Marvel Rivals Season 1 tier list – best meta characters ranked

Marvel Rivals has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2024 and now that it’s available everywhere and free-to-play, fans are showing up in numbers to play with their favorite superheroes and supervillains. While the game was already available to a select few during closed alpha and closed beta tests, the full launch introduced a total of 33 playable heroes, which has now increased to 35 during Season 1, divided among Vanguards, Duelists, and Strategists classes.

Some heroes are better than others and are easier to use to ensure victory in almost every match once you master them. To make things easier for you, we’ve pieced together a full tier list below, that takes in account the latest meta and ranks heroes based on their powers, abilities, and usage in Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals heroes tier list – January 2025 meta ranked

The meta for January 2025 has significantly altered the Marvel Rivals tier list as Season 1 has brought several nerfs and buffs to the existing hero roster. Here’s a brand new tier list ranking all your favorite heroes.

Tier	Characters
S	Thor, Groot, Star-Lord, Moon Knight, Luna Snow, Magneto, Wolverine
A	Captain America, Doctor Strange, Loki, Venom, Scarlet Witch, The Punisher, Black Widow, Iron Fist, Winter Soldier, Adam Warlock, Namor, Invisible Woman
B	Rocket Raccoon, Squirrel Girl, Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Hela, Psylocke, Peni Parker, Storm, Magik, Spider-Man, Jeff the Land Shark, Mantis
C	Cloak and Dagger, Black Panther, Mister Fantastic

S-Tier heroes in Marvel Rivals ranked

The S-tier characters in Rivals excel in every scenario. They are incredibly user-friendly, boasting a diverse range of abilities that allow for mastery. They can effortlessly dispatch foes, significantly enhancing your team’s strength.

Thor

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Mjolnir Bash – Wield Mjolnir to strike enemies. When Awakened, Thor can launch lightning arc waves to deal damage.
• Normal Attack 2 (Right Click): Hammer Throw – Throw Mjolnir forward and then it returns.
• God of Thunder (Q): Soar upwards and smite the ground after charging for a duration, inflicting damage upon enemies in range.
• Storm Surge (LShift): Hold to spin Mjolnir before dashing forward and knocking back enemies.
• Lightning Realm (E): Summon lightning to restore Thorforce based on the number of hit enemies.
• Awakening Rune (F): Consume Thorforce to enter the Awakened state, granting bonus Health and enhancing Mjolnir Bash.
• Passive: Thorforce – After using any ability, casting Mjolnir Bash grants one point of Thorforce.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Odinson Reborn – When Hela lands a final hit in defeating an enemy, she can instantly resurrect Loki and Thor in the respawn phase, or grant bonus health if still alive.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Charged Aegis – Thor infuses Thorforce into Storm and Captain America, granting them an electrifying enhancement. With it, Storm can unleash a lightning barrage, and Captain America gains a Movement Boost, and his shield is imbued with thunder power, electrocuting nearby enemies.

Thor stands out as one of the most complex and fulfilling characters in Marvel Rivals. To truly excel as Thor, players must invest time and hone their skills through relentless practice. Thanks to Season 1 adjustments, Thor’s max health has increased to 525 and has a bonus immunity to control effects during his God of Thunder ultimate.

Though he might not be the most straightforward option, Thor offers remarkable potential for players willing to invest time in mastering his distinctive playstyle. Initially, the global cooldown system may seem restrictive, but as players gain experience, it transforms into a tactical component that can be expertly used by those who master it.

Thor’s impressive skill ceiling sets him apart as an exceptional option for players seeking a challenge while aiming to leave a significant mark on the battlefield. If you’re on the hunt for a Vanguard hero who truly champions creativity and precision, Thor is absolutely a contender you should consider.

Groot

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Vine Strike – Launch vines to attack enemies.
• Strangling Prison (Q) – Fire a massive vine cluster that pulls nearby enemies to its center and Imprisons them.
• Thornlash Wall (LShift) – Target a location and grow a Thornlash Wall. When Awakened, it strikes nearby enemies attacked by Groot and his allies.
• Ironwood Wall (E) – Target a location and grow an Ironwood Wall. When Awakened, it grants Bonus Health to Groot when nearby enemies take damage.
• Spore Bomb (Right Click) – Throw an explosive Spore Bomb that splits into multiple small explosive spores.
• Flora Colossus (Passive) – Wooden walls near Groot will Awaken, activating an extra effect.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Friendly Shoulder – Rocket Raccoon can ride on Groot’s shoulders, receiving Damage Reduction.

While Groot was certainly a secondary tank in Season 0, with Season 1 adjustments, the hero has climbed up to the S-tier due to his skills to be a true protector.

Still, his primary fire features a peculiar delay that requires some time to get the hang of, adding a layer of challenge to consistently landing those shots. Additionally, Groot faces challenges with self-defense, a problem that becomes even more pronounced due to his team-up mechanic, which connects him closely with specific support heroes. When Groot finds himself in a tight spot, it usually means bad news for his support, too.

Groot has the potential to excel in Rush compositions, setting him apart from dive strategies. With the right team configuration or when facing certain adversaries, he can certainly make an impact. However, his vulnerabilities position him as a situational selection rather than a dependable option.

Star-Lord

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Element Guns – Shoot enemies with dual Element Guns.
• Galactic Legend (Q) – Engage in free-flight and lock onto enemies in sight.
• Rocket Propulsion (LShift) – Boost and soar forward.
• Blaster Barrage (E) – Fire a frenzy of shots, causing damage to enemies within range.
• Stellar Shift (Right Click) – Dodge in the direction of movement and swiftly reload.
• Team-Up Abilities: Leader’s Soul (Passive) – Adam Warlock enhances the rebirth power of Star-Lord and Mantis, granting them the power of cocooned revival.

First up is the ace Guardian of the Galaxy, Peter Quill a.k.a Star Lord. He stands out as a fantastic DPS character for those just starting to grasp the mechanics of Marvel Rivals. He offers a user-friendly experience, showcasing impressive mobility and forgiving nature, all while maintaining a solid level of power despite his simple skillset.

With the power to soar through the skies and unleash firepower in every direction, he stands out as a formidable counter to swift melee opponents. Despite his strengths, he faces significant challenges when up against long-range damage dealers who can take him down while he’s in the air.

Moon Knight

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Crescent Dart – Unleash Crescent Darts forward that can bounce between enemies and Ankhs, dealing damage to enemies.
• Normal Attack 2 (Right Click): Moon Blade – Launch forward a Moon Blade that can bounce between enemies and Ankhs, dealing damage to enemies.
• Ancient Ankh (E) – Fire an Ankh to Knock enemies within its radius airborne towards the center
• Moonlight Hook (F) – Launch a frontal grappling hook that pulls Moon Knight towards it
• Night Glider (Left Shift) – Enter a gliding state.
• Hand of Khonshu (Q)  – Open a portal that allows Khonshu to bombard enemies with his talons.
• Rising Leap (Space) – Perform a double jump.
• Team-Up Ability: Full Moon – Cloak & Dagger can inject light and dark energy into Moon Knight to create a Light and Dark realm where Moon Knight can become invisible.

In a game that requires impeccable accuracy, Moon Knight stands out. His distinctive skill in tossing Ankhs and bouncing projectiles off them results in astonishing, dependable burst damage that’s almost guaranteed to hit its target.

Moon Knight’s arsenal is impressive, featuring tools that give him the upper hand in vertical combat. With a grappling hook and a cape that enables smooth gliding, he’s ready to take on any challenge from above. Not only does he redirect his projectiles with finesse, but his Ankhs also pull enemies into their center, creating perfect opportunities for brutal follow-up attacks. With an impressive AoE ultimate that can deliver near-instant kills, Moon Knight emerges as a powerful contender in the heat of battle.

