The Marvel Rivals Bot Conspiracy, Explained

Marvel Rivals' Popularity Shadowed by Bot Concerns

Despite topping Steam and Twitch charts, Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games' new hero shooter, faces growing player suspicion regarding the prevalence of bots in its matches. The game, launched in December, has garnered significant praise for its style and use of iconic Marvel characters. Its success is undeniable, with hundreds of thousands of daily Steam players (via SteamDB). However, a recurring issue is the perceived presence of AI opponents in standard Quickplay matches, a concern voiced extensively across social media.

Many players report encountering matches populated by low-level bots, sometimes even affecting teammates. While the trigger for these bot matches remains unclear, a prevailing theory suggests the game employs them to mitigate player frustration after consecutive losses or to reduce queue times. NetEase has yet to publicly address these concerns, leaving players to speculate.

Suspected bot matches are often characterized by repetitive, unusual in-game behavior, similar player names (often single words in all caps or partial names), and, most notably, enemy profiles labeled "restricted." This lack of transparency fuels player frustration, particularly as it impacts the learning curve for new heroes. Practice against bots is readily available, but the indistinguishable nature of bots in Quickplay undermines the value of skill improvement in those modes.

The debate is not new; similar discussions have surrounded games like Fortnite for years. Players are divided in their response, with some calling for a bot toggle or complete removal, while others view bot matches as opportunities for achievement completion. One Reddit user, ciaranxy, initiated a community discussion highlighting the lack of player choice regarding bot encounters in Quickplay.

The author confirms encountering a suspicious Quickplay match exhibiting several telltale signs: unnatural player movement, similar names, and restricted profiles across the opposing team and several teammates. NetEase has been contacted for comment.

Despite this controversy, NetEase's plans for Marvel Rivals in 2025 are ambitious, including the arrival of the Fantastic Four in Season 1: Eternal Night Falls, a new hero every half-season, and a new Peter Parker skin (Advanced Suit 2.0) later this month. The ongoing debate about bots, however, casts a shadow on the game's otherwise positive reception. Further information can be found on how some players are using Invisible Woman to counter suspected bots.