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Character classes are a familiar mechanic that categorizes a video game’s cast by skill, especially in team-based games. For instance, MultiVersus, a 2v2 platform fighter, classes each cast member by Bruiser, Assasin, Tank, and Mage/Ranged.Marvel Rivalsuses a similar class-based system featuring Vanguards, Duelists, and Strategists.
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 June 27, 2025:All heroes are now accounted for! And, we’ve 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. Hero Hulk’s abilities, likeGamma Burst and Incredible Leap, give him anexpanded range of movement and attack.Finally, Hulk’sIndestructible Guard effectively shields Hulk and nearby alliesfrom damage.
Vanguards are anexcellent choice forintermediate players. You can 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.
Difficulty Level
Bruce Banner (Hulk)
Ahybrid tankwithtwo forms: frail but tactical Bruce Banner and the high-mobility, melee-focused Hulk with dual health bars.
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬛(4/5)
Doctor Strange
A versatile defender who excels indisruptionandcrowd control, with adaptable abilities for protecting allies and stalling enemies.
🟩🟩🟩⬛⬛(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.
Groot
Amid-range tankwitharea-denial capabilities, able to build and enhance walls for protection, crowd control, and team utility.
🟩⬛⬛⬛⬛(1/5)
Venom
Adurableandmobile bruiseradept atdiving the enemy backline, with self-healing and crowd-control tools to maintain pressure.
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. His normal attacks,Adjudication and Deliverance, deal targeted ranged damage.The Punisher can activateCulling Turret or his Ultimate Attack, Final Judgment, to deal massive damage. 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. For these reasons,we recommend Duelists for advanced players.If you’re new to this class, try heroes with a high ease of use, like The Punisher or Scarlet Witch.
Duelists can quickly get overwhelmed due to their low H.P. Therefore, we recommendtargetingstraggling team members rather than jumping into the fray of battle.If a Duelist wishes to take on multiple foes at once, they should make sure a friendly Vanguard or Strategist is nearby to assist.
What Heroes Are Duelists?
There are19 duelists to choose from, the highest number among the three role types.
Nimblemeleeattacker who usesmobilityto infiltrate and eliminate enemybacklines.
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩(5/5)
Combo-based fighterexcelling in seamless transitions between mid- and close-range combat.
High-mobility damage dealerandteam bufferwith free-flight and versatile team buffs.
Durableclose-range skirmisherwith portal-based mobility and health regeneration.
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.
Beginners to PvP shooters will do best in a Strategist role.Most Strategists can heal themselves, which makes survival significantly easier. Plus, a Strategist’s supporting role allows them to learn the ropes of the game from a distance without getting wiped out every few minutes.
Do you know how airline safety protocols recommend putting on your oxygen mask first before assisting others? Strategists work similarly. They shouldalways take care of themselves so they can effectively support their team.Jumping in to defend other players is a fruitless endeavor if you are low on H.P.