Luna Snow

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Light & Dark Ice – Fire ice shots that damage enemies or heal allies.
• Fate of Both Worlds (Q) – Take center stage and start dancing! Toggle between two performances: Heal allies or grant them Damage Boost.
• Ice Arts (LShift) – Fire ice shards for a short duration, damaging enemies or healing allies while restoring her own Health.
• Share the Stage (E) – Attach Idol Aura to an ally. Allies with Idol Aura also restore Health when Luna Snow is healing others.
• Absolute Zero (Right Click) – Cast a clump of ice to freeze the hit enemy and restore health.
• Cryo Heart (Passive) – Automatically restore Health when casting Ice Arts or Absolute Zero.
• Smooth Skate (Passive) – Keep moving to start ice skating.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Icy Disco – Luna Snow infuses ice energy into Namor and Jeff the Land Shark, who then can tap into the ice energy to power up abilities at will.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Frozen Chi – Iron Fist channels the Chi of Shou-Lao into Luna Snow, transforming her ice power into a Chi-infused frosty ring that radiates from her. This ring can knock back enemies with chilling damage and applies a slowing effect, while simultaneously healing her allies.

Luna stands out as a dynamic support hero, showcasing remarkable healing capabilities, formidable damage potential, a passive ability that enhances her mobility out of combat, and essential crowd-control skills. These strengths position her as an indispensable member of any team lineup.

Pairing her with Jeff might offer some benefits, but it’s certainly not a requirement for her to shine. In a dynamic battlefield where DPS players relentlessly pursue supports, Luna’s stun emerges as a crucial tool, enabling her to repel attackers and take out significant threats before they can make their move.

Magneto

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Iron Volley – Fire a volley of magnetic orbs forward.
• Meteor M (Q) – Alter the magnetic field to draw in matter and projectiles and forge a massive iron meteor, delivering catastrophic damage to the targeted area upon impact.
• Metallic Curtain (LShift) – Change the magnetic field around to form a metallic curtain, blocking all flying projectiles.
• Metal Bulwark (E) – Conjure a metal shield around a chosen ally. Damage taken will transform into rings on Magneto’s back.
• Mag-Cannon (Right Click) – Convert the iron rings on Magneto’s back into a Mag-Cannon and launch a metallic mass forward. Higher stacks of rings increase damage, and full stacks Knock Back enemies.
• Magnetic Descent (Passive) – Hold Space to fall slowly.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Metallic Fusion – Scarlet Witch can infuse Chaos Energy into Magneto to enchant his greatsword. Upon receiving the Chaos Energy, Magneto can unleash its full force, striking down enemies with his enchanted greatsword.

If you’re after a tank that embodies resilience while prioritising team protection over reckless aggression, Magneto stands out as a top-tier option. Equipped with a front-facing shield that absorbs even the most devastating ultimates, along with a flexible bubble shield that can be deployed for himself or his teammates, he proves to be an essential asset for ensuring your squad’s survival. When it comes to being the lone tank on a team, Magneto stands out as a reliable choice.

His ultimate serves as a formidable zoning tool, ideally utilised during pivotal moments, such as when clinching a point. It absorbs every incoming projectile, rendering combat nearly futile. As a dependable powerhouse and a true bastion of defense, Magneto shines in safeguarding his allies. It’s crucial to remember that he lacks speed, which makes positioning absolutely vital.

Wolverine

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Savage Claw – Slash with Adamantium claws for a Claw Strike. Unleashing Feral Leap will enhance it to Berserk Claw Strike for a brief period.
• Last Stand (Q) – Launch Up enemies ahead and spiral through the air, sweeping up enemies along the path and delivering a devastating impact at the landing point. Impact deals extra damage based on Rage accumulated.
• Feral Leap (Left Shift) – Leap like an animal to snatch the first enemy upon impact and Smash them to the ground. Unleashing this ability will enhance his normal attack to Berserk Claw Strike for a brief period.
• Undying Animal (E) – Unleash a fierce howl to briefly reduce incoming damage.
• Vicious Rampage (Right Click) – Dash forward and unleash a Claw Strike.
• Regenerative Healing Factor (Passive) – Begin to heal and rise with a hefty Bonus Health, shaking off all debuffs. After a brief moment, any remaining Bonus Health morphs into a one-off heal, zeroing out his Rage. Assists in KOs reduce this cooldown.
• Berserker Rage (Passive) – Rage builds when Wolverine attacks or takes hits, boosting the damage of his Claw Strikes and the Bonus Health from his regenerative healing factor.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Metal Cannonball – Wolverine and Hulk can interact with each other. Once both parties confirm, Hulk can lift Wolverine and press the key to hurl him forward.

Wolverine has quickly climbed up to the S-tier after the Season 1 adjustments made to increase his base health to 350. His rapid-fire assaults combined with the capacity to become more resilient with every strike make him hard to eliminate once he gains momentum.

His mobility is nothing short of impressive, enabling him to swiftly close gaps and zero in on his foes with remarkable ease. Wolverine’s success in battle relies heavily on his ability to land that crucial first strike; he embodies the essence of the all-or-nothing hero.

Wolverine proves to be a powerhouse, effortlessly tearing through tanks and asserting his dominance in one-on-one encounters against heroes unable to withstand his onslaught. However, he faces challenges when dealing with crowd control and opponents that are exceptionally mobile. Despite boasting one of the highest raw damage outputs in the game, he frequently lags behind other DPS when it comes to versatility and overall impact.

A-Tier heroes in Marvel Rivals ranked

The A-tier characters in Marvel Rivals excel in only a few specific scenarios and have an easy learning curve. However, when certain challenges are thrown at them, they may under-perform compared to S-tier heroes. But since Marvel Rivals is all about skill, you can still dominate and become MVP using any of these characters.

Captain America

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Sentinel Strike – Get up close to strike enemies. Landing the second hit enables a shield throw that can ricochet.
• Freedom Charge (Q) – Shield held high, carve a path forward, granting both himself and allies along the path continuous Bonus Health and Movement Boosts.
• Leading Dash (LShift) – Boost speed, enabling Fearless Leap.
• Vibranium Energy Saw (E) – Hurl the energy-charged shield to strike enemies in a path.
• Liberty Rush (F) – Raise the shield and charge forward.
• Super-Soldier Slam (Left Click) – Slam down from the sky onto the targeted area, knocking enemies airborne.
• Living Legend (Right Click) – Raise the shield to deflect incoming projectiles, sending them ricocheting in random directions.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Charged Aegis – Thor infuses Thorforce into Storm and Captain America, granting them an electrifying enhancement. With it, Storm can unleash a lightning barrage, and Captain America gains a Movement Boost, and his shield is imbued with thunder power, electrocuting nearby enemies.

Captain America emerges as a standout character in Marvel Rivals, showcasing exceptional skill and mobility that sets him apart not only among tanks but the entire roster. With Season 1 adjustments, Cap’s base health has been increased to 675 and his Shield Restoration delay time has been made quicker.

He showcases a masterful fusion of ranged shield throws and melee combos, emphasizing the importance of precise movement and the strategic use of a compact yet powerful shield for survival. If you’re seeking exhilarating, skill-intensive tank action, look no further than Cap.

Despite their unique attributes, dive tanks often find themselves outmatched in Marvel Rivals, primarily because of the overwhelming presence of dive-centric DPS characters. The current role queue system leaves players with minimal motivation to choose Captain America when there are stronger front liners available.

Doctor Strange

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Daggers of Denak – Cast Daggers of Denak forward.
• Eye of Agamotto (Q) – Separate nearby enemies’ Souls from their bodies. Damage dealt to these Souls is transferred to their physical bodies.
• Cloak of Levitation (LShift) – Ascend and then enter a brief state of sustained flight.
• Maelstrom of Madness (E) – Release Dark Magic to deal damage to nearby enemies.
• Pentagram of Farallah (F) – Open portals between two locations, enabling all units to travel through them.
• Shield of the Seraphim (Right Click) – Create a protective barrier against damage.
• Price of Magic (Passive) – Dark Magic accumulates with every hit on an enemy. If Dark Magic is not released, Doctor Strange will enter a state of Anti-Heal.
• Team-Up Abilities: Gamma Maelstrom – Hulk charges Doctor Strange and Iron Man with gamma radiation. When Doctor Strange uses Maelstrom of Madness, he unleashes excess gamma energy. When Iron Man uses Armor Overdrive, he will initiate a gamma upgrade.

