Marvel Rivals Season 9.5 Shaves 40 GB Off PC Install Size

Marvel Rivals players can reclaim significant hard drive space starting August 7, but they must navigate a heavier initial download to do so. NetEase is releasing Season 9.5 across all platforms, introducing a major technical overhaul that shrinks the final game footprint. This update matters because the new compression standards permanently reduce storage requirements, though the immediate patch size is larger than usual due to asset repackaging.

NetEase update introduces The Hood and texture compression overhaul

The update arrives with The Hood, a new Vanguard hero who utilizes a dual-state gameplay mechanic. NetEase positions this character as a fresh addition to the roster, expanding the tactical options available to players. The Vanguard class joins the existing lineup, adding a new layer of strategic depth to the team-based shooter.

The technical core of Season 9.5 is a texture compression overhaul designed to trim the install size by 40 GB on PC. Console players on PS5 and Xbox will see a reduction of about 15 GB. NetEase states that this compression is the primary driver for the storage savings, even though the initial download for Season 9.5 is larger than usual because the assets are being repackaged for the new format.

New cosmetic content arrives on August 13, including Sunu special costumes and a Guardians of Mischief flare upgrade. Players can also purchase Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie costumes from the in-game store. The game features multiple pricing tiers for these items, ranging from 15.99 USD (around $15.99) for 1,600 units to 21.99 USD (around $21.99) for 2,200 units.

We looked at the last Marvel Rivals update earlier while tracking NetEase's ongoing balance and stability efforts. This season continues that trajectory by prioritizing technical efficiency alongside new character content. The final install size reduction offers a permanent benefit to storage-constrained users once the repackaging process completes.