Marvel Rivals Chrono Shield explained

In Marvel Rivals, ranking up in competitive mode is an exhilarating challenge, and part of what makes this experience so engaging is the addition of the Chrono Shield. For players climbing the ranks, this feature acts as a crucial safety net, providing a much-needed cushion against the sting of a losing streak.

This article covers everything readers need to know about the Chrono Shield and its impact on progression in this hero shooter's competitive mode.

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What exactly is Marvel Rivals Chrono Shield?

A still from Marvel Rivals (Image via NetEase Games)

In Rivals, losing doesn’t always mean you're dropping a rank, thanks to Chrono Shields. They work as a protective buffer after a defeat. When you lose a match with a Chrono Shield, your rank points won't be deducted.

So, if you were set to lose, for example, 20 points, the Shield will kick in and protect you, keeping your rank intact. You won't be ranked up either, but at least you won't be ranked down after a loss. It’s like a free pass for your rank that’s triggered automatically after any loss.

However, don't get too cozy with the Chrono Shield feature. It only works one time and will go to cooldown once it has been used. This means while it does give you that safety net for one loss, you need to pay attention to how many times it has been triggered, as it does not last too long.

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How do you recharge Chrono Shields?

Once the mechanic is used, it won’t be available again until it’s recharged. The key factor here is that Chrono Shields recharge based on losses, not wins. After a certain number of losses, the mechanic's meter will gradually refill, ready to be used again.

The catch? The higher your rank, the more losses you’ll need before your Chrono Shield recharges. This makes it more challenging to maintain at higher ranks, where every game counts. Players can regain their Chrono Shield meter only by losing multiple matches, so it's important to use it wisely.

Also read out: Marvel Rivals director reveals Switch port plans, and it's not what fans want

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Chrono Shield as demotion protection in Marvel Rivals

The primary use of the Chrono Shield is to prevent a player from demotion following a loss. Suppose you are in Division 3 of your rank (Gold or Platinum) and you sit at 0 out of 100 points. Normally, you would drop to a lower rank immediately; but with the Chrono Shield, you get a chance at recovery.

If you lose a match with the mechanic active, you won't drop below your current rank. However, if it's out of charge, you'll be demoted as usual.

Check out: Where to find Celestial Codex in Marvel Rivals

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Rank decay at higher levels

Top-tier ranks in Rivals (Image via NetEase Games)

As you rise through the ranks in Rivals, like you do in the Eternity and One Above All divisions, you'll notice a rank decay system. This means that when you don't play for a while, you start losing points and can be demoted.

This creates a push factor among the players to stay active and continually hone their skills so that they don't get demoted.

Also check out: Marvel Rivals: All hitscan characters, ranked