Finally, after four months since the game’s release, smurfing players are now punishable by NetEase, according to the latest update. This means that anyone who exploits the game’s competitive ranking system will now face a ban.
Players noticed that the new Season 2 update has added a reportable offense specifically for smurfing, alongside the usual Cheating and Throwing tags. Now, players can finally report someone when they’re clearly smurfing.
Smurfing has always been a persistent issue in competitive games, especially in titles that reward high mechanical skill. Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, and even Fortnite have dealt with similar problems throughout their competitive histories. While those games have systems in place to limit egregious smurfing, what NetEase has done with Marvel Rivals is far more accessible—players can click on a name and report them directly.
Marvel Rivals’ smurfing problem has become more noticeable with the launch of the new season. NetEase decided to drop everyone’s rank by nine divisions, meaning players who previously reached the Celestial Rank—or Top 500—can now land in Platinum or Diamond. That’s created issues for newer players climbing the ranks, only to discover they're matched against former high-elo players.
click to enlargeCreating alternate accounts is also considered smurfing, and in Marvel Rivals, it’s almost too easy. Players only need a Level 15 account to queue for ranked, which means low-elo lobbies might suddenly face a cracked Spider-Man who’s actually a Celestial-ranked veteran on a secondary account. Some smurfers use new heroes like Emma Frost to practice without affecting their main account’s stats, often destabilizing matches. So if you’re wondering why that Emma Frost is popping off, it’s either their lucky day, or it’s a Vanguard Top 500 testing out The White Queen.
With this new reporting system in place, Marvel Rivals may finally get some relief from the flood of smurf accounts. NetEase has been consistently listening to player feedback since launch, and they’re not slowing down until the experience is better for everyone.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Gaming News and Marvel Rivals page.