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Marvel Rivals Characters and Abilities Guide
Image credit: ClutchPoints

Marvel Rivals is the hottest hero shooter many players are anticipating. Developed by NetEase, the game looks promising with an expansive roster of everyone’s favorite Marvel superheroes and villains. With the game now in its Alpha stage, many fans are witnessing gameplay from various content creators and are likely itching to give the game a whirl. That said, many may be wondering which character fits their playstyle so they’d know who to use come launch.

Marvel Rivals – Character Abilities

Players initially figure out which character suits them most when playing hero shooter games like Marvel Rivals. Some like playing aggressively, others would rather protect their team, while others prioritize supporting their squad. Whatever the case may be, each character and type of player contributes a significant role.

Before deciding who to play when the game launches, players need to understand the different character types. There are Duelist, Strategist, and Vanguard characters.

Duelists pretty much speak for themselves. Their main goal is to rack up kills for their team and deal the most damage.

Strategists are the support characters in the team. Most Strategist Heroes either provide healing effects for the squad or try to get them out of sticky situations.

As for Vanguards, they’re basically the tanks. While dealing significant damage to opponents, they’re also quite tough and have higher HP compared to everyone else.

If players are wondering which hero or villain suits them best, here’s a full breakdown of each Marvel Rivals character with their abilities. Take note that only the PC controls are currently available. There are no provisions for controller inputs yet.

Black Panther (Duelist Hero)

The king of Wakanda, Black Panther, is a melee duelist hero who can easily outmaneuver foes. He mostly utilizes his Vibranium Claws and pounces around enemies.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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): Djalia Disc – Magik opens a portal. Black Panther can use the portal.

Doctor Strange (Vanguard Hero)

For a magical wizard who mainly keeps his distance, Doctor Strange serves as a tank in Marvel Rivals. Strange provides shields for his team and himself. He can also create portals for his weakened allies to make a run for it. In a sense, one could say that Doctor Strange is a Vanguard Strategist hybrid.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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.

Groot (Vanguard Hero)

Groot is a versatile Vanguard who can both deal heavy damage and protect his allies by creating barriers. Not only does he provide a shield for his squad, but it also allows them to regroup and launch a new barrage of attacks.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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 Imprison 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.

Hela (Duelist Hero)

Hela is a lethal Duelist Hero who specializes in throwing needle-like thorns. She’s a long-distance Duelist who could easily annihilate her adversaries with just a few darts.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • Normal Attack (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.

Hulk (Vanguard Hero)

The Incredible Hulk is quite unique in Marvel Rivals. Players have the option to hop on the game as either one of his variants: Bruce Banner, Hero Hulk, or Monster Hulk. Entering a match as one of them doesn’t mean players can no longer use the other variants. Hulk has the ability to switch forms mid-match.

Here’s a full list of each variant’s abilities:

Bruce Banner

  • 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 a 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 (Passive): Gamma Boost – 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.

Monster Hulk

  • Normal Attack (Left Click): Heavy Blow – Swing fists forward to punch and launch frontal enemies upward.
  • World Breaker (Q) – Grab and smash the enemy in front.
  • Radioactive Lockdown (E) – Emit gamma energy to inflict sustained damage and place enemies in a quantum void that renders them immobilized and immune to all ability effects.
  • Incredible Leap (Space) – Hold Space to perform a charged leap that allows Monster Hulk to Knock a flying enemy to the ground.
  • Gamma Burst (Right Click) – Emit gamma-ray bursts to inflict damage.

Iron Man (Duelist Hero)

Iron Man will most likely be a difficult match-up to deal with. Tony Stark can fly around the map while shooting beams of lasers from up above.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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 (E): Gamma Overdrive – 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.

Loki (Strategist Hero)

The God of Mischief Loki is back at it with his antics in Marvel Rivals. He’s classified as a Strategist Hero but isn’t necessarily a healer. The way Loki provides support is by bamboozling his opponents.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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.