Mastering Doctor Strange can turn him into a relentless competitor. He emerges as a top-tier solo tank, boasting an impressive health pool alongside significant damage capabilities. His shield ability effectively neutralizes a wide range of projectiles, reminiscent of Magneto’s powers, while his exceptional self-peel provides a significant advantage against relentless heroes such as Wolverine.

Mastering Doctor Strange requires meticulous resource management. Mismanaging this aspect can lead to unintended consequences, such as inadvertently healing your opponent. The two-way portal is a double-edged sword, offering the potential to be a game-winning asset for your team or leading to a critical blunder that could cost you the match. A skilled Doctor Strange player can dominate the battlefield with impressive prowess.

Loki

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Mystical Missile – Fire Mystical Missiles to heal allies or deal damage to enemies.
• God of Mischief (Q) – Shapeshift into a targeted ally or enemy hero and use all the hero’s abilities.
• Regeneration Domain (LShift) – Use Rune Stones to create a magical field that converts damage taken by allies within its radius into healing energy.
• Doppelganger (E) – Project an illusion that can cast some of Loki’s abilities.
• Devious Exchange (F) – Swap with the selected illusion.
• Backstab (V) – Pull out a dagger to stab enemies, dealing extra damage when attacking an enemy from behind.
• Deception (Right Click) – Become invisible and conjure an illusion to deceive enemies.
• Team-Up Abilities: Laufeyson Reborn (Passive) – When Hela lands a final hit in defeating an enemy, she can instantly resurrect Loki in the respawn phase. If Loki is alive, a Nastrond Crow will fly to him, granting blue armor.

Loki stands out as the most skill-intensive character in Marvel Rivals, showcasing a level of complexity that challenges even the most seasoned players. His steep learning curve presents a challenge for players, yet in skilled hands, he has the potential to dominate matches single-handedly.

Loki stands out as a powerhouse, boasting the highest burst healing in the game when using stacked clones. With impressive DPS, stealth, and teleportation abilities, along with the unique skill to mimic other heroes, he truly is a formidable presence on the battlefield.

The effectiveness of his survival and damage output hinges on the meticulous placement of clones. To truly harness Loki’s effectiveness, players must focus on mastering his clones. This skill is essential for unleashing his complete potential.

Venom

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Dark Predation – Unleash tentacles forward to attack enemies
• Feast of the Abyss (Q) – Burrow underground for free movement. After a duration or by pressing Left Click to devour enemies above and generate Bonus Health.
• Venom Swing (LShift) – Launch webbing forward, allowing for a singular swing in the desired direction.
• Symbiotic Resilience (E) – Generate Bonus Health against damage. The lower Venom’s Health, the greater the Bonus Health generated.
• Frenzied Arrival (F) – Dash to the target location from a certain height. Upon landing, damage nearby enemies, knocking them back towards the landing point.
• Cellular Corrosion (Right Click) – Unleash tentacles to slow enemies within reach. Enemies unable to break free in time will suffer damage.
• Alien Biology (Passive) – Press Space to wall crawl, and while crawling, press Left Click to sprint.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Touch of Klyntar – Venom shares a part of his symbiote with Spider-Man and Peni Parker, activating their symbiote abilities. Spider-Man and Peni Parker can convert the symbiote into explosive spikes that inflict harm on nearby enemies and relentlessly drive them back.

Venom stands out as the ultimate tank, solidifying his position as one of the premier Vanguard-class heroes in Marvel Rivals. With a robust 800 base health, Venom showcases remarkable mobility through his swing and aerial crash abilities. Season 1 adjustments increases his Feast of the Abyss damage to 50, which makes him even deadlier.

His crowd control is consistently reliable, and his primary attack outshines many melee tank in terms of dependability. Venom truly embodies a well-rounded powerhouse. Introducing a shield that provides a whopping 900 temporary HP, paired with an ultimate ability that amplifies your shielding even further, this combination delivers everything a tank player could desire.

His primary weakness lies in his restricted capacity to protect his teammates. When your backline is facing intense pressure, opting for Venom may not be the optimal strategy for their protection. However, beyond that, he remains a reliably powerful choice, particularly when teamed up with Spider-Man, who truly excels thanks to their synergy.

Scarlet Witch

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Chaos Control – Use Chaos Magic to attack enemies and restore Chaos Energy.
• Reality Erasure (Q) – Engage in free-flight while charging energy, then unleash it to deal massive damage.
• Mystic Projection (LShift) – Enter the Projection state for free-flight. Press again to exit early.
• Dark Seal (E) – Land a hit on a target or the scene, or press again to generate a Force Field that periodically Stuns enemies within range.
• Telekinesis (Space) – Space Hold Space to fall slowly.
• Chthonian Burst (Right Click) – Consume Chaos Energy to fire explosive magic missiles, damaging enemies.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Chaotic Bond – Scarlet Witch can infuse Chaos Energy into Magneto to enchant his greatsword. Upon receiving the Chaos Energy, Magneto can unleash its full force, striking down enemies with his enchanted greatsword.

While Scarlet Witch may not deliver overwhelming burst damage, she comes equipped with an impressive arsenal of abilities that solidify her as an excellent choice for a dive composition. With her ability to inflict damage without the need for pinpoint accuracy, she boasts a brief window of immunity that allows her to slip away from tight spots.

Thanks to Season 1 adjustments, her Chaos Control damage was buffed to 60S and the Chthonian Burst Projectile Damage to 35. Additionally, her stun capabilities can effectively neutralize pesky aggressive divers. Such a degree of versatility is rare among DPS heroes.

However, her absence of burst damage stands out as a notable limitation, particularly in a game where healing capabilities reign supreme. While her ultimate packs a punch, it’s also quite predictable, leaving her vulnerable for an extended period and making her an easy target for specific heroes to counter. Although she remains a strong contender, she has lost some of the S+ dominance that had players raving during the closed beta.

The Punisher

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Adjudication – Fire at enemies with Adjudication, his Automatic Rifle
• Normal Attack 2 (Left Click): Deliverance – Fire at enemies with Deliverance, his Shotgun
• Final Judgement (Q) – Unleash two gatling guns and missiles to attack enemies.
• Vantage Connection (LShift) – Launch a hook to generate a cable that enables Punisher to move rapidly by pressing F.
• Culling Turret (E) – Deploy a Culling Turret that grounds Punisher while dealing massive damage.
• Scourge Grenade (Right Click) – Throw a Smoke Grenade forward to Obscure enemy vision.
• Warrior’s Gaze (Passive) – Retain vision of enemies that disappear from view for a short duration.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Infinite Punishment – Rocket Raccoon throws an Ammo Overload Device in targets direction. Upon entering the device’s range, The Punisher receives the buffs of Infinite Ammo and Faster Firing.

The Punisher stands out as an ideal choice for players who appreciate direct, uncomplicated characters similar to those found in Valorant and Overwatch. Equipped with a dependable rifle, a powerful shotgun for close encounters, a robust turret, and an ultimate ability that annihilates everything in its way, his approach to gameplay is straightforward yet remarkably efficient.

Even among the plethora of heroes that exhibit speed and evasiveness, The Punisher stands out as an excellent pick thanks to his user-friendly hitscan weapon. This makes him an appealing option not only for newcomers but also for seasoned players who prioritize reliability. Although other DPS heroes shine in particular roles, The Punisher’s adaptability and power in a variety of scenarios secure him a well-deserved place in the A-tier rankings.

