Before Marvel Rivals unleashes the Human Torch and The Thing in the second part of Season 1, NetEase is offering us a sneak peek at their gameplay. Earlier in the season, players were introduced to Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman, two core members of The Fantastic Four, and they’ve already begun shaking up the game’s strategy. Now, with Human Torch ready to team up with Storm, we might see a significant shift in dynamics for the latter half of the season.
The current strategies within Marvel Rivals are primed for a massive shift, especially with a mid-season patch set to address widespread feedback about the dominance of certain characters’ ultimate abilities during battles. Champions like Luna Snow, Cloak and Dagger, and Mantis have some frustrating ultimates that have sparked calls for balance adjustments. Yet, the introduction of Human Torch might bring about an inventive solution to this problem, offering a robust counterbalance.
### Human Torch’s Alliance Could Amplify Storm’s Power
Since its initial release, Storm’s effectiveness has seen a dramatic improvement. Once considered among the weaker heroes, she’s now a standout in the Season 1 lineup. Her ultimate, Omega Hurricane, is key to her strength. It pulls adversaries into its wide-reaching damage radius, tactically disrupting enemy plays by interfering with the healing effects from Cloak and Dagger or Luna Snow’s ultimates.
Now, with Human Torch, there’s a promising combination on the horizon. His ultimate, Supernova, can join forces with Storm’s Omega Hurricane to unleash a massive flaming vortex known as Omega Fire. This new combo promises a larger and more damaging radius than Storm’s standalone ultimate, offering enormous potential for strategic plays when perfectly timed.
### A Strong Counter to the Strategist Meta
Even as changes are rolling out to tone down the ults of several Strategist characters in Marvel Rivals, this new alliance between Storm and Human Torch offers a fresh solution to combat the current meta. Reductions in the duration and frequency of area-of-effect healing ultimates, notably from Luna Snow and Cloak and Dagger, might initially suggest less need for Storm. Still, her synergy with Human Torch could keep her at the forefront of viable strategies.
Admittedly, having two flight-based Duelists might make them easy targets for enemies who rely on precision hits. Yet, the capability of Human Torch and Storm to dismantle an opposing team’s strategy might justify the gamble. The effectiveness of their partnership remains to be seen as the impact of the impending nerfs unfolds, but the duo’s potential in counteracting the controversial meta is indeed compelling.
Marvel Rivals is shaping up to be an exciting battlefield this season. With these tactical changes and powerful new alliances, players are in for a dynamic and exhilarating experience.