The Viral 'Asset Buff': 5 Shocking Details Behind Psylocke's Marvel Rivals Character Model Update

The conversation around Psylocke’s character model in *Marvel Rivals* has exploded across the internet, particularly following the game's highly anticipated Season 2 launch. This isn't just about a new hero; it's about a specific, highly detailed visual element that has sparked an intense, curiosity-driven debate among the player base and the wider gaming community as of December 16, 2025. The focus centers on an undeniable and widely reported "assets buff" applied to several characters, with Psylocke being the most prominent figure in the discussion.

The developers at NetEase have clearly prioritized intricate character design, but a recent, subtle-yet-significant update to the character models—specifically noticeable on heroes like Psylocke and Magik—has become a viral sensation. We dive deep into the design origins, the community's reaction, and the surprising details behind this controversial, yet celebrated, visual enhancement.

Psylocke: A Brief Profile and Her Unique Marvel Rivals Design Origin

Psylocke, also known as Betsy Braddock, is a fan-favorite X-Men character with a complex history involving telepathy, telekinesis, and advanced martial arts skills. Her appearance in *Marvel Rivals* has been a major talking point since her reveal, not just for her gameplay as a powerful Duelist hero, but for the specific comic book inspiration behind her default look.

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• Real Name: Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock
• Aliases: Psylocke, Captain Britain, Lady Mandarin
• Debut: Captain Britain #8 (1976)
• Primary Abilities: Telepathy, Psychokinetic Katana (Psi-Blade), Advanced Martial Arts
• Marvel Rivals Role: Duelist / Assassin
• Rivals Roster Number: 26th Hero Introduced
• Team-Up Ability: Works in conjunction with other specific heroes on the roster.
• Default Design Inspiration: The version of Psylocke in *Marvel Rivals* is directly inspired by the acclaimed and artistically distinct Demon Days: X-Men comic series, created by award-winning artist Peach Momoko.

This choice—to use an alternate universe (AU) character design with only one major appearance as the default skin—was considered a bold move by NetEase, moving away from her more traditional, sometimes controversial, classic blue costume.

The Season 2 'Assets Buff' Phenomenon: Psylocke and Magik Lead the Discussion

The core of the recent viral discussion stems from a noticeable, unannounced change that occurred with the launch of *Marvel Rivals* Season 2. Players quickly took to social media and forums to point out what they dubbed the "assets buff"—a significant enhancement to the anatomical details of several character models.

1. The Unofficial Update That Went Viral

The change was first and most prominently observed on female characters like Psylocke and Magik. The character models for these heroes appeared to have received an increase in volume and detail to their posterior, leading to a flood of side-by-side comparison images and humorous commentary across platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter).

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This update, which made the models "more detailed than they should be" according to some dataminers, quickly became a running joke and a point of fascination for the community.

2. The 'Buff' Extended to Male Heroes

While the initial focus was on Psylocke and Magik, subsequent investigation by the community revealed that the "assets buff" was not exclusive to the female roster. Reports confirmed that male heroes also received a similar anatomical enhancement, giving the update a more universal, albeit still visually specific, character design pass.

This detail helped shift the conversation from a purely sensational topic to one about the overall fidelity and detail NetEase is aiming for in their character models, regardless of gender. The developers seem committed to a highly stylized and detailed aesthetic for every hero on the roster.

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3. The Content Creator Who Claimed to Be the Body Model

Adding a layer of celebrity and meta-commentary to the controversy was a Twitch streamer and content creator who became part of the discussion. This individual made a widely reported, albeit possibly jocular, claim that she was the body model for both Psylocke and Sue Storm in *Marvel Rivals*.

The streamer reportedly recognized her own physique in the character reveal trailers, exclaiming, "That's my ass again," upon seeing the model for Sue Storm, after having made a similar observation about Psylocke.

• The Claim: The streamer suggested her body type was used as the basis for the 3D models of Psylocke and Sue Storm.
• The Impact: This claim, whether entirely true or a clever piece of self-promotion, intensified the focus on the anatomical realism and detail of the *Marvel Rivals* character designs, grounding the abstract 3D models in a real-world context for many fans.

4. The Demon Days Design and the Fashion Focus

It is crucial to note that the Psylocke design at the center of this discussion is not her classic, high-cut uniform. Her default *Marvel Rivals* look is the kimono-inspired attire from the *Demon Days* series, a design that is visually striking and less overtly sexualized than some of her older comic book appearances.

However, NetEase continues to introduce new skins that maintain the detailed model, such as the Legendary Costume "Daring Daifuku," which was set for a December 2025 release. Other outfits, like the "Breezy Butterfly (Summer Special)," also keep the focus on her physique and style, demonstrating the game's commitment to adapting her diverse comic book attires.

• Topical Entities: Psylocke, Betsy Braddock, Magik, Sue Storm, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Storm, NetEase, Demon Days: X-Men, Peach Momoko, Legendary Costume, Daring Daifuku, Breezy Butterfly, Season 2 Update, Assets Buff.

5. Community Reaction: A Mix of Humor and Topical Authority

The overall fan reaction to the updated character models, and Psylocke’s specifically, has been overwhelmingly positive and humorous. The discussion has become a lighthearted meme within the community, often used to praise the game's graphical fidelity and attention to detail.

The controversy, if it can be called that, is less about outrage and more about curiosity and appreciation for the detailed work of the 3D artists. It has generated significant buzz, contributing to the game's topical authority and visibility in the crowded hero shooter genre. The inclusion of heroes like Psylocke, with a unique design history and now a viral character model, solidifies *Marvel Rivals* as a game that is not afraid to lean into the stylized, often fan-service-driven, aesthetics of comic book culture.

In the end, the "assets buff" is a testament to the power of subtle visual updates in generating massive online discussion. Psylocke's model, inspired by Peach Momoko's unique vision and enhanced by a Season 2 patch, has secured its place as one of the most talked-about elements of *Marvel Rivals*.