Summary
Marvel Rivalshas had one of the most successful launches in hero shooter history, and it’s easy to see why. From its exhilarating gunplay to its intricately designed maps, the game delivers on every front. But, as with any great hero shooter, the real start of the show is the roster - andMarvel Rivalsdoes not disappoint.Boasting 33 iconic characters at launch, including fans favorites like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Rocket Raccoon, it offers something for every type of Marvel fan.
More than half of these characters belong to the DPS category, known as duelists, with even more set to join the lineup in future updates. Given how expansive the Marvel universe is, there’s no shortage of potential additions for the developers to draw from. However, when considering characters that’d make perfect duelists inMarvel Rivals, certain names immediately jump to mind, as their unique abilities and rich backstories would allow them to fit seamlessly into the game.
8Quicksilver
The Most Famous Speedster In the Marvel Universe
Marvel’s premier speedster, Quicksilver, would be an incredible addition toMarvel Rivals.Since his live-action debut inX-Men: Days of Future Past,this powerful mutant has cultivated an incredibly loyal fanbase - and for good reason.Being a speedster, he has all the superpowers one would ever need, including super speed, durability, strength, and more.
Given how strong Quicksilver is, adding him to the game in such a way that preserves his iconic abilities without making him overpowered would undeniably be a big challenge for the developers. However, if they can strike the right balance, he would make a perfect addition tothe game’s mutant roster.
7Taskmaster
A Fearsome Warrior With A Photographic Memory
Taskmaster is a well-known yetcriminally underrated Marvel character. While he’s an incredibly skilled fighter, his true strength lies in his photographic memory. He has the ability to instantly replicate any fighting style he observes, making him one of the most dangerous and versatile mercenaries in the Marvel universe.
With this unique ability, Taskmaster could be an exciting addition toMarvel Rivalsas a duelist. Imagine a character who can copy opponents’ movesets mid-battle, adapting to different playstyles on the fly. This versatility would make him not only a strategic powerhouse but also a constantly fresh and engaging character to play.
6Blade
Arguably Marvel’s Coolest Character
When ranking the coolest comic book characters,Blade is always a top pick. This gun-slinging, sword-wielding half-vampire is one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, and his 1998 filmBladeis often credited for paving the way for theMarvel Cinematic Universeas fans know it today.
Blade’s straightforward yet powerful abilities make him a natural fit forMarvel Rivals.Equipped with both close-range weapons like swords and knives, and long-range options like guns and flamethrowers, he would feel right at home alongsideother duelists like The Punisherand Winter Soldier. However, Blade’s healing factor would set him apart, carving out a unique niche for him in the game.
5Iceman
A Beyond Omega-Level Mutant
True Marvel comic fans knowjust how powerful Iceman really is. For those less familiar with the character, his ice abilities might seem too straightforward to justify his status as an Omega-level mutant. However, this seemingly simple power set has allowed him to achieve mind-boggling feats, such as freezing all of Hell, and even light itself.
InMarvel Rivals,Iceman could be introduced as a heavy-hitting duelist with unparalleled utility thanks to his mastery of ice. He could glide across the map on icy paths, freeze his opponents, create ice-based weapons, and more. This versatility would make him a unique and powerful character, with the potential to stand out as one of the most dynamic duelists in the game.
4Daredevil
A One-Man Army Dressed In Red
The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, Daredevil, is an obvious choicefor a futureMarvel Rivalsduelist. His abilities perfectly align with what players look for in a DPS character: incredible acrobatics, superhuman reflexes, and, of course, his signature Radar Sense, which allows him to “see” everything around him despite being blind.
In the game, Radar Sense could be implemented in several ways, but the most practical would be enabling Daredevil to detect enemy locations. This utility would give him a significant edge, preventing ambushes and allowing for better tactical plays. Armed with his versatile Billy Club, Daredevil would excel at both close-range combat and mid-range battles, while also using it to maneuver around the map with ease.
3Nightcrawler
A Devil For His Enemies, An Angel For His Friends
When it comes to badass mutants in the Marvel universe, most fans immediately think ofheavy hitters like Wolverine, Cyclops, Magneto, and Storm. Yet, one mutant who often flies under the radar is Nightcrawler. As the son of Mystique, Nightcrawler shares a similar appearance and is arguably even more visually intimidating. His mutant ability is teleportation, which he uses in battle to outmaneuver and dismantle his enemies with precision.
At first glance, teleportation might not seem powerful enough to make him a standout duelist inMarvel Rivals.However, when paired with his superhuman agility, Olympic-level acrobatics, and elite fencing skills, Nightcrawler becomes an absolute menace on the battlefield. If he were introduced to the game, his gameplay would center around speed and fluidity, with his teleportation ability adding a dynamic and unpredictable edge to him.
2Black Bolt
The Most Well-Spoken Inhuman
Black Bolt is one of the most powerful Inhumans in the entire Marvel universe. He has a whole array of superpowers, such as superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, flight, and even telepathy. However, his most iconic and powerful power comes from his voice. He can destroy entire cities with a mere whisper from his mouth, and if he performs his signature “quasi-sonic scream”, it’s game over for anyone standing in his path.
InMarvel Rivals, Black Bolt could be a straightforward yet versatile duelist. His superhuman strength would make him formidable in close-quarters combat, while his flight ability would allow him to traverse the battlefield and deal AoE damage using his sonic powers, much like Iron Man. His ultimate would naturally be his quasi-sonic scream, a devastating AoE move capable of wiping out entire squads.
1Gambit
A Mutant That Can Turn Anything Into A Weapon
Gambit has built a cult following over the years, and it’s easy to see why. This charismatic mutant possesses a one-of-a-kind ability: Molecular Acceleration. With this power, Gambit can transform any object’s potential energy into kinetic energy, effectively turning everyday items into explosive weapons. Whether it’s a stick picked off the ground or his signature playing cards, anything he wields becomes a lethal weapon.
Gambit would fit seamlessly intoMarvel Rivals'current roster of duelists. His playing cards could serve as a primary damage source, functioningsimilarly to Hela’s daggers. Meanwhile, his staff could be used for both mobility and dodging attacks, making his gameplay feel smooth and agile. Given the versatility of his Molecular Acceleration ability, his ultimate could take so many forms - it’d be an opportunity for the developers to let their imagination run wild.
