Welcome back to MSF Mondays!
Each week we break down one more aspect of the hottest mobile game, Mobile Strike Force!
Mojo has taken the screen by storm this week with his introduction in the Real-Time Arena (RTA) game mode. While most players generally like to complain, it was almost UNIVERSAL that this game mode is the new scourge of Marvel Mobile Strike Force. However, in the past few days, people seem to be warming to RTA, myself included.
RTA is a new twist on the existing live PvP mode that MSF has been pushing for months now. Real-Time Arena has taken the latest quick match version of PvP and added an element of rewards based on racking up knockouts (eliminating enemy toons) as well as completing daily and weekly objectives.
Marvel Strike Force: Initial Arena Thoughts
Most of the complaints against this new mode came after the first day and by in large it was a matter of matchmaking. This was not new to the PvP mode as matchmaking was always a bit lopsided, however RTA seemed far worse. Matchmaking is based off of total collection power (TCP) but someone in your TCP range could have a top-flight Black Order team and you may be more balanced in your team-building.
Therefore you get crushed, especially if you’re focusing on the objectives. The daily and weekly objectives would range from “use Black Widow’s abilities” to “use controller abilities” even to “use Wakandan’s abilities.” Having a well-rounded roster really helps, in that regard.
Some of these would prove nearly impossible for some players as they may not have had the character unlocked, or the characters were too low power and would get knocked out immediately.
Speaking of knockouts, there was also the problem of people quitting matches after only the first or second knock out, and the victor would miss out much needed knockouts to add to their totals. The amount of objectives also seemed to be impossible to achieve and as complaints mounted, MSF released a blog post specifically about RTA.
Marvel Strike Force: Warming Up to Arena
Much of the complaints will be addressed in time, and really, matchmaking already feels more balanced. Also, the blog post shed more light on the fact that each player doesn’t have to complete every daily and/or weekly objective to achieve the season long rewards which most content creators were cracking into already. Here is a great video from Wolverthor where he breaks down what you can do and what you can skip: HERE
After the initial flurry of frustration over RTA, the hate against this game mode seems to be leveling off. Also, with the promise of the changes to come, there is still time for RTA to be one of the best modes in the game. If you play it well, you can score A LOT of gear, and even character shards. On the free run of the rewards you can accrue 45 shards of Baron Zemo, and if you splurged for the premium rewards path then you have the chance to gain 55 more shards.
Now before we go too far into the lovefest for RTA, there are still some concerns. RTA is tied up with the newly introduced Battle Pass, that might be a future post all on its own. And with shards being earned, there is the possibility that they could start using RTA to release new toons.
That would work fine with a 2-star unlock like Yellowjacket, since they have 45 shards included for Zemo on the free run of Battle Pass. However, if they made the toon a 100-shard unlock like, Iceman, then the player might be compelled, even pushed, into buying the premium run for the extra 55 shards.
To date, I would argue that MSF is a very free-to-play friendly mobile game. However, there is a bit of fear that the game is moving toward pay-to-play with the introduction of Battle Pass. For now, there is no need to claim the sky is falling. Time will tell.
Well I hope this helps you take your Squad from a D+ to a B- Commander!
Game Radar
Blitz: Monday we’re calling in Power Armor Support with Rescue! Thursday brings the rain with the X-Men Controller, Storm!
Upcoming Events: Payday Event is on the way, so level-up your Mercs to earn more gold!
Upcoming Legendary: Ebony Maw is coming so build up your Inhumans, and remember, you MUST have Black Bolt as one of those Inhumans.
Black Bolt: April 27th, August 17th, December 7th (Requires Asgardians 5-star)
Shuri: May 11th, August 31st (Requires Spider-verse 5-star)
Ebony Maw: May 25th, September 14th (Requires Inhumans 5-star with Black Bolt)
Phoenix: June 8th, September 28th (Requires Mystic Villain Controller 6-star)
Star-Lord: June 22nd, October 12th (Requires Guardians or Ravagers 5-star)
Nick Fury: July 20th, November 11th (Requires Kree Minions 5-star)
Magneto: August 3rd, November 23rd (Requires X-Men and/or Brotherhood 5-star)
Previous Installments
- Early Player Tips
- Avoiding Early Player Mistakes
- Understanding Alliances
- Building Wide
- Farming Guide and Seed Theory
- Underrated Characters
- Blitz, please!
- Team Positioning Tips
- Daily Objectives
- WAR, what is it good for?
- Expect a Cold Front
- Swarm to the Next Event
- Why Am I Losing at PvP?
- MSF Terms You Should Know – Part 1
- MSF Terms You Should Know – Part 2
- MSF Terms You Should Know – Part 3
- ISO 8
- Let’s Win This WAR!
- Dark Dimension 1
- Dark Dimension 2
- What to do With Orb Events
- Defending the Defenders
- Astonishing X-Men Announcements
Join our Discord is you want to join us in nerding out over Marvel Strike Force.
Tabletop Takeaways: Tips for Dungeon Masters with a Narrative Spin