Since its release, Marvel Rivals has captured the attention of over 20 million players, with many diving into its fast-paced, hero-filled battles across the multiverse. While fans are enjoying the chance to play as some of their favorite characters—like Hawkeye and Jeff the Land Shark—others have voiced frustrations, particularly regarding the challenges of losing streaks in the game. But a new discovery about the game’s matchmaking system has players questioning whether their losses might not always be as “fair” as they thought.
Bots, or AI-controlled characters, are no strangers to free-to-play games. Often used to help balance gameplay, they can make a game more accessible for players who are struggling or looking to practice. In Marvel Rivals, however, bots seem to play a more subtle role—appearing specifically after a player has experienced consecutive losses in Quickplay mode.
Reports from players have surfaced suggesting that bots are placed into games when a player’s losing streak reaches a certain point. These bots are meant to provide a temporary “easier” match, allowing frustrated players a chance to regroup and get a win. But how does this actually affect the game’s experience, and should players even know when they’re up against AI opponents?
A Reddit user named Ciranxy shared their findings from a week of gameplay in the Marvel Rivals subreddit. According to their data, players who lose twice in a row in Quickplay mode are highly likely to be placed in a lobby where they face AI-controlled teammates or opponents. In these “bot lobbies,” a human player might be paired with other humans but will face off against six AI bots. Ciranxy’s analysis revealed a few key insights:
- Bot lobbies are exclusive to Quickplay mode.
- Two consecutive losses increase the chance of being matched with bots.
- A mix of four human players and two bots team up against six bots.
- Leaving a bot lobby results in penalties, making it harder to opt out of these matches.
For players on a losing streak, this system could offer a break from the frustration of constant defeats, but it also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the matchmaking process.
The inclusion of bots has sparked a debate among players about the potential downsides. While it’s clear that bots can help struggling players feel better by securing a win, many feel uneasy about not knowing when they’re fighting against AI. Players might mistakenly believe they’ve improved their skills or learned a new hero, only to realize later that they were simply playing against less competent bots.
One player, Revolutionary_Fee795, shared their mixed experience: “I was dominating my first few matches, thinking I was just really good. But then, out of nowhere, I started losing consistently. It’s hard to tell if I was just playing against bots or if I was actually improving.”
Another user, Knightgee, raised concerns about how bots could affect player growth: “It’s frustrating when you’re trying to get better with a new hero. You can’t always practice in Competitive mode without risking judgment from other players, so you go to Quickplay, but how do you know if you’re improving or if the game is just giving you easy wins with bots?”
For many, the biggest frustration lies in the lack of transparency. While it may be beneficial to give players who are struggling a chance to win, the game doesn’t clearly indicate when players are facing bots. Some believe that this lack of clarity prevents players from understanding whether they are genuinely getting better at the game or simply being handed an artificial win.
The use of bots in Quickplay could also complicate the process of learning new characters. Without knowing whether you’re facing real opponents or AI, it becomes difficult to gauge how well you’re mastering a particular hero or strategy. As Marvel Rivals grows in popularity, these concerns might grow as well, and players may demand clearer communication from NetEase about when bots are used and why.
While some players appreciate the use of bots as a way to break up frustrating losing streaks, others worry that it might be detrimental to their long-term growth in the game. Should bots be used as a crutch, or is it better to face the full challenge of playing against skilled human opponents—even if it means dealing with more losses?
The debate continues to unfold across social media, with players sharing their experiences, frustrations, and opinions. For now, it’s clear that while Marvel Rivals remains a fun and engaging experience for many, the role of bots in the game raises important questions about balance, fairness, and transparency in online multiplayer games.
Have you encountered bots in Marvel Rivals? Do you think they help or hinder your gameplay experience? Should NetEase be more transparent about when bots are used? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
