Explore our Marvel Rivals tier list that ranks all 20 DPS heroes, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Explore the best characters and team compositions!
Introduction to Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals, a thrilling 6v6 hero shooter developed by NetEase, boasts a diverse roster of characters from the Marvel universe. Among these, the Duelist class stands out, featuring 20 damage-per-second (DPS) heroes who specialize in delivering impactful damage and securing kills on the battlefield. While other classes like Strategist and Vanguard have fewer options, the Duelist class offers a wide array of playstyles, from melee-focused characters to those excelling in ranged combat. However, one hero in this class is notably less effective than the rest.

Marvel Rivals Tier List
Here’s a breakdown of the hero tier list as of Season 1.5:
| Tier | Characters |
|---|---|
| S | Mantis, Luna Snow, Hela, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Moon Knight, Magneto, Cloak & Dagger |
| A | Storm, Invisible Woman, Thor, Winter Soldier, Black Panther, Psylocke, Namor, Bruce Banner/Hulk, Groot, Loki, Magik, Spider-Man, Venom, Hawkeye, The Thing, The Punisher |
| B | Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Wolverine, Squirrel Girl, Peni Parker, Mister Fantastic, Iron Fist, Adam Warlock, Human Torch |
| C | Scarlet Witch, Captain America, Jeff the Land Shark |
| D | Black Widow |
The recent balance updates have significantly benefited characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Cloak & Dagger. On the flip side, Doctor Strange and Magneto received minor nerfs to their survivability but remain formidable tanks.
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20. Black Widow
Black Widow, a headshot-focused sniper, may not seem like a bottom-tier hero at first glance. However, when compared to other precision-focused Duelists, she falls short. Her rifle can deliver decent damage, but it lacks the potential to one-shot enemies, even with headshots. This limitation, coupled with her slow fire rate, makes her performance less impressive.
While she can defend herself with her batons and the Edge Dancer ability, her close-range combat leaves much to be desired. Although you can still perform well with her, it’s hard to justify choosing her over superior precision heroes like Hela or Hawkeye, who rank higher on this list. Her ultimate ability does slow enemies and can deal some damage, but it doesn’t match the power of many other Duelist ultimates.
19. Scarlet Witch
Every character from this point onward is viable, even in competitive play, but certain limitations can hinder them from reaching greatness. Scarlet Witch‘s damage output is relatively low, and she needs to be close to her enemies to deal effective damage. Her primary fire, a tether, deals 5 damage plus 0.5% of an enemy’s maximum health, making it effective against Vanguards but less impactful against heroes with smaller health pools.
Playing her effectively requires mastering her Mystic Projection ability, which grants invisibility and invulnerability, allowing you to float above enemies and drain their health while they are distracted. While her ultimate can clear a point with a massive explosion, it has a lengthy charge time, making it challenging to execute correctly.

18. Iron Man
Iron Man‘s placement on this list is tricky due to the significant damage boost he receives when teamed up with Bruce Banner. However, for most players without guaranteed support, his ranking must reflect his independent performance. His Repulsor Blasts deliver decent damage, but their splash damage is lacking, making it hard to hit consistently from a distance.
The real powerhouse of his arsenal is the Unibeam, dealing impressive damage, but requires him to get close enough to be vulnerable to enemy fire. His Pulse Cannon ultimate can deal massive area damage, but tanks with shields can easily negate its impact, especially given its charge time.

17. Starlord
Starlord occupies a unique spot in Marvel Rivals as one of the few non-melee dive Duelists. His dual Element Guns have a short damage falloff range, necessitating close combat. With two charges of his Stellar Shift for brief invulnerability, he excels at dealing with Strategists by reaching the backline quickly.
His auto-aim Galactic Legend ability allows him to attack from a distance while staying out of harm’s way, making it particularly effective against vulnerable enemies.

16. Punisher
For those who prefer traditional shooter mechanics without complex acrobatics, Punisher is a solid choice. Armed with a projectile rifle that performs well at range, he can switch to a shotgun for devastating close-range encounters. However, the weapon swap time requires good awareness of enemy movements, making him somewhat reliant on positioning.
His smoke grenade serves as a limited movement ability but doesn’t offer much in the way of tactical disruption. Despite these limitations, his Final Judgment ultimate can decimate foes, provided he has a clear line of sight.

15. Storm
Storm received significant buffs post-Season 0, resulting in improved movement and projectile speed. Her Wind Blade now excels at range, making her a more viable choice in the game. A team-up with Human Torch unleashes devastating attacks that can decimate enemy support heroes.
Though she still faces vulnerabilities, her enhanced damage output and improved mobility make her a formidable force, blending the roles of a DPS and support hero effectively.

14. Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl deals remarkable damage with her Burst Acorn, capable of hitting for 110 on direct impact. While her ultimate can be effective for finishing off enemies, her kit’s limitations and weaker ultimate prevent her from climbing higher in the rankings. However, her tail bounce ability allows for crucial mobility, whether escaping melee attackers or closing in on aerial foes.

13. Moon Knight
Moon Knight excels against foes who struggle to evade his attacks, yet in competitive matches, he may find himself challenged. His triple-shot primary attack is beneficial against grouped enemies, but he can be easily countered by shield wielders. Positioning is vital, and although he possesses movement abilities, they can be hindered by enemy fire, requiring strategic planning.

12. Black Panther
Black Panther boasts a solid melee kit, but the complexity of his ability combo can make him less effective against certain matchups. His Spear Toss and Spinning Kick both leave a Vibranium Mark, but failing to execute the combo properly can lead to disappointing damage output.
Though capable of inflicting substantial damage when played well, the execution can be tricky, leading to inconsistent performance.

11. Human Torch
While the Human Torch appears to be a powerhouse, he’s more situational than he seems. His abilities excel at dealing with clustered enemies, but he can struggle against single targets. His dive attack can lead to unfavorable encounters, but overall, he shines when supporting teammates from afar.

10. Wolverine
Wolverine is a formidable opponent when wielded effectively. His primary attack scales damage based on enemies’ max health, making him excellent against tanks. His Feral Leap ability allows him to reposition quickly, and his passive grants him bonus health, ensuring he remains a threat in skirmishes.

9. Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier is a hybrid character, possessing both precision ranged capabilities and close-combat abilities. His gun can deal significant damage, and he has excellent combo potential with his abilities. The ultimate ability is particularly devastating, capable of turning the tide of battle if executed correctly.

8. Namor
Namor stands out with his unique hybrid abilities. With a massive health pool and the ability to absorb damage, he excels in one-on-one combat situations. His versatility in offensive and defensive roles allows him to be a disruptive force on the battlefield.

7. Mr. Fantastic
Mr. Fantastic introduces a blend of Duelist and Vanguard traits. His impressive health pool and ability to absorb damage create a formidable presence on the battlefield. He can deal considerable damage while providing sustainability to his team, making him a balanced choice for players.

6. Magik
Magik is a powerhouse with extraordinary sustain. Her ability to recover health while dealing damage makes her a persistent threat in combat. Her Stepping Discs offer tactical advantages, allowing her to negate damage and reposition effectively, giving her an edge in battle.

5. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a challenging character to master, but he can be a deadly assassin. With his web-swing ability and damage-dealing combos, he can eliminate enemies swiftly. His ultimate ability allows for area damage and stuns, making him a formidable hero when played effectively.

4. Psylocke
Psylocke excels at delivering high burst damage quickly, making her ideal for eliminating enemies before they can recover. Her stealth ability provides tactical advantages, and her ultimate can unleash a flurry of attacks that devastate foes in close quarters.

3. Iron Fist
Iron Fist ranks as the top melee Duelist, showcasing incredible self-sustain and high damage output. His ability to convert damage taken into health keeps him in the fight longer, while his offensive capabilities make him a powerful force, especially against weakened foes.

2. Hawkeye
Hawkeye is a near-unstoppable force with his powerful arrows and ability to deal massive damage in short bursts. His ultimate ability can confuse enemies and deliver critical hits, making him one of the most dangerous Duelists in Marvel Rivals.

1. Hela
While Hela may not achieve one-shot kills like Hawkeye, her rapid-fire attacks and impressive damage output cement her place as the top Duelist in Marvel Rivals. Her abilities are designed for consistent damage, and her ultimate can wreak havoc on opponents, making her a must-have in any match.

Conclusion
In summary, the Marvel Rivals tier list provides a comprehensive look at the DPS heroes in the game. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses, influencing how players can approach gameplay strategies. While some heroes excel at dealing damage, others require more skill to master. Ultimately, knowing your character’s strengths can significantly enhance your performance in battles.
FAQs:
- What criteria were used to rank the Duelist heroes? The rankings are based on their damage output, versatility, and effectiveness in both casual and competitive play.
- Are all Duelist characters viable in competitive matches? Yes, every character mentioned is viable, though some may face challenges against stronger opponents.
- Who is the best character for beginners? Characters like Punisher and Iron Man are easy to pick up and understand, making them great for newcomers to the game.
- Can I change my character mid-game? No, players must select their characters before the match starts, so it’s essential to choose wisely based on team composition.
- What’s the best strategy for using Hela? Focus on landing headshots and maximizing her damage output to take down enemies quickly. Work with your team for support during engagements.