Black Widow

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Widow’s Bite Baton – Strike with the enhanced electric batons.
• Normal Attack 2 (Left Click): Red Room Rifle – Attack with the Red Room Rifle.
• Electro Plasma Explosion (Q) – Switch the Red Room Rifle to Destruction mode and unleash an electro-plasma blast, damaging enemies within range and leaving plasma on the ground to Slow nearby enemies.
• Fleet Foot (Left Shift) – Dash forward and enable a powerful jump.
• Edge Dancer (E) – Unleash a spinning kick to Knock enemies airborne. Landing the hit will allow her to zip to the target with a grappling hook for a second kick.
• Straight Shooter (Right Click) – Switch the Red Room Rifle to Sniper mode to fire high-energy rounds.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Supersensory Hunt – Hawkeye can share his Hunter’s Sight with Black Widow, enabling her to catch sight of and damage afterimages of enemies

For players anxious about the threat of one-shot snipers, Black Widow offers a welcome change of pace, though she lacks the ability to deliver a one-shot headshot. If given the chance, she’d undoubtedly rise to S-tier status, so don’t be misled by her showcase clips.

Despite that, she delivers impressive damage output and excels at applying pressure on backline foes. The rapid rechambering of her rifle allows for swift follow-ups, enabling her to secure kills with precision if her aim is true.

She’s a force in close-quarters combat thanks to an arsenal of gadgets to fend off any divers that dare approach. Though she may not excel in close-quarters combat like some of her counterparts, she certainly has the ability to stand her ground effectively. While Black Widow might not steal the spotlight from Hawkeye, she remains an exceptional choice in the right hands.

Iron Fist

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Jeet Kune Do – Strike the targeted enemy with Jeet Kune Do, reducing the cooldown of Dragon’s Defense with every hit.
• Normal Attack 2 (Left Click with Dragon’s Defense activated): Yat Jee Chung Kuen – Dash forward to pursue the targeted enemy and unleash a flurry of attacks.
• Living Chi (Q) – Become living Chi to boost his speed, damage, and attack range, delivering stronger punches while reducing the cooldown of Dragon’s Defense.
• K’un-Lun Kick (Left Shift) – Dash forward, delivering a flying kick when hitting an enemy or reaching full range, dealing damage to nearby enemies. Damage increased with lower enemy health.
• Harmony Recovery (E) – Cross legs and channel Chi, recovering health. Excess healing converts to bonus health.
• Crane Leap (Space) – Perform up to three consecutive jumps while airborne.
• Dragon’s Defense (Right Click) – Assume a defensive stance with a boost of Chi to block incoming attacks and gain damage reduction. Once he exits the defensive stance, he gains bonus health and can strike back with Yat Jee Chung Kuen.
• Wall Runner (Passive) – Run horizontally along walls.
• Chi Absorption (Passive) – Assists in taking down enemies allow him to absorb their Chi and gain bonus health
• Team Up Ability: Dragon’s Chill (Passive): Iron Fist Channels the Chi of Shou-Lao into Luna Snow, transforming her ice power into a Chi-infused frosty ring that radiates from her. This ring can launch up enemies with chilling damage and applies a slowing effect while simultaneously healing her allies.

Iron Fist joined the Marvel Rivals roster in the latest update. Though he doesn’t possess any ranged capabilities, he’s designed for players who relish high-stakes, high-reward scenarios, teetering on the brink of peril, or in this instance, a powerful punch.

Iron Fist emerges as a unique contender, boasting the rare ability to safe-heal. His arsenal boasts crowd control through a punishing roundhouse kick, a remarkable quadruple jump that ensures unparalleled mobility, the skill to parry and counter incoming strikes, and a melee capability that stands out among the competition.

He is one of the most challenging heroes to play, demanding exceptional movement skills and impeccable timing to effectively counter adversaries. For players ready to put in the effort, Iron Fist offers immense rewards, positioning him as a formidable choice for those who thrive on taking charge in solo queue.

Winter Soldier

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Roterstern – Fire explosive rounds with his blaster, Roterstern, damaging the target hit and enemies behind them.
• Kraken Impact (Q) – Leap high, then dash forward and slam down with the bionic arm, dealing damage to enemies in range, marking them for culling. Marked enemies will perish instantly if their health falls below a certain threshold, recharging the bionic arm for another Kraken Impact within a short period.
• Trooper’s Fist (LShift) – Dash forward, seizing enemies along the path, and knock enemies in front airborne at the end of the dash.
• Tainted Voltage (E) – Charge up and launch a powerful electrical punch with the bionic arm in the target direction, dealing damage to enemies within range and slowing them.
• Bionic Hook (Right Click) – Charge up and launch a hook with his bionic arm, reeling in the first target hit and enemies lurking behind.
• Ceaseless Charge (Passive) – Roterstern reloads automatically while the bionic arm is in action, granting the Winter Soldier bonus health.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Infinite Grit – Rocket Raccoon throws an Ammo Overload Device in the target direction. Upon entering the device’s range, Winter Soldier receives the buffs of Infinite Ammo and Faster Firing.

At first glance, Winter Soldier may not appear to be the most appealing character in the Rivals lineup. His weapon features a modest ammo capacity and its damage output leaves much to be desired. Connecting with the hooks on more agile heroes can be a challenge, despite their speed surpassing that of Pudge’s iconic hook from Dota 2.

Winter Soldier truly stands out due to his remarkable versatility. His abilities enable him to engage fiercely and secure key targets, proving invaluable when safeguarding your support players. The character’s dash culminates in a powerful uppercut that sends foes soaring, making it a versatile tool for both initiating combat and yanking a dangerous enemy away from your backline, paving the way for a lethal one-shot combo.

Winter Soldier is an indispensable component in a variety of team setups, particularly when facing off against aggressive dive tactics. Despite his potential, the dependence on cooldowns for burst damage and the absence of steady DPS prevent him from climbing to S-tier status.

Adam Warlock

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Quantum Magic – Launch quantum energy to deal damage.
• Karmic Revival (Q) – Awaken the karma of allies to revive them. Allies revived have lower health but enjoy a brief period of invincibility.
• Soul Bond (LShift) – Unite the souls of allies in a bond, granting them healing over time and distributing damage taken across the bond.
• Avatar Life Stream (E) – Target an ally for a bouncing stream of healing energy, which also heals himself upon casting; self-targets if no ally is selected.
• Cosmic Cluster (Right Click) – Gather quantum energy into a cluster and then swiftly launch it at the enemy.
• Regenerative Cocoon (Passive) – Once his body perishes, Adam can freely move as a soul and reforge his body at a chosen spot.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Soul Perseverance – Adam Warlock enhances the rebirth power of Star-Lord and Mantis, granting them the power of cocooned revival.

Adam Warlock is not without his vulnerabilities. His pace is sluggish, he struggles with crowd control, and his healing capabilities are fairly restricted due to his two charges having a noticeably longer cooldown than those of other heroes. Moreover, his ultimate ability really shines only if he can survive early skirmishes.

However, Adam Warlock stands out as a top-tier target for one reason: you absolutely need to eliminate him first. With a primary and secondary fire that packs a punch, his unique ability to share damage stands out, effectively countering a majority of ultimates by distributing damage evenly among teammates. Even in the absence of his ultimate ability, he possesses the power to disrupt an enemy team’s offensive flow all on his own.

Additionally, his passive ability provides a self-revive, giving him a second chance. Despite being susceptible when caught off-guard, his remarkable strengths and ability to alter the course of a match undoubtedly earn him a spot in the A-tier.

Namor

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Trident of Neptune – Toss the trident forward, reducing Aquatic Dominion’s cooldown upon enemy impact.
• Horn of Proteus (Q) – Summon Giganto to leap atop enemies within range.
• Blessing of the Deep (LShift) – Summon a protective barrier while flying upwards, shielding Namor while disabling movement and skills use during its duration.
• Aquatic Dominion (E) – Summon a Monstro Spawn that can autonomously attack enemies.
• Wrath of the Seven Seas (Right Click) – Launch the trident forward to damage nearby enemies, then direct all Monstro Spawn to perform an enhanced attack on the nearest hit enemy.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Frozen Spawn – Luna Snow infuses ice energy into Namor, who can then tap into the ice energy to power up abilities at will.

Namor showcases some impressive moments, yet he ultimately falls short compared to Loki, delivering reduced damage output and lacking any healing abilities. It’s important to highlight that Namor does offer some distinct advantages, including shields and various other useful gadgets, but despite the buffs introduced since the beta, he still comes across as somewhat lackluster.

