Marvel Rivals mods ban: unfair configs targeted

The Marvel Rivals mods ban is now official: NetEase will act against mods and configs that give an unfair advantage. Marvel Rivals' Dev Vision Vol. 23 video from November 12 calls it the game's bottom line.

The statement lands just before Marvel Rivals Season 11 and Nightcrawler go live on November 13. The same patch adds an experimental optimised client aimed at the game's long-running performance problems.

What does the Marvel Rivals mods ban cover?

As quoted by PC Gamer, creative director Guangyun Chen did not mince words. He said Marvel Rivals is a fair competitive game. Using mods or configs to gain an unfair combat advantage is unacceptable, and the team will take action.

He also gave examples. Turning maps into minimalist "potato" models is one. Amplifying footstep audio and removing screen shake are others. Chen added that some of these mods use memory injection, which is functionally identical to cheating, and will be handled that way.

Banned changes at a glance

• Turning maps into low-detail "potato" models
• Artificially boosting footstep audio
• Removing screen shake
• Tools that use memory injection (treated as cheats)
• Any other config tweak that gives a combat edge

Why were players using mods in the first place?

Not everyone using mods is chasing an edge. Some players edit config files just to reduce stuttering. PC Gamer points out that performance has been a sore spot since launch, almost two years ago.

NetEase accepts that. Chen said the core desire behind many mods is simply better frame rates and a cleaner picture. The team says it is working on fixes, and the first one ships with Season 11.

How much will the optimised client help?

The Marvel Rivals Version 20261113 patch notes describe an experimental CPU optimisation for PC. The team rebuilt the client with a new Intel compiler and profile-guided optimisation (PGO). You switch it on in the launcher, which then downloads the optimised build.

NetEase expects about a 10% CPU performance boost. Chen says it should cut mid-combat stuttering significantly. It is still experimental, so players who hit problems are asked to contact customer support.

There is also a dedicated build for NVIDIA RTX Spark devices with DLSS and Reflex. If you want to cut input lag on any GeForce card, our guide on how NVIDIA Reflex works explains the basics. Our best NVIDIA Control Panel settings guide can also help with frame pacing.

What does it mean for players?

If you use mods, the message is clear. Removing them before Season 11 is the safest move, especially tools that inject into memory.

If you struggle with performance, the optimised client is worth a try. The team is also testing a cleaner competitive VFX option that could do officially what some mods do now. Other hero shooters are shifting too, with Overwatch 6v6 Role Queue returning on December 8.

The Season 11 update starts on November 13 at 09:00 UTC, with about two hours of maintenance. Nightcrawler and The Incursion battle pass arrive the same day.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get banned for mods in Marvel Rivals?

NetEase says mods and configs that give an unfair combat advantage are unacceptable and it will take action. That covers potato maps, louder footsteps and removed screen shake. Tools that use memory injection will be treated like cheats.

How do you enable the Marvel Rivals optimised client?

On PC, turn on the experimental CPU optimisation option in the game launcher. The launcher then downloads and applies the optimised client. NetEase expects about a 10% CPU performance boost.

When does Marvel Rivals Season 11 start?

The Season 11 update begins on November 13, 2026 at 09:00 UTC, with maintenance expected to last about two hours.

Sources

• Marvel Rivals (Steam): Season 11: Doomsday // Dev Vision Vol. 23
• Marvel Rivals (Steam): Version 20261113 Patch Notes - Season 11 Arrives
• PC Gamer: Marvel Rivals draws a line in the sand when it comes to using mods and configs