After 159 days of silence, Marvel Rivals has finally updated Storm — one of the most debated characters in the game. But despite fan anticipation for a sweeping nerf or overhaul, what we got were minor buffs. So, was this really a balancing act? Or just a nudge to keep her playable without shaking the meta?
Let’s break down what’s changed, what it means in competitive play, and whether Storm is now worth your pick.
Storm’s Patch Breakdown: What’s New?
NetEase has adjusted Storm’s kit, focusing on her mobility, burst damage, and survivability. Here’s what’s changed in the June 2025 patch:
1. Wind Blade (Primary Fire)
- Projectile Speed: Increased from 100 m/s to 150 m/s
- Base Damage: Increased from 50 to 55
What it means: Faster projectiles help Storm hit more consistently at mid-range, especially against mobile enemies like Rocket Raccoon or Scarlet Witch. A minor damage increase rewards precision but doesn’t overpower her.
2. Bolt Rush (Dash Attack)
- Damage: Increased from 70 to 80
Tactical insight: This boost makes Storm’s dash combo more threatening in close-quarters fights — particularly useful against tanks like Hulk or melee duelists such as Punisher.
3. Omega Hurricane (Ultimate)
- Self Health Bonus: Raised from 350 to 450 HP
- Health Decay: Now drains at 100 HP per second instead of vanishing instantly
Expert tip: This change turns Storm’s ultimate into a temporary frontline option. With 450 HP that slowly depletes, players can use Omega Hurricane more aggressively — pushing objectives, zoning chokepoints, or escaping dangerous encounters.
Expert Analysis: Is Storm Now Meta-Relevant?
Let’s be honest — this isn’t the massive rebalancing some players hoped for. Instead, these are quality-of-life enhancements, aimed at raising her floor without touching her ceiling.
Why This Matters:
- At launch, Storm was one of the least-picked heroes — according to third-party stat trackers, her pick rate barely cracked the top 15 across most competitive lobbies.
- Player sentiment was mixed. While some high-skill players recognized her potential in map control, the majority avoided her due to her fragility and inconsistent DPS.
These recent changes are designed to make her less punishing for new players, while giving advanced players more reliable tools to pressure lanes and contest objectives.
Community Reaction: Buff or Bluff?
Reddit and Discord threads lit up immediately after the patch, but reactions were nuanced:
“She’s still not overpowered, but she’s finally playable without being a liability. I wouldn’t first-pick her in ranked, but I also wouldn’t ban her anymore.”
— u/Skybreaker03, Marvel Rivals Subreddit
Other players point out that Storm’s skill ceiling remains high — she requires excellent positioning and aim. These tweaks won’t change that, but they do make her less punishing in casual or quick play.
Real-World Strategy: How to Use Storm Post-Patch
If you’re planning to revisit Storm, here are a few practical tips to make the most of her new kit:
Use Wind Blade to Poke Before Committing
Faster projectile speed means you can now reliably soften up targets before diving in. Pre-fire tight corridors or flank from above to pressure squishies.
Bolt Rush as a Finisher, Not an Opener
Now that Bolt Rush deals 80 damage, use it to execute low-health enemies — especially those trying to retreat behind cover.
Omega Hurricane for Space Creation
Activate your ultimate to break a choke point, counter a push, or secure payload momentum. The gradual health drain allows creative plays without instant death.
How Storm Stacks Up in the Current Meta
| Hero | Mobility | Burst Damage | Survivability | Pick Rate (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ~6–8% |
| Hela | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ~14% |
| Rocket Raccoon | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ~11% |
| Punisher | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ~13% |
Storm is still an off-meta pick, but for players who master her timing and elevation, she offers a unique hybrid of mobility and zoning power.
Final Verdict: A Start, Not a Solution
This patch doesn’t make Storm overpowered — but it finally acknowledges her potential. The improved projectile speed and ult sustain give her more playable windows, especially in team-focused game modes.
Recommendation: If you’re a high-skill player who enjoys positioning-based heroes with finesse, Storm is worth mastering. If you prefer more forgiving kits, she’s still not the best bet.