Luna Snow (Strategist Hero)

Luna Snow is another hybrid hero who mainly focuses on being a support but has damage lethal enough to carry herself in combat.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • 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 restores 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, who then can tap into the ice energy to power up abilities at will.

Magik (Duelist Hero)

Magik is a heavy-hitting duelist who can make herself more lethal when transforming into the Darkchild variant. She isn’t necessarily a melee hero but she’s more efficient when in close-range combat.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • 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 – Magik opens a portal. Black Panther can use the portal.

Magneto (Vanguard Hero)

Magneto is a perfect Vanguard Hero who can protect his team from afar. He can easily manipulate objects and fire projectiles all while providing shields for his allies.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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.

Mantis (Strategist Hero)

Mantis mostly focuses on providing health regeneration for her allies. She can collect Life Orbs which translates into added health for her team. She can also buff her team and increase everyone’s damage.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • 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.

Namor (Duelist Hero)

Namor is a good mid-range Duelist Hero who can summon sea creatures to deal with enemies within close range. While his creatures fight their opponents, Namor can stack up his damage with his mid-range attacks.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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 used 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.

Peni Parker (Vanguard Hero)

Peni Parker is one of the tankiest heroes in Marvel Rivals thanks to her enhanced SP/DR suit. She mostly utilizes a collection of technology as her form of attack, giving her allies an opening to stack up damage. Her abilities should make it easier for her team to secure kills.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • Normal Attack (Left Click): Cyber-Web Cluster – Launch forward a Cyber-Web Cluster.
  • 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 (LShift) – 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) – Hols Space to crawl vertical surfaces.
  • Cyber-Web Snare (Right Click) – Cast futuristic webbing that immobilizes enemies upon impact and creates a Cyber-Web upon hitting the scene.

Rocket Racoon (Strategist Hero)

Rocket Racoon is more of a utility hero in Marvel Rivals. While he does provide some healing for his team, he mainly gives out ammo and damage boosts thanks to his love for guns. However, foes should never underestimate him as his blasters deal heavy damage as well.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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 receives the buffs of Infinite Ammo and Faster Firing.

Scarlet Witch (Duelist Hero)

Similarly to the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Scarlet Witch is considered the most powerful duelist in Marvel Rivals. Aside from being able to soar through the sky, she can easily wipe reality and use that to her advantage to get rid of the enemy team.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • 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.

Spider-Man (Duelist Hero)

While many on-ground heroes might find it difficult to face flying adversaries, they might find it more difficult to deal with the web-slinging Spider-Man. Peter Parker is a swift Duelist Hero who can easily get out of sticky situations with just a flick of his wrist. Spider-Man is most effective when constantly moving around.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • Normal Attack (Left Click): Spider-Power – Swing fists forward to strike, dealing extra damage to the enemy with a Spider-Tracer.
  • 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.
  • Web-Cluster (Right Click) – Shoot a Web-Cluster that deals damage and attaches a Spider-Tracer to the hit enemy.
  • 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.

Star-Lord (Duelist Hero)

He may not look like much but Star-Lord is a threat. Equipped with his trusted jetpack, Peter Quill can soar through the skies and lock on enemy targets to easily blast his laser guns.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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.

Storm (Duelist Hero)

Storm is classified as a Duelist Hero but her abilities can be used as support during combat. While her team deals a lot of heavy damage, she can use her lightning abilities to either go for the kill with one lethal strike or zap her foe’s health bar to a minimum for her team to secure the kill.

Here’s a full list of her abilities:

  • 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.

The Punisher (Duelist Hero)

The Punisher mainly focuses on shooting down his enemies and going for the kill. A pretty straightforward hero for any player to use, especially when learning the game.

Here’s a full list of his abilities:

  • 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 the 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 the target direction. Upon entering the device’s range, The Punisher receives the buffs of Infinite Ammo and Faster Firing.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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