In the first season of Marvel Rivals, players are adapting to a new meta that has introduced significant changes to character performance. One notable disparity exists between Competitive and Quick Play modes concerning the character Storm. Once considered one of the weakest heroes in the game, Storm received several powerful buffs in Season 1. These enhancements propelled her to the top of the competitive leaderboard with an impressive 56% win rate, while simultaneously placing her at a disadvantage in Quick Play, where her win rate hovers around 47%. This discrepancy highlights how different playstyles and player understanding can dramatically affect a character's effectiveness across various game modes.
The transformation of Storm from a struggling hero to a dominant force in Competitive mode is attributed to specific adjustments made to her abilities. Her Wind Blade projectile speed was increased from 100m/s to 150m/s, and the left-click damage rose from 50 to 55. Additionally, Bolt Rush damage was boosted from 70 to 80. Perhaps most significantly, after using her Omega Hurricane ultimate, Storm gains an additional 450 bonus health points, which diminish gradually over time rather than disappearing instantly. These changes have not only elevated her win rate but also led to a 44% ban rate in Competitive matches.
However, in Quick Play, Storm's performance remains underwhelming. Many players mistakenly treat her as a traditional flying character, similar to Iron Man. This approach fails to capitalize on her unique strengths. Unlike Iron Man, Storm lacks advanced mobility options, making her more vulnerable when played at higher altitudes. Ground-level positioning provides better protection and allows her lightning attacks to pierce multiple enemies in a line, increasing their effectiveness. Moreover, staying closer to the ground maximizes the radius of her buffs, benefiting her team more effectively. The higher she flies, the smaller this beneficial area becomes, reducing her overall utility.
This divide between Competitive and Quick Play underscores the importance of understanding a character's mechanics. While it may seem intuitive to play Storm as a flier, doing so actually limits her potential. In Competitive mode, players who grasp these nuances have achieved remarkable success, while those in Quick Play might benefit from reevaluating their strategies. By adjusting their approach and leveraging Storm's ground-based advantages, players can unlock her true potential and enjoy more favorable outcomes in both modes.