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So, how does Marvel Rivals’s class system work?
Vanguards are tank-like characters with both offensive and defensive abilities.
Duelists excel in one-on-one combat and boast various offensive skills.
Lastly, Strategists offer superb support abilities that heal and boost their allies.
These three roles work together to claim victory!
Updated by Allyson Cochran on January 12, 2025:All heroes are now accounted for!
And, weve added some role description information to keep you well-informed.
What Are Vanguards?
If your Rivals team is an army, thenVanguards lead the charge.
This classdeals considerable damage across a wide areaand can take a few punches, too.
Vanguards can use their skills toshield teammatesand ward off enemies.
In short, they are balanced all-rounders.
Let’s observeHero Hulkas an example.
His normal attack,Heavy Blow, deals significant melee damage.
Vanguards are anexcellent choice forintermediate players.
it’s possible for you to take more risks with Vanguards since they have higher H.P.
However, they have a slight learning curve, especially if you wish to use them well.
Vanguards provide significant cover to their teammates.
When playing as a Vanguard,use your tank qualities to defend Duelists and Strategistsagainst mobs of enemies.
What Heroes Are Vanguards?
There are atotal of eight Vanguardsto choose from.
(3/5)
Captain America
Amobile,resilienttankspecializedin hit-and-run tactics, capable ofshielding alliesand disrupting enemies with ricocheting attacks.
(2/5)
Thor
Aclose-range bruiserwithsustained durabilityandmobility, using Thorforce to enhance his abilities and control combat flow.
(1/5)
Venom
Adurableandmobile bruiseradept atdiving the enemy backline, with self-healing and crowd-control tools to maintain pressure.
Magneto
Adefensive herowho uses magnetic manipulation forstrongarea denialand offensive disruption.
Peni Parker
A versatilehybrid herowithdefensive capabilitiesandhigh team utility, excelling in disruption and area control.
What Are Duelists?
As their name implies,Duelists excel in one-to-one combat.
Furthermore, the majority of their abilities are offense-oriented.
Duelists can use their abilities to target and attack foes or boost the attack strength of nearby allies.
The Punisheris a straightforward example of a Duelist.
Finally, abilities likeVantage Connection and Warrior’s Gaze let The Punisher fiercely stalk his prey.
Duelists, specificallymore difficult ones like Spider-Man, are challenging to play.
This class does not get much H.P., meaning a handful of hits can knock them out.
Duelists can quickly get overwhelmed due to their low H.P.
What Heroes Are Duelists?
There are19 duelists to choose from, the highest number among the three role types.
The Punisher
Versatilearsenal hero who adapts betweenlong-range rifleandclose-range shotgun combat.
Black Widow
Agilesniperadept at switching betweenmeleeandranged combatfor tactical flexibility.
Hawkeye
Precisionsniperexcelling atlong-range damagewith versatile arrow types.
Iron Fist
Nimblemeleeattacker who usesmobilityto infiltrate and eliminate enemybacklines.
Mister Fantastic
Durabledisruptorwithmid-range reachandally-supportive capabilities.
Moon Knight
Mobile damage dealerwho excels atexploiting clustered enemieswith bouncing projectiles.
Psylocke
Stealthyassassinspecializing inhigh-burst flanking attacks.
(5/5)
Squirrel Girl
Long-range bomberwho overwhelms enemies witharea-of-effect attacks.
Wolverine
Persistentbrawlerwithhigh survivabilityand relentlessclose-range offense.
Winter Soldier
Combo-based fighterexcelling in seamless transitions between mid- and close-range combat.
Storm
High-mobility damage dealerandteam bufferwith free-flight and versatile team buffs.
Hela
High-damage, long-range combatantwith potential forarea-of-effect explosions.
Black Panther
Agilemelee fighterwhodashesandstrikesvulnerable targets.
Magik
Durableclose-range skirmisherwith portal-based mobility and health regeneration.
Iron Man
Long-range area-of-effect specialistwith constantaerialdominance.
Spider-Man
Agileaerial combatantleveraging exceptionalmobilityandtracer-enabled abilities.
Scarlet Witch
Mid-range disruptorusingsustained damage beamsand explosive magic forcrowd control.
Star-Lord
Agilemid-range attackerblendingdamage burstswithsustained fire.
Namor
Long-range combatantsummoning sea creatures forconsistent pressureandzone control.
What Are Strategists?
Strategists are Marvel Rivals’s support class.These heroes can heal friendly fighters and give them combat boosts.
Some Strategists, like Loki, even havetactical abilitiesto trick and distract opponents.
The easiest Strategist to pick up and play isRocket Racoon.
HisBombard Mode attack is comparable to other shootersin the game, like The Punisher.
However, he can useRepair Mode to heal himself and nearby allies.Rocket’s Ultimate Attack,C.Y.A.
deploys a Cosmic Yarn Amplifier that boosts his allies' attack damage.
Do you know how airline safety protocols recommend putting on your oxygen mask first before assisting others?
What Heroes Are Strategists?
Just like Vanguards, there areeight Specialiststo pick from.
Loki
Deceptive support who conjures illusions toamplify damage, healing,anddistract enemies.
Mantis
Sustained healer withhigh buffsandpersonal damage output.
Cloak & Dagger
Dynamic duo switching betweenhealing(Dagger) anddamage-oriented(Cloak)playstyles.
Invisible Woman
Elusive support whoshieldsandheals allieswhiledisrupting foesand turning invisible.
Jeff the Land Shark
Mobile healerwith versatileareaandsingle-target healing, excelling in any team composition.
Rocket Raccoon
Agile support withstrong healing,reviving, anddamage-buffing abilities, enhanced bywall-running mobility.
Luna Snow
High-output healer witharea-of-effect restorationand dual passives formobilityandself-healing.
Adam Warlock
Burst healerwith teamdamage-sharing, revival abilities,andpowerful area-effecthealing options.
Looking for some positioning tips for your favourite role in Marvel Rivals?
You’re in the right place.
