Marvel Rivals has rolled out an exciting new update aimed at addressing long-standing performance concerns. The developers announced the introduction of an experimental feature called Switch Shaper Compilation Mode (SSCM), designed to reduce in-game memory usage and improve stability—especially for players running the game on lower-spec PCs.
The update is strategically timed to coincide with the launch of Season 2: Hellfire Gala on April 11, making it one of the most impactful changes since the game’s debut. By improving access and playability for a wider audience, the new feature could also drive more participation in the Marvel Rivals esports scene.
What Is Switch Shaper Compilation Mode?
SSCM is a PC-exclusive feature that changes how the game handles shader compilation—a process that has previously been linked to sudden FPS drops, visual freezing, and crashes. According to NetEase Games, SSCM will only compile shaders when a player enters a match after a new game version or graphics driver update rather than constantly during gameplay.
This new approach reduces the burden on a player’s RAM and GPU, making Marvel Rivals more stable and accessible to those with less powerful hardware. Players who have experienced performance issues in the past—especially those with 16GB of RAM or less—are strongly encouraged to activate SSCM.
NetEase noted in their official blog:
“We recommend that players with 16GB of RAM or less, who have experienced significant FPS drops, frozen screens, or frequent crashes in previous seasons, consider activating this experimental feature. And remember, if you encounter any issues after enabling it, our support team stands ready to assist on this quest for an optimal gaming experience.”
Marvel Rivals (image via Getty)Known Issues and Visual Glitches
As with any experimental feature, SSCM comes with some caveats. NetEase was upfront about potential drawbacks that may be noticeable when the feature is enabled.
For example, players might observe that certain in-game materials load abnormally at the beginning of matches. These visual glitches are a side effect of delayed shader processing and typically resolve as the game progresses. Other minor issues include occasional stuttering during the initial loading phase of specific assets.
Another important point is that enabling both SSCM and AMD FSR3 Frame Generation may lead to additional performance stutters. Players are advised to test different configurations to see what works best for their setup.
Despite these hiccups, NetEase assures players that SSCM will evolve over time, with further updates and improvements expected based on user feedback.
Marvel Rivals (image via Getty)How This Impacts the Esports Terrain
One of the most exciting aspects of this update is its potential impact on competitive play. By making Marvel Rivals more accessible to players with modest PC setups, SSCM can help level the playing field. Instead of performance being dictated by hardware specs, matches will be decided more by player skill and teamwork.
This is a big win for Marvel Rivals’ growing esports ecosystem. With FPS and RAM issues minimized, more players might feel confident entering tournaments and other competitive events. This broader accessibility could lead to a more dynamic and diverse range of participants, breaking the dominance of a few elite teams.
It also aligns with NetEase’s broader vision of expanding the Marvel Rivals player base and fostering a more inclusive and exciting competitive scene.