In conjunction with a fortified line of turrets, Namor shines at point control, while his ultimate ability generates substantial space, enhancing his engagement potential significantly. His influence tends to fall short, though, as there are better options to consider in most scenarios. Pairing him with Luna Snow for her ice buffs elevates his viability and adds an enjoyable dynamic to your team composition.

Invisible Woman

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Orb Projection – Launch a force field orbs that can pierce heroes, flying to maximum distance before returning to Invisible Woman; damaging enemies and healing teammates.
• Guardian Shield (Right Click) – Generate a force shield in front of a selected ally. The shield can block damage and provide Healing Over Time to nearby allies. Enemies that pass through the shield are slowed.
• Psionic Vortex (LShift) – Gather psionic energy and then cast it, upon hitting a target, scene, or pressing the Ability key again, it erupts into a psionic vortex, continuously drawing in enemies and causing damage.
• Force Physics (E) – Manipulate psionic energy to push or pull enemies in front of her
• Invisible Boundary (Q) – Manifest an unseen force field within a chosen area, rendering allies inside undetectable by enemies and provide Healing Over Time. Enemies that pass through the field are slowed.
• Covert Advance (Passive) – Enter Invisible state some time after disengaging from combat and grant yourself Healing Over Time.
• Veiled Step (Space) – Generate a force field at your feet, stepping on it propels her into the Invisible state.
• Team-Up Ability (Passive): Fantasti-Force – The Invisible Woman taps into her powers, channeling Psionic Might to fortify Mr.Fantastic. This formidable force bolsters Mr.Fantastic, granting damage resistance. Once activated, they can continually generate Bonus Health, making up for lost Health.

In Marvel Rivals Season 1, Invisible Woman, also known as Susan Storm Richards, emerges as a vital A-tier hero due to her unique combination of defensive, supportive, and crowd-control powers. As a Strategist, her primary attack not only damages enemies but also heals allies, demonstrating her dual duty during combat. This versatility is essential, allowing her to switch between offensive and support as needed.

Her Guardian Shield ability shines out, providing a huge health buffer to teammates that can be tactically recalled for regeneration, transforming defensive plays into long-term engagements. She can alter the battlefield using Force Physics, pushing or pulling adversaries, and providing crowd control to breach opposing lines or protect friends from injury.

Her Covert Advance passive transforms her into a stealth asset, healing over time when not in combat, allowing her to stay in the fight for longer. Her Ultimate ability strengthens her strategic worth by rendering allies invisible and healing them inside a certain region, ideal for ambushes or escapes.

With her Double Jump for mobility and Psionic Vortex for area control, Invisible Woman’s toolbox in Marvel Rivals is not only useful but also game-changing, justifying her A-tier classification by allowing her to govern the flow of battle.

B-Tier heroes in Marvel Rivals ranked

The B-tier characters in Marvel Rivals are your midcards who may or may not perform as you’d expect them to. We recommend choosing them only if you’re really inclined towards their personality or abilities and can make the best use of them. They have very little to add to the team dynamic overall but can prove worthy if played right.

Rocket Raccoon

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Bombard Mode – Fire energy projectiles that deal damage.
• Normal Attack 2 (Right Click): Repair Mode – Shoot bouncing spheres to heal allies.
• C.Y.A. – Cosmic Yarn Amplifier (Q) – Deploy a Cosmic Yarn Amplifier that grants allies a Damage Boost.
• Jetpack Dash (LShift) – Dash forward.
• B.R.B. – Battle Rebirth Beacon (E) – Deploy a Rebirth Beacon that revives a fallen ally and periodically produces armor packs and rocket jet packs.
• Wild Crawl (Passive) – Hold Space to run on a wall.
• Flying Ace (Passive) – Hold Space to fall slowly.
• Team-Up Ability 1 (C): Old Friends – Rocket Racoon can ride on Groot’s shoulders, receiving Damage Reduction.
• Team-Up Ability 2 (Z): Ammo Invention – Rocket Raccoon throws an Ammo Overload Device in the target direction. Upon entering the device’s range, The Punisher and Winter Soldier receive the buffs of Infinite Ammo and Faster Firing.

Rocket Raccoon boasts a myriad of impressive strengths. His healing is both effective and easy to use, while his passive enhances mobility and further shrinks his already small hitbox, making him a tough target. He can revive teammates to maintain their presence in the battle, and his damage-boosting ultimate offers significant potential, albeit with a level of execution that can be challenging to master. In a typical hero shooter, Rocket would truly stand out.

However, one of Rocket Raccoon’s most significant weaknesses is his limited damage output. The character’s primary fire suffers from low DPS and sluggish projectile speed, putting him at a significant disadvantage compared to nearly every other character in terms of offensive capabilities.

Without his exceptional team synergy and dependable support skills, his overall worth would take a considerable hit. In Rivals, characters lacking offensive capabilities frequently find themselves vulnerable to backline divers. Although Rocket’s evasiveness provides some protection, it ultimately has its limits.

Squirrel Girl

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Burst Acorn – Shoot bouncing Burst Acorns.
• Unbeatable Squirrel Tsunami (Q) – Summon a horde of squirrels to charge forward, dealing damage while bouncing against structures.
• Tail Bounce (Left Shift) – Rocket upwards with a bounce of her tail.
• Mammal Bond (E) – Reload Burst Acorns and can use an ability without cooldown once in a short duration.
• Squirrel Blockade (Right Click) – Launch an acorn to unleash Squirrel Guards, Imprisoning the first hit enemy
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Webbed Acorn – Spider-Man gives Squirrel Girl a web bomb. She can slingshot it to unleash an explosion upon contact with the environment or an enemy, briefly ensnaring and damaging enemies caught in the blast

Squirrel Girl stands out as a force in Marvel Rivals, wielding her powerful yet deliberately slow projectiles that deliver a hefty impact to position her as the closest thing to a grenadier in the game. With impressive crowd-control abilities and one of the top mobility skills available, she stands out as an exciting choice for players. However, there are a few concerns to address.

To kick things off, she faces significant challenges when up against flying heroes. Considering the sheer power of melee fighters such as Iron Fist and Wolverine, opting for them to control the backline is likely your best strategy. Additionally, her ultimate ability, the squirrel stampede, stands out as one of the least impressive in the game. Most heroes can easily dismiss it without breaking a sweat. With some tweaks, she has the potential to rise in the ranks, but for the moment, she sits comfortably in the B-tier category at best.

Hulk

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Gamma Ray Gun – Fire with a Gamma Ray Gun
• Puny Banner (Q) – Transform from Bruce Banner into Hero Hulk.
• Gamma Grenade (LShift) – Launch a Gamma Grende to inflict damage and Knock Them Airborne.

Hero Hulk

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Heavy Blow – Swing fists forward to punch enemies
• Hulk Smash! (Q) – Unleash stored gamma energy, transforming from Hero Hulk into Monster Hulk for a limited period.
• Indestructible Guard (LShift) – Generate gamma shields for Hero Hulk and nearby allies, absorbing and converting damage into energy for HULK SMASH!
• Radioactive Lockdown (E) – Emit gamma energy to place enemies in quantum void that renders them immobilized and immune to all ability effects.
• Incredible Leap (Space) – Hold Space to perform a charged leap that allows Hero Hulk to Knock a flying enemy to the ground.
• Gamma Burst (Right Click) – Emit gamma-ray bursts to inflict damage.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Gamma Fastball – Wolverine, Hulk can interact with each other. Once both parties confirm, Hulk can lift Wolverine and press the key to hurl him forward.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Gamma Boost – Hulk charges Doctor Strange and Iron Man with gamma radiation. When Doctor Strange uses Maelstrom of Madness, he unleashes Gamma Maelstrom. When Iron Man uses Armor Overdrive, he will initiate a gamma upgrade.

The Hulk emerges as a uniquely agile yet cumbersome Vanguard in Marvel Rivals, making him a standout character in the lineup. With the power to execute impressive leaps on command, he maneuvers through the battlefield in a manner that no other Vanguard can rival. This mobility is essential for his role as a brawler, enabling him to bridge distances and unleash devastating punches.

