Marvel Rivals players are pushing back against a controversial new ranked matchmaking restriction set to launch with Season 3.5.
NetEase has announced that Season 3.5 of Marvel Rivals will bring some sweeping gameplay adjustments, including a much-debated limitation on ranked matchmaking. While the upcoming patch introduces exciting new content like the debut of Blade as a playable character, revamped Team-Up abilities, and new cosmetics, the player base is currently focused on one change above all: ranked squad size restrictions.
New matchmaking limits: Who can queue with who?
Beginning with Season 3.5 on August 8, NetEase will restrict the size of squads allowed in ranked matchmaking based on rank:
- Bronze, Silver, Gold: Queue with up to 5 players
- Platinum, Diamond, Grandmaster: Max 3-player queue
- Celestial, Eternity, One Above All: Max 2-player queue
This means full five-player ranked squads will no longer be possible once you hit Platinum and above, a change that’s already stirring heated debate across Reddit, Discord, and social media.
Community response: “Odd” and disheartening
The Marvel Rivals subreddit quickly lit up with criticism following the announcement. One highly upvoted thread by user smaughh described the change as “odd” and criticized NetEase’s approach to solving the issue of competitive imbalance caused by “massive stacks.”
With over 900 comments on the post, much of the community voiced frustration that they could no longer compete in ranked mode with their full squads. Some players predicted a rise in smurf accounts, allowing high-ranked users to bypass the system by playing on alt accounts with friends.
Others noted that NetEase might be trying to reduce queue disparity and matchmaking manipulation in higher ranks, but even so, many feel the change penalises players who enjoy team-based play.
What else is coming in Marvel Rivals Season 3.5?
Despite the matchmaking drama, there’s still plenty of fresh content arriving with the Season 3.5 update on August 8:
- Blade joins the roster as a new playable Duelist
- New Team-Up abilities: Blade + Moon Knight and Cloak and Dagger; Adam Warlock + Luna Snow
- Free symbiote skin for The Thing as part of themed cosmetics
These additions follow the Season 3 launch on July 11, which introduced Phoenix (Jean Grey), the new Klyntar: Celestial Husk map in Domination mode, and upgraded Team-Up mechanics featuring Wolverine, Human Torch, Spider-Man, and The Thing.
Why this change matters
Ranked modes are the lifeblood of competitive shooters, and Marvel Rivals has built a passionate community around cooperative, squad-based play. By restricting full squads at higher ranks, NetEase risks alienating its most committed players.
While competitive integrity is clearly a focus, the implementation method — and lack of flexible solutions — has raised concerns that the system may do more harm than good.
Season 3.5 goes live August 8: and so does the community’s patience.
FAQs: Marvel Rivals Matchmaking Restrictions in Season 3.5
What are the new matchmaking rules in Marvel Rivals Season 3.5?
Ranked matchmaking will limit squad size based on your competitive rank. Platinum and above will no longer be able to queue in full five-player squads.
Why is NetEase adding matchmaking restrictions?
NetEase says the changes are aimed at reducing competitive imbalance caused by full-stack teams dominating ranked matches, especially at higher tiers.
When do the matchmaking changes go live?
The matchmaking changes will go live with the launch of Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 on August 8.
Will Blade be playable in Marvel Rivals Season 3.5?
Yes, Blade will debut as a playable Duelist character when Season 3.5 begins.
Can I still play with friends in ranked if I’m in Platinum or higher?
You can play with up to 3 friends in Platinum–Grandmaster, and up to 2 friends in Celestial, Eternity, and One Above All tiers.