In the Marvel Rivals community, a clever maneuver involving the Invisible Woman has sparked increased suspicion that NetEase’s hero shooter might be utilizing bots in its quickplay matches. Despite no official confirmation from NetEase about the existence of these bots, the player base has been skeptical since the game debuted, and this recent revelation only adds to the ongoing debate.
Marvel Rivals, which hit the gaming scene on December 6, 2024, quickly garnered attention as a free-to-play hero shooter. Its popularity soared with the introduction of Season 1 on January 9, pushing player numbers to new heights—with over 560,000 concurrent players on launch day. A key factor driving this surge is the inclusion of Fantastic Four characters. While players eagerly anticipate the entry of the Thing and the Human Torch, Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are already fan favorites.
The arrival of Sue Storm (aka Invisible Woman) inadvertently amplified ongoing theories about bot involvement in the game. For some time, players have speculated that bots are employed in matches, especially as opponents for those experiencing a losing streak. A video shared by a user on Reddit, barky1616, shows three heroes getting inexplicably stuck next to a staircase where Sue is standing, hidden by her powers, adding fuel to the bot theory.
Highlighting the suspicion, the video reveals curious gameplay behavior, a claim further supported by a fan report at the end of December. This report theorizes that after losing two quickplay matches, players may find themselves teamed with bots and pitted against a full squad of bots. These bots are allegedly detectable by their profile, consistently set at level 1 with “restricted access,” contrasting with certain human players’ profiles marked as “limited access.”
Players have also developed other bot-detection methods without needing Sue’s invisibility trick. Observers have noted odd patterns in character movements, such as bot-controlled Jeff the Land Shark endlessly circling and Iron Man awkwardly twitching while flying.
Marvel Rivals is carving its niche in the gaming world, offering a vibrant mix of super-powered battles and strategic play. Battlefields change dynamically, keeping players on their toes with fast-paced 6v6 action. The game combines characters’ powers for unique combos, fostering a thrilling team synergy. Expect an ever-evolving universe with new heroes and complex scenarios. It’s a fascinating time for Marvel Rivals fans as they maneuver through ongoing updates, newfound strategies, and the bot controversies that keep the community abuzz.