To top it all off, his ultimate ability renders him nearly unstoppable. However, he also brings along some notable downsides. One notable drawback is that even while unleashing his ultimate to immobilise an enemy, he still finds himself vulnerable to incoming attacks.

In numerous situations, it’s often more strategic to refrain from triggering his ultimate attack if survival is your goal. Additionally, his melee strikes lack the punch needed to make a significant impact, and he finds it challenging to keep the heat on opponents against other melee tanks.

Iron Man

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Repulsor Blast – Fire nano pulse cannons forward.
• Normal Attack 2 (Right Click): Unibeam – Fire a unibeam forward.
• Invincible Pulse Cannon (Q) – Fire a devastating pulse cannon in the targeted direction, delivering catastrophic damage to the targeted area upon impact.
• Hyper-Velocity (LShift) – Activate Hyper-Velocity state for swift forward flight.
• Armor Overdrive (E) – Activate Armor Overdrive state, enhancing damage of Repulsor Blast and Unibeam.
• Micro-Missile Barrage (F) – When Hyper-Velocity or Armor Overdrive is used, Iron Man can launch a missile bombardment.
• Team-Up Abilities: Gamma Overdrive (E) – Hulk charges Doctor Strange and Iron Man with gamma radiation. When Doctor Strange uses Maelstrom of Madness, he unleashes excess gamma energy. When Iron Man uses Armor Overdrive, he will initiate a gamma upgrade.

Facing a proficient Iron Man can be a daunting challenge. He excels in countering melee-focused teams, maintaining his aerial advantage while raining down attacks on foes from above. This positions him as a game-changing hero, capable of throwing enemy strategies into disarray and compelling opponents to reevaluate their tactics.

However, his flight speed lags behind that of other heroes, which can make him a frozen asset if he doesn’t use buildings and cover for safety. Additionally, his ultimate saw a considerable reduction in power since the beta, stripping away one of the key incentives for choosing him. He remains a reliable choice, but his true strength shines as a counter-pick, so consider that when selecting him for your team.

Hawkeye

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Piercing Arrows – Shoot a powerful arrow.
• Normal Attack 2 (Left Click): Shoot three explosive arrows.
• Hunter’s Sight (Q) – Capture Afterimages of enemies in his view. Damage dealt to an Afterimage is transferred to the corresponding enemy.
• Crescent Slash (Left Shift) – Unsheathe a katana and slash forward, Knocking hit enemies airborne.
• Hypersonic Arrow (E) – Shoot a Hypersonic Arrow, dealing additional damage to enemies in its path.
• Ronin Slash (V) – Swing the kawizashi to strike frontal enemies, deflecting all incoming projectiles.
• Skyward Leap (Space) – Perform a double jump in the direction of movement.
• Archer’s Focus (Passive) – Aim at an enemy to improve focus, enhancing the damage inflicted by Piercing Arrow.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Supersonic Vision – Hawkeye can share his Hunter’s Sight with Black Widow, enabling her to catch sight of and damage afterimages of enemies.

Hawkeye’s gameplay is all about honing his pinpoint accuracy and waiting for the ideal moment to unleash a shot. His headshots are absolutely brutal. He also has a knockback ability, a double jump that enhances mobility, and an ultimate that guarantees every shot hits with precision.

With Season 1 adjustments, Hawkeye’s spread angle between two blast arrows has been reduced and the max damage for his passive is nerfed down to 70. Furthermore, the passive ability focus distance was also reduced to 70, which brought the character down to the B-tier.

However, this character clearly has the potential to shine in competitive settings. When jumping into matches as Hawkeye, your primary focus should be on playing at a rapid pace, but it might take you a while before you can perfect him.

Hela

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Nightsword Thorn – Throw Nightsword thorns.
• Goddess of Death (Q) – Soar into the sky and unleash Nastrond Crows from each hand at will.
• Astral Flock (LShift) – Transform into a flock of Hel crows to glide forth, press again to undo the transformation.
• Soul Drainer (E) – Project an explosive Hel sphere to Stun nearby enemies.
• Piercing Night (Right Click) – Fire multiple Nightsword thorns that detonate after a delay.
• Nastrond Crowstorm (Passive) – Defeating an enemy will generate a Nastrond Crow, exploding after a duration.
• Hel’s Descent (Passive) – Hold Space to fall slowly.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Queen of Hel – When Hela lands a final hit in defeating an enemy, she can instantly resurrect Loki in the respawn phase. If Loki is alive, a Nastrond Crow will fly to him, granting blue armor.

Hela, the Norse Goddess of Death, showcases her prowess as a sharpshooter in Marvel Rivals. The character’s skills – Nightsword Thorns, Piercing Night, and Queen of Hel – demand pinpoint accuracy, delivering impressive damage when executed flawlessly. A proficient Hela can be an invaluable ally, effortlessly dispatching less durable Duelists and Strategists with ease.

Despite her strengths, she now has a nerfed base health down to 250 and faces challenges with her defensive and mobility options, which leaves her exposed, particularly with the introduction of new flankers in the game. During the beta phase, she reigned supreme, but recent balance adjustments and the introduction of new heroes have diminished her prominence.

Although she remains a solid DPS pick, there are now more compelling alternatives available. For those seeking to unleash some serious ranged damage, both Hawkeye and Widow stand out as dependable choices. When it comes to a damage dealer boasting invincibility frames and swift escape options, Scarlet Witch is a more user-friendly choice, offering superior mobility. Even her ultimate, which demands she remain vulnerable in the air, pales in comparison to the abilities of other heroes.

Psylocke

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Psionic Crossbow – Unleash bolts with psionic crossbows to damage enemies and reduce the cooldowns of all her abilities.
• Dance of the Butterfly (Q) – Slash nearby enemies with a psionic katana, dealing massive damage.
• Psi-Blade Dash (Left Shift) – Dash forward and slice through enemies along the path with psionic blades.
• Psychic Stealth (E) – Enter stealth and gain a Movement Boost.
• Wing Shurikens (Right Click) – Launch a volley of psionic shurikens that stick to enemies, dealing damage and granting herself Bonus Health. Press again to recall the shurikens.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Psionic Disk – When Magik is on the field, Black Panther and Psylocke can tap into Limbo to rewind a few seconds back to a previous position; after passing through Limbo, Black Panther and Psylocke will gain Bonus Health based on missing health.

Psylocke stands out as one of the most formidable Duelists in Marvel Rivals. She truly shines in flanking scenarios, leveraging her invisibility and swift dashes to infiltrate enemy backlines and surprise her foes. Her elusive nature makes her a feared opponent equipped with various escape tactics for when the situation turns unfavorable. Her ultimate shines in scenarios where teams are bunched together, turning the tide in intense, objective-driven skirmishes.

With her impressive mobility, reliable damage output, stealth capabilities, and an ultimate that provides both damage and crowd control immunity for a significant duration, she appears nearly invincible in theory. However, in practice, she does present a few limitations and has a steep learning curve before you can actually play her well.

Peni Parker

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Cyber-Web Cluster – Launch forward a Cyber-Web Cluster.
• Cyber-Web Snare (Right Click) – Cast futuristic webbing that immobilizes enemies upon impact and creates a Cyber-Web upon hitting the scene.
• Spider-Sweeper (Q) – Enhance the SP//dr suit, Knocking Back enemies in its path and deploying Arachno-Mines, Spider-Drones, and Cyber-Webs repeatedly.
• Bionic Spider-Nest (Left Shift) – Generate a Spider-Nest at a targeted area, periodically spawning Spider-Drones and creating Cyber-Webs.
• Arachno-Mine (E) – Deploy Arachno-Mines that can be concealed within the confines of a Cyber-Web.
• Cyber-Bond (F) – Shoot a web strand that links to the targeted area or Cyber-Web. If stretched too far, it will trigger a pullback.
• Wall Crawl (Space) – Hold Space to crawl vertical surfaces.
• Team-Up Abilities: Armor Explosion (C) – Venom shares a part of his symbiotes with Spider-Man and Peni Parker, activating their symbiote abilities. Spider-Man and Peni Parker can convert the symbiotes into explosive spikes that inflict harm on nearby enemies and relentlessly drive them back.

