultimates feel special.