How to fix Marvel Rivals PS5 screen tearing

Marvel Rivals ^[1] launched to critical acclaim, primarily thanks to how it combined beloved Marvel characters with the successful hero-shooter formula that Overwatch 2 ^[2] popularized. However, one factor that many forget about is how Marvel Rivals looks and plays absolutely beautifully, ensuring that players can get immersed in the game.

Of course, like with any other game, some graphical errors are bound to happen. The most well-known graphical error related to Marvel Rivals is screen tearing on the PS5. The good news is that there are some reliable ways to fix this, like checking the HDMI cable, matching the PS5’s resolution with your screen’s, and switching the hero to give your game a quick refresh.

Here’s how you can avoid or even fix screen tearing on the PS5 when playing Marvel Rivals.

Use the right HDMI cable to remove screen tearing

If Marvel Rivals feels choppy or shows screen tearing on your PS5, your HDMI cable might be to blame. The PS5 relies on HDMI 2.1 for things like 4K at 120Hz and VRR to keep the gameplay smooth. Using an older HDMI cable, such as 1.4 or 2.0, can limit your PS5 to 60Hz and disable VRR, which may result in frame drops, flickering lines, or screen tearing.

You can check if your cable is up to spec by heading to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, and see if 120Hz and VRR appear greyed out on the menu. Switching to the Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable that came with your PS5 or another certified 2.1 cable should fix the screen tearing.

Match your PS5’s refresh rate and resolution with your display

After sorting out your HDMI cable, ensure your PS5’s refresh rate and resolution match what your monitor or TV can handle. If the console is pushing higher than your screen supports, you may experience stutters or tearing. Set your PS5 to your display’s native resolution and refresh rate to stay in sync.

You should also turn on Variable Refresh Rate on both your display and PS5. VRR helps your display match each frame as your PS5 renders it, smoothing out sudden dips and cutting down tearing. Finally, if you’re running Marvel Rivals at 120Hz or High Frame Rate and things look messy, try switching to 60Hz. Not all screens can handle 120Hz cleanly, even if the manufacturer claims they support it. If all else fails, you can always try Switch Shader Compilation mode.

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Restart your PS5 instead of using Rest Mode

If you’ve gone through your cable and settings and the tearing is still there, try turning off Rest Mode. Some players have reported that the tearing starts after waking the PS5 from sleep, and a full restart usually fixes it.

Close Marvel Rivals, power down your console, and boot it back up. It's a quick fix that's surprisingly effective. While you’re at it, it’s worth checking for any pending PS5 system updates too, as these updates sometimes quietly fix display quirks in the background.

Avoid heroes with heavy visual effects

Another quick workaround is to try switching the hero you’re using in-game. After a recent update, some visually flashy characters started causing screen tearing for many players. Doctor Strange is reportedly the main one, as his portals, especially, can tank the frame rate during busy fights like Doom matches.

Until it gets patched, it's safer to avoid those effect-heavy heroes or even keep your distance when they’re on the field. This also includes characters like Scarlet Witch or Storm, whose abilities can fill the screen with effects and trigger screen tearing. Swap to a simpler hero until the issue is fixed to keep your matches smooth and avoid your rank from dropping due to game performance.

Report the issue to Marvel Rivals support

If nothing else is helping, it's a good idea to contact the official support team. Many players are currently experiencing this tearing issue, and the more players report it, the sooner the developers will notice and patch it.

You can send a report through the pause menu in-game, or reach out on their official Discord server or support email. The in-game system is mostly automated, but even quick reports can add up, pushing the developers to prioritize it.

FAQs

Why does Marvel Rivals have screen tearing on PS5?

Screen tearing usually happens when the PS5’s refresh rate or HDMI cable isn’t syncing with your display.

Can a bad HDMI cable cause screen tearing on PS5?

Yes. Using anything older than an HDMI 2.1 cable can limit refresh rates and disable VRR, leading to tearing.

Does resolution affect Marvel Rivals screen tearing?

Yes. If your PS5 is set higher than your display supports, it can cause stutters or tearing. Matching them fixes it.

References

1. [1] "Official Marvel Rivals website". www.marvelrivals.com. Retrieved September 20, 2025
2. [2] "Official OW2 page". overwatch.blizzard.com. Retrieved September 20, 2025