Peni Parker, donning her SP//dr mech suit, boasts the most impressive range among all Vanguard heroes in Marvel Rivals. Her skill set revolves around deploying Cyber-Webs and traps, providing crucial support for her team. This makes her a distinctive and intricately designed character that players will find both challenging and rewarding to master.

Peni Parker may flirt with the idea of being a DPS powerhouse within the Vanguard class, but she clearly lacks the chops for solo frontline combat. Her prowess hinges on the strategic placement of her spider nest and the tactical use of her mines to dominate the battlefield.

Struggling to make an impact, she finds it challenging to engage without already being set on an objective, particularly in the absence of her ultimate ability. She boasts some of the best damage potential in the game, but this power only manifests when she maintains control over her territory.

Storm

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Wind Blade – Launch forward-piercing Wind Blades.
• Omega Hurricane (Q) – Transform into a hurricane to draw in nearby enemies and deal damage.
• Weather Control (LShift) – Switch the weather to empower allies: Tornado grants a Movement Boost; Thunder grants a Damage Boost.
• Goddess Boost (E) – Channel the power of the weather to empower Storm; Tornado grants a Movement Boost; Thunder grants a Damage Boost and summons lightning to inflict damage.
• Bolt Rush (Right Click) – Unleash a lightning bolt forward.
• Team-Up Abilities: Charged Gale (C) – Thor infuses Thorforce into Storm and Captain America, granting them an electrifying enhancement. With an electrifying enhancement, Storm can unleash a lightning barrage.

Storm is currently grappling with a host of counters that pose serious challenges to her making an impact in matches. Storm may not be a powerhouse when it comes to damage output, but her true strength lies in enhancing her team’s speed and delivering crucial damage buffs.

However, thanks to Season 1 buffs she can now throw wind blades at an increased pace that deals 55 damage each and an increased Bolt Rush damage to 80 which can decimate enemies.

In a well-synergized team, her support capabilities can truly shine, but when venturing out solo, players may quickly feel the pressure from faster, more dynamic heroes. Her ultimate is a game-changer, with the potential to decimate entire teams. However, it comes with a significant drawback: it’s among the slowest abilities to charge in the game. The concept of enhancing herself and her allies is intriguing and distinct, yet it struggles to maintain effectiveness in battles where she often falls swiftly.

Magik

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Soulsword – Slash forward with the Soulsword.
• Darkchild (Q) – Transform into Darkchild, gaining enhancements to all her abilities.
• Stepping Discs (LShift) – Jump through a Stepping Disc, teleporting a short distance in the direction of movement.
• Umbral Incursion (E) – Dash forward and launch an enemy upward.
• Eloritch Whirl (Left Click) – Spin while swinging the Soulsword after exiting a Stepping Disc.
• Magik Slash (Right Click) – Strike forward an air slash.
• Demon’s Rage (Right Click) – Summon a Limbo demon that attacks enemies after exiting a Stepping Disc.
• Limbo’s Might (Passive) – Convert damage inflicted on enemies into Bonus Health to herself.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Disc Master – When Magik is on the field, Black Panther and Psylocke can tap into Limbo to rewind a few seconds back to a previous position; after passing through Limbo, Black Panther and Psylocke will gain Bonus Health based on missing health.

Magik stands out as a melee-centric character in Marvel Rivals, wielding her Soulsword with solid strength, albeit at a more deliberate pace. Her portals grant invincibility frames, yet they fall short of covering significant distances. Meanwhile, her dash attack, which features a knock-up, suffers from a limited hitbox, frequently leading to missed chances for impactful plays.

Although her ultimate presents a fascinating idea, players often find themselves eliminated before they can fully leverage her enhanced powers. Executing these maneuvers during a heated battle can be quite the challenge, especially when facing off against more nimble adversaries who can effortlessly sidestep her efforts.

Spider-Man

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Spider-Power – Swing fists forward to strike, dealing extra damage to the enemy with a Spider-Tracer.
• Web-Cluster (Right Click) – Shoot a Web-Cluster that deals damage and attaches a Spider-Tracer to the hit enemy.
• Spectacular Spin (Q) – Launch Web-Clusters all around to damage and Stun enemies.
• Web-Swing (LShift) – Shoot a strand of webbing to swing.
• Get Over Here! (E) – Shoot webbing to reel in the hit enemy. If the enemy is tagged with a Spider-Tracer, Spider-Man will get pulled to them instead.
• Amazing Combo (F) – Launch an enemy upward, dealing extra damage to the enemy with a Spider-Tracer.
• Thwip and Flip (Space) – Perform a double jump.
• Spider-Sense (Passive) – Give a warning of enemies that have been around.
• Wall Crawl (Passive) – Press Space to crawl on vertical surfaces, and Press Left Click to run on them.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Suit Explosion – Venom shares a part of his symbiote with Spider-Man, activating their symbiote abilities. Spider-Man can convert the symbiotes into explosive spikes that inflict harm on nearby enemies and relentlessly drive them back.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Extra Web Fluid – Spider-Man gives Squirrel Girl a web bomb. She can slingshot it to unleash an explosion upon contact with the environment or an enemy, briefly ensnaring and damaging enemies caught in the blast.

Spider-Man seamlessly blends lethal crowd control with unparalleled mobility, turning him into an opponent that players dread facing. That’s essentially the heart of what makes him such a compelling choice. He packs a punch that can rival most DPS heroes, but his real power shines in his knack for neutralizing support characters.

Playing a support role while facing off against Spider-Man is akin to entering a chilling horror film. His erratic web-swinging style make it nearly impossible to pin him down. If you find yourself isolated in the backline, it’s not a question of if he’ll eliminate you, but rather when, unless your teammates swoop in to rescue you.

Moreover, his ultimate ability truly shifts the dynamics of gameplay. The built-in stun offers a strategic edge, allowing players to counter opposing ultimates and turn the tide of battle in their favor. When you team him up with Venom, Spider-Man transforms into an even more formidable force, able to dominate the backline with astonishing ease.

Jeff The Land Shark

• Normal Attack 1 (Left Click): Joyful Splash – Unleash a healing splash.
• Normal Attack 2 (Right Click): Aqua Burst – Launch a high-speed water sphere that bursts upon impact, dealing damage to enemies within range.
• Hide and Seek (LShift) – Dive into the ground with only his dorsal fin exposed, granting himself a movement boost and the wall-crawl ability.
• Healing Bubble (E) – Spit out a bubble that heals the ally who collects it, boosting all healing for that ally.
• It’s Jeff! (Q) – Deep dive into the ground and resurface to swallow both enemies and allies within range, activating Hide and Seek for a brief duration before ejecting the swallowed heroes forward.
• Passive: Oblivious Cuteness – Reduce damage taken from critical strikes.
• Team-Up Ability 1 (X): Frozen Spitball – Luna Snow infuses ice energy into Jeff the Land Shark, who then can tap into the ice energy to power up their abilities.
• Team-Up Ability 2 (C): New Friends – Jeff the Land Shark can ride on Groot’s shoulders, receiving damage reduction.

While Jeff the Land Shark may not fully ascend to S-tier status, he’s still a choice for some players. This hero stands out as an accessible and uncomplicated choice for strategists, making him a versatile addition to nearly any team lineup. Since he’s been termed as the biggest loser all throughout Season 0, players are preferring other Strategists who also have a decent damage output.

With his bubbles boosting healing and boasting some of the top AoE healing capabilities in the game, he stands out as an invaluable asset, particularly following the buffs he received in the final release compared to the beta.

Although Jeff has his moments of vulnerability, his elusive nature makes him a tough target, especially when facing off against melee-centric foes. When wielded with precision, his ultimate stands out as one of the most powerful abilities in the game. It also brings a delightful level of chaos, making it ideal for players who thrive on creating uproarious mayhem for both teammates and the opposition.

