Despite being released recently, you can already find many Marvel Rivals mods on Nexus Mods. Most of them are cosmetic, such as the Vegeta skin, which changes Iron Man into the iconic character from Dragon Ball. Unfortunately, NetEase will no longer allow players to use mods with the release of the Season 1 patch. According to a reliable leaker and data miner, X0X_Leak, the company has implemented asset hash checking to prevent mods from working. Until modders find a workaround, you’ll have to say goodbye to those free skins.
Asset hash checking is a security system commonly used by developers to verify the integrity of game files. When you launch Marvel Rivals, the system compares the current hash of your game files to the original hash. If it detects any discrepancies, it may refuse to launch, disable certain game features, or block players from entering multiplayer mode. While asset hash checking is primarily used to prevent mods, it is also effective at stopping cheating.
NetEase definitely doesn’t want players to mess around with mods. After all, the game is free to play, and no doubt NetEase will sell skins to make money. Allowing players to install mods and add numerous skins to Marvel Rivals is not acceptable. Despite numerous fans expressing their disappointment, some agreed with NetEase’s move. “Mods mean no skins or even battle passes being sold,” one fan wrote on X.
Although the majority of Marvel Rivals mods are cosmetic, some are meant to boost the game’s performance. One of the most popular mods on Nexus Mods is FPS Performance Enhancer, which can improve your FPS. With the addition of asset hash checking, this mod will likely no longer work. “F FPS boost mods,” another fan said.
Considering modders’ ingenuity, the community may soon find a way to work around the asset hash checking that NetEase implemented. However, it’s also likely that the company will quickly patch those vulnerabilities. While NetEase has yet to punish anyone for using mods, it has clearly stated in its ToS that the use of mods could result in players being banned.
