Marvel Rivals, the popular team-based hero shooter, is finally bringing a long-awaited feature to its PC player base, the ability to walk in Season 4. This simple but significant update, previously exclusive to console versions, is rolling out in the game’s next major patch. The change addresses a persistent request from the PC community, which has been unable to control their movement speed beyond a full run.
What This Means for PC Players
The new walk feature is more than just a cosmetic addition. It’s a quality of life improvement that aligns the PC experience with its console counterparts. On consoles, analog sticks allow for variable movement speed, from a slow saunter to a full sprint. PC players, however, have been limited by the digital “on-or-off” nature of keyboard input (WASD). The new update will introduce a dedicated key bind, likely a toggle, allowing players to move at a slower, more deliberate pace.
This change is expected to have a noticeable impact on several aspects of gameplay and player expression:
- Tactical Movement: Walking allows for more precise positioning and quieter movement in certain situations. While not as fast as running, it can be used for subtle repositioning or to maintain a team’s formation.
- Player Expression: It gives players more control over their character’s demeanor. Walking can be used for a dramatic entrance, a casual victory lap, or a show of confidence in the pre-match lobby.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The simple act of walking makes the game feel more cinematic and less frantic in moments outside of combat. It enhances the social and aesthetic experience in the game’s hub areas and during victory screens.
Why the Delay?
The primary reason for the delay in implementing the walk feature on PC was the fundamental difference in input methods. Replicating the nuanced speed control of an analog stick on a keyboard requires a specific development solution, such as a dedicated toggle key. The developers at NetEase Games and Marvel Games had to build and test this functionality to ensure it was seamlessly integrated and didn’t conflict with other key binds or gameplay mechanics.
| Input Type | Movement Control | Platform |
| Analog | Variable Speed (walk, run, sprint) | Console (PlayStation, Xbox) |
| Digital | On/Off (run, sprint) | PC (Keyboard & Mouse) |
| New Digital | Toggle (walk) + On/Off (run) | PC (Post-patch) |
Community Reaction and Future Outlook
The announcement has been met with positive feedback from the Marvel Rivals community. For a game that relies heavily on fast-paced, competitive action, a feature like this might seem minor, but it’s a clear signal that the developers are listening to player feedback and are committed to improving the overall experience. The implementation of this feature suggests a continued focus on quality-of-life updates alongside the release of new heroes, maps, and game modes.The addition of the walk feature brings the PC and console versions of Marvel Rivals closer to parity, a move that benefits the entire player base. It sets a positive precedent for future updates and shows a commitment to making the game feel polished and complete across all platforms. Players can now enjoy the full range of movement their heroes were always meant to have.