At first glance, Jeff might come off as a mere meme, but in the hands of a skilled player, he transforms into an unstoppable force. Team him up with Luna Snow, and you’ve got one of the most formidable support duos in the game.

Mantis

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Life Energy Blast – Fire an energy thorn and regain one Life Orb after a critical hit.
• Soul Resurgence (Q) – Release energy around her while moving, providing Healing Over Time and Movement Boost for surrounding allies.
• Spore Slumber (LShift) – Throw a spore to Sedate the nearest enemy.
• Allied Inspiration (E) – Consume Life Orbs to grant allies a Damage Boost.
• Natural Anger (F) – Consume Life Orbs to grant herself a Damage Boost.
• Healing Flower (Right Click) – Consume Life Orbs to grant allies Healing Over Time.
• Nature’s Favor (Passive) – Receive a Movement Boost when not injured and Healing Over Time when consuming Life Orbs.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): Nature’s Soul – Adam Warlock enhances the rebirth power of Mantis, granting them the power of cocooned revival.

Mantis secures her spot in A-tier primarily due to her impressive Inspiration ability. Although she possesses sleep as a form of crowd control, its effectiveness can falter in solo queue matches. Her primary fire is impressive, and her ultimate offers a robust healing capability, yet it falls short when compared to the sheer strength of Luna’s ultimate.

Inspire truly highlights Mantis’s potential, providing a significant damage boost for both her and her teammates. Maximize your damage output by using this boost whenever you can. Only prioritise healing if your teammate is about to meet their end; otherwise, hold off on the heals. Neglecting this aspect means you’re overlooking the true strength of Mantis.

C-Tier heroes in Marvel Rivals ranked

The C-tier characters should often be avoided since they don’t really add any value to your team and have a high skill ceiling. Having the right set of abilities is key in Marvel Rivals and these heroes have a pretty disappointing moveset.

Cloak and Dagger

Dagger

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Lightforce Dagger – Unleash a bouncing Lightforce Dagger to damage enemies and heal nearby allies.
• Shadow’s Embrace (Left Shift) – Switch to Cloak.
• Veil of Lightforce (E) – Deploy a Veil of Lightforce to heal allies upon touch and grant them a healing boost.
• Dagger Storm (Right Click) – Launch a volley of daggers, creating a Healing Over Time field in the impact area.

Cloak

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Darkforce Cloak – Inflict continuous damage on an enemy.
• Light’s Embrace (Left Shift) – Switch to Dagger.
• Terror Cape (E) – Deploy a Veil of Darkforce to damage enemies upon touch, applying Blind to narrow their sight and Vulnerability to amplify damage received.
• Dark Teleportation (Right Click) – Enshroud nearby allies in the Darkforce Dimension, plunging them into the Phased state, making them untargetable and invisible to enemies and granting them a Movement Boost.

Shared Abilities

• Eternal Bond (Q) – Perform three rapid dashes, healing allies and damaging enemies along the path.
• Team-Up Abilities (Passive): From Shadow to Light – Cloak & Dagger can inject light and dark energy into Moon Knight to create a Light & Dark Realm where Moon Knight can become Invisible.

Cloak & Dagger presents a fascinating dynamic, allowing players to seamlessly alternate between their two distinct forms whenever the situation demands. Cloak is all about offense, delivering damage, and increasing enemy vulnerability, while Dagger takes a different approach, centering on healing capabilities.

Understanding the perfect timing for switching between offensive and defensive strategies, as well as recognising when to go all out or focus on healing, is crucial for success. When executed effectively, Cloak & Dagger can unleash substantial damage and healing, truly shaping the dynamics of the battlefield. Their vision-blocking wall emerges as a standout feature, providing a tactical advantage against heroes such as Hawkeye and Black Widow by catching them off guard.

Although their healing capabilities are respectable, their damage output leaves much to be desired and can be quickly overshadowed by stronger healing sources. While they boast superior evasion compared to many support heroes, it ultimately falls short of elevating them beyond the C-tier.

Black Panther

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Vibranium Claws – Slice Vibranium Claws forward.
• Bast’s Descent (Q) – Summon Bast, pouncing forward, dealing damage, and attaching a Vibranium Mark to hit enemies.
• Sprint Rend (LShift) – Lunge forward and deal damage to enemies. Hitting an enemy afflicted with a Vibranium Mark produces bonus Health and refreshes the ability.
• Spinning Kick (E) – Spiral forward and attach a Vibranium Mark to hit enemies.
• Subtle Step (Space) – Hold Space to run on a wall; perform a jump after detaching from the wall.
• Spear Toss (Right Click) – Toss a Vibranium energy spear forward, creating a Vibranium Force Field and attaching a Vibranium Mark to enemies in its radius.
• Panther’s Cunning (Passive) – Deal higher damage when at low Health.
• Team-Up Abilities (C): Wakandan Master – When Magik is on the field, Black Panther can tap into Limbo to rewind a few seconds back to a previous position; after passing through Limbo, Black Panther will gain Bonus Health based on missing health.

T’Challa stands out as a nimble, melee-centric character, boasting remarkable agility and movement capabilities. His skill set focuses on deploying Vibranium Marks on foes while using Spirit Rend to inflict damage, restore health, and refresh the ability. Mastering this power can be a challenge; if you miss a Spirit Rend while engaging in combat, you’ll find yourself wide open and without an escape route, putting you in a precarious position.

Though he possesses the potential to excel under the right circumstances, other melee heroes are often more effective and dependable in a variety of scenarios. Having a hero like Black Panther, who demands precise execution, truly enhances the game’s depth and provides a captivating experience, but only if you’re up to the task.

Mister Fantastic

• Normal Attack (Left Click): Stretch Punch – Stretch out a forward punch to attack enemies.
• Distended Grip (Right Click) – Extend arms forward to entangle an enemy, then press Primary Attack to pull the hit enemy toward him, or select and yank another enemy, Knocking Them Airborne against each other.
• Flexible Elongation (E) – Gain a Shield, select a target and dash towards them, dealing damage to enemies or granting a Shield to allies.
• Reflexive Rubber (Shift) – Stretch the body to absorb damage before launching stored damage in the targeted direction.
• Brainiac Bounce (Q) – Leap upward and smash the ground, slowing enemies within range. Mister Fantastic can leap again upon landing a hit.
• Elastic Strength (Passive) – Using abilities generates Elasticity, boosting attack power. Reaching full Elasticity triggers an Inflated state that grants Shield and boosts even more damage.
• Team-Up Ability (C): Wedded Harmony – The Invisible Woman taps into her powers, channeling Psionic Might to fortify Mr.Fantastic. This formidable force bolsters Mr.Fantastic, granting damage resistance. Once activated, they can continually generate Bonus Health, making up for lost Health.

Mister Fantastic, also known as Reed Richards in the Marvel universe, joins Marvel Rivals Season 1 as a Duelist, which may seem appropriate given his diverse, elastic talents. However, his implementation has caused many players to question his usefulness, relegating him to C-tier rank.

His major skill, Stretch Punch, allows for long-range melee assaults, although the damage output is regarded as modest when compared to other Duelists such as Psylocke or Bucky. His Reflexive Rubber ability, which absorbs and reflects damage, is a novel defense mechanism, but it needs exact time and positioning, making it less effective in the fast-paced, chaotic conflicts of Marvel Rivals.

His ultimate, Brainiac Bounce, is a combination of leaps and smashes that may knock enemies back many times. While this sounds impressive, its execution frequently lacks the power required to drastically shift the tide of a fight. Furthermore, his inflated condition, a tribute to his comic book robustness, provides insufficient damage or survivability to justify its employment over more consistent abilities from other heroes.

Mister Fantastic feels more like a sponge than a threat, with his damage being inadequate for his job. His kit lacks the burst and control required to compete with meta selections, making him an uninspiring option unless large improvements are implemented. His unusual powers, while conceptually intriguing, fail to translate into game-changing situations, cementing his C-tier status in Season 1.