If aiming in Marvel Rivals feels challenging, with micro-adjustments seeming choppy and imprecise, you’re not alone. Many players face issues with tiny pushes resulting in missed targets. This article uncovers the secret behind these aiming challenges and provides solutions to improve your gameplay instantly.
There are three main reasons for this problem:
- Curve Starting Point
- Joystick Movement Delay
- Aiming Forced Following
Understanding Joystick Movement Delay in Marvel Rivals
The first major issue is Joystick Movement Delay, which can originate from three types of input lag when using the right stick for camera control:
- Controller Polling Rate Input Lag: How often the controller communicates with the console.
- Controller Main Board Input Lag: The internal processing speed of your controller.
- In-Game Response Time: The game’s ability to process your inputs.
If your controller performs well in other games, the issue likely lies in Marvel Rivals itself. Specifically, this is related to in-game response delay, which can be influenced by certain settings.
Decoding Marvel Rivals’ Max Deadzone Settings
In the game settings under Controller and Combat, there is an option called Horizontal Max Deadzone Response Time. Even if you don’t actively adjust it or set the related Max Deadzone Sensitivity Boost to zero, it can still impact your aiming. Here’s why:
What is Input Delay or Response Time?
Input delay refers to the time it takes for your action—like pressing a button or moving the joystick—to register in the game. This delay varies by controller, game, console, and platform.
In Marvel Rivals, the right joystick operates within two zones:
- Input Curve Zone: Modified by your chosen curve, such as linear.
- Max Deadzone Zone: Adjusted by settings like Max Deadzone Sensitivity Boost and Response Time.
However, these settings often overlap. For instance, if you set Max Deadzone Response Time to 100, it creates a delay that not only applies to the second zone but also “bleeds” into the input curve zone. Testing revealed that at a value of 100, there is a 15-frame delay (approximately 125ms), with 25ms attributed to Bluetooth lag. Reducing the value to 0 cuts the delay significantly to about 4 frames (33ms).
This unnecessary delay can affect your camera movement, making it feel sluggish. To fix this, it’s best to lower the Max Deadzone Response Time or set it to zero if you’re not using a DualZone curve or high sensitivity settings. Doing so will result in faster response times, improving camera direction changes and aim accuracy.
The Hidden Secret to Better Micro-Movements
One lesser-known secret is the relationship between input curves and aiming control. In Marvel Rivals, curves often don’t behave as expected. To achieve a truly linear input curve, use the values shown in tutorials or on-screen settings adjustments. This improves the joystick’s responsiveness, especially for fine-tuned movements, giving players better control over micro-adjustments.
For a detailed breakdown of popular input curves and their optimal values, check out the video linked in the post. These settings are game-changers for players seeking precision aiming.
Accounting User Input Lag: The Overlooked Factor
While controller settings are critical, user input lag is another factor. This refers to the brain’s processing time when responding to in-game events. Players experiencing mental fatigue or stress may find their reaction times slower.
To reduce human input lag:
- Test your reaction time using online tools.
- Prioritize mental health by managing stress and seeking therapy if needed.
- Avoid smoking or drinking while gaming, as sobriety enhances cognitive performance.
Improving personal well-being directly impacts gameplay and enhances decision-making speed.