Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 has brought big shifts across the board, but few have sparked as much discussion as the rework of Jeff the Landshark. Once considered one of the most unique support characters in the game, Jeff’s new kit has divided the community. Some players believe he is now a more focused support, while others argue he has lost the one thing that made him special.
Before the update, Jeff gained popularity in off meta compositions where he offered solid healing, good mobility, and surprisingly effective damage. His alternate fire, Aqua Burst, allowed for aggressive flanking or dive strategies. His Healing Bubble was quick and clutch, and Hide and Seek gave him the freedom to weave in and out of fights. This version of Jeff earned him the nickname “DPS Jeff” from fans who loved his unconventional role.
However, the recent rework has toned down his offensive potential. Aqua Burst now works on a charge system rather than being freely spammable. Healing Bubble heals over time rather than instantly. Hide and Seek now uses energy, limiting its usage. On the flip side, Jeff’s Joyful Splash now deals damage, giving him better matchups against flying opponents like Ultron. His ultimate still grants over health, and his base healing remains solid, though it now takes more time to restore health in critical moments.
The update has clearly tried to pivot Jeff back toward a traditional support role, aligning him more closely with characters like Luna Snow or Loki. For some players, this shift feels like a natural evolution. For others, it feels like a step backward that strips Jeff of his niche and identity.
The community response is far from one sided. Some players say this is the most balanced Jeff has ever been. Others feel his best days are behind him. Content creator True Vanguard praised the rework for bringing Jeff’s two sides together. But even he noted that the support versus damage dilemma remains tricky to navigate for long time mains.
Content creator Flats added to the discussion by acknowledging Jeff's new potential in healing and utility, but criticized the loss of survivability and the drop in bubble effectiveness. Without Storm’s ultimate to boost it, Jeff’s own ultimate has been labeled underwhelming.
Right now, Jeff remains a polarizing pick in ranked play. His numbers are not meta defining, and without the right team synergy, he can be seen as a risky choice. But as players adjust and new strategies develop, Jeff may find his footing again.
For more deep dive character updates, balance breakdowns, and competitive tier discussions from Marvel Rivals and beyond, follow Gaming Moves on Instagram and Facebook.